Wendy and Lit promised forever in front of their loved ones in a celebration that beautifully combined love, faith, and culture at the stunning Puketutu Island Estate. Their day was filled with happiness, fun, and joy as they embraced every moment, with stunning photos capturing the magic and beauty of the occasion.
Wendy looked breathtaking in Alexandria by Rebecca Ingram, a V-neckline A-line gown featuring ethereal long lace illusion sleeves, delicate lace detailing across the bodice, and a soft glitter tulle skirt that flowed beautifully throughout the day.
Keep scrolling to see gorgeous images from their wedding day, discover how Wendy found her dream dress, and get an inside look into their unforgettable celebration!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
My wedding dress truly ticked every box for me, but what made it even more special was the feeling I had when I put it on. I remember thinking to myself, “My husband is going to love this even more than I do,” and that alone sealed it for me. He never saw the dress before the wedding, but I kept telling him, “I just know you are going to love it,” and he really did.
It was everything I wanted, yet at the same time not what I expected myself to choose. It was not your traditional all white gown, and if I am honest, it was a style I never thought I would fall in love with. But if you know me, I am someone who is not afraid to take risks. I have always loved being a little different, and that is something my husband has always embraced about me. He always says I am “limited edition,” and I feel like this dress reflected that perfectly.
The fit was incredible. It hugged me in all the right places and truly felt like it was made for me. Ashley and Ilyese really listened to me during our consultations, and I felt completely understood throughout the process. I am so grateful for that experience because it made choosing the gown feel so natural.
The tan lining gave it depth and uniqueness, the lace brought a sense of elegance, and the subtle glitter added that touch of glamour. The deep V neckline embraced my shape beautifully and added the perfect touch of va va voom, and honestly, who doesn’t love a little va va voom?
In the end, I chose this gown because it felt like me, and because I knew the person I love most would see that too.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
At the beginning, my search for the dress was actually quite disheartening. I found myself leaving appointments feeling underwhelmed, and if I am honest, I think I was just looking in the wrong places. It got to a point where I felt like I might have to settle for something rather than truly fall in love with a gown.
That all changed the moment I stepped into Astra Bridal. From the very beginning, they completely shifted the experience for me. I went from feeling like a bride who might have to compromise to a bride who walked away with one of the most stunning dresses I had ever seen. I left with a dress that literally felt like it was made for me.
I feel like I have been a bit of a parrot lately talking Astra Bridal up, but honestly, I would say it over and over again. It was an immaculate experience from start to finish. From the booking confirmations, to the pre consultation, and then the appointment itself, everything felt thoughtful, organised, and genuinely personal.
I first connected with Ashley and then was looked after by Ilyese in person. Between the two of them, I felt completely seen and understood. Out of the three boutiques I visited, Astra Bridal stood out by far. They took the time to really get to know me, listened carefully to my non negotiables, and made me feel confident in the process.
Ilyese absolutely nailed it when it came to selecting dresses for me. The gown I chose fit like a glove, truly like it was made for me. What surprised me most was that I did not need any alterations at all. We still took it to a seamstress recommended by Astra Bridal for a second opinion, and she confirmed the same. She even had me practise hugging, sitting, and dancing in it just to be sure, and it passed every test with ease.
It was one of those rare moments where everything just aligned perfectly. The dress ticked every box, the experience was seamless, and it ended up saving both time and additional costs. A complete win all around.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Lit and I met in January 2022, just as the world was starting to find its feet again after Covid. He was exploring big city life in Auckland, while I somehow became his very confident tour guide. What started as simple conversations quickly turned into something more intentional. He made the drives from Rotorua, planned thoughtful dates, and even found a very convenient reason to enrol in a diploma in Auckland. Looking back now, the motivation was never much of a secret. At first, I approached everything quite lightly. This was my first real love. Anyone before was simply “work experience.” What surprised me most was how comfortable I felt with him. I could be my full, natural, slightly chaotic self, and he remained steady through it all. Over time, what started casually became certain.
On the 20th of April 2024, Lit asked me to be his wife. Although he says he had known long before that he would one day marry me, the proposal itself was very “us,” simple, thoughtful, and intimate. Originally, he had planned to propose on May 20, known in Chinese culture as “520” because it sounds like “I love you.” But neither of us could wait that long. Instead, he chose April 20.
The day itself felt completely normal to me. We spent it the way we usually would, going out, playing games, and relaxing at home afterwards. I had already changed into comfortable clothes when he suddenly mentioned dinner plans. I was tired and honestly tried to decline, but when he insisted I dress up, I became suspicious.
While getting ready, I realised I had no hairspray, so Lit went out to buy some. While he was gone, I checked a bag where I thought the ring box had been hidden. Seeing what I believed was still the ring inside, I convinced myself it definitely was not happening that night. What I did not realise was that I had not looked properly. At dinner in the Viaduct, I noticed he seemed nervous and quieter than usual, but I still dismissed the signs. Then my brother and sister suddenly arrived, which I thought was just a coincidence. What I did not know was that Lit had organised everything in advance, including involving my best friend and Laga in the surprise.
Not long after, he returned to the table carrying flowers, which immediately confused me because he rarely buys me flowers. Then, in front of the restaurant, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Completely overwhelmed, I said, “Of course,” and reached for the ring myself. And just like that, April 20, 420, became the beginning of our forever.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Being surrounded by genuine love, support, and people who had witnessed our journey made the entire day feel so full.
It was everything we had hoped for, and more.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
From my perspective as the bride, the day began at 5am at Puketutu Island Estate. I woke to my bridesmaids already awake and quietly worried about the weather. It was cloudy, rainy, and far from what we had imagined for our outdoor ceremony. But despite that, I felt calm. This was a day we had prayed for, and I truly believed the sun would come out. As I sat in the bridal suite having my makeup done beside an open window, I watched the sky slowly begin to clear. Each time I opened my eyes, there seemed to be more light. What started as worry slowly turned into reassurance that everything was falling into place.
One of the most special moments that morning was receiving a love letter from my husband while I was in the middle of getting my makeup done. It was not ideal timing because nothing had set yet, but I could not wait to read it. He had written a full page, something I had never seen him do before, and as someone who loves words, it meant everything to me. It instantly made the day feel even more emotional and real.
Our outdoor ceremony took place in the front courtyard of Puketutu Island Estate, surrounded by our closest family and friends. Every detail felt personal to us. Guests received a custom wedding newspaper sharing our story, from how we met to our proposal, which made everyone feel connected to the day from the very beginning. Music played such an important role throughout the ceremony. The flower girls walked to “You and Me” by Josh Tatofi, while the page boys and ring bearers entered to “Big Guy” by Saweetie, which brought so much energy and laughter. The bridesmaids walked down to “Turning Page,” and I entered to “A Thousand Years,” a song I had always dreamed of walking down the aisle to.
Although I had felt calm all morning, the moment the music started, everything became emotional. Seeing my brothers, uncle dad, and dad waiting for me is something I will never forget. My brother Loks escorted me first, then my brother Douglas, then my Papa Ray, and finally my dad walked me to my husband. It was such a deeply emotional moment, not only for me, but for our guests too. Hearing my husband’s vows and the way he said my full Tongan name was another moment I will always hold onto. It felt so personal and meaningful.
The ceremony flowed beautifully, and eventually the sun broke through exactly as I had hoped. There was a brief moment where the heat started affecting my makeup, but thanks to my assistant, Miss Taliauli, another makeup artist was quickly arranged. What could have been stressful was handled so professionally and with so much care.
By the time we entered the reception, the entire day felt like a blur in the best way. Walking into a space my husband and I had spent months designing together felt surreal. Every detail came together exactly as we had imagined, but more than anything, it was the feeling in the room that made the day unforgettable.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
At the end of the day, this is you and your partner’s wedding. Not just the bride’s day or the groom’s day. It is a celebration of your relationship, your story, and the life you are choosing to build together. Make decisions as a team because that is what this whole journey is really about.
There will be a lot of opinions from family, friends, and even people you did not ask, but remember they are not the ones paying for it or living with the memories. Stay true to what you both want and what you can realistically afford. Do not stretch yourselves trying to please everyone because you never will anyway.
Planning can feel overwhelming at times, but try to soak it all in. The late night decisions, the small wins, and even the stressful moments all become part of your story. And honestly, the day itself goes by so fast. Like blink and it is done fast.
So be present. Let go of the little things. Trust that everything will come together the way it is meant to. And I promise you, when you are standing there with your person, none of the stress matters. It is all worth it.
