OUTDOORS The great Jade’s and Chris’ big day reflected their love of the outdoors with nods to time spent living in New Zealand Images courtesy of Sarah Williams Photography Chris proposed to Jade in New Zealand where they’d lived for two-and-a-half-years. He’d surprised her with a weekend away at one of their favourite beaches, Piha, and booked an apartment overlooking the ocean. While taking some pictures of the stunning view, he got down on one knee and popped the question. Due to their great love of the outdoors, the couple wanted to find a venue with a gorgeous al fresco ceremony space and discovered Brookfield Barn, close to home, fit the bill. So, they set the date for 1st August 2024. “We wanted our love for the outdoors to be showcased in our chosen theme for our special day,” Jade explains. So, they opted for a timeless green and white palette with oodles of greenery in the florals, including fern as nod to their time in New Zealand. It was the fern they regularly spotted on their scenic walks. “Our vision truly came to life, and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out,” Jade says. The scene was set in the ceremony space with white rose, gypsophila and soft ruscus pew ends. The wooden pergola was adorned in white drapes with two statement floral displays arranged in urns. A further long and low display graced the ceremony table, tying everything together with elegance. Inside the reception space, the outdoors made its way in with eye-catching wreath centrepieces created by the groom’s stepmother using locally grown flowers. Each guest had a personalised menu card positioned in a green napkin in contrast to the white tablecloths. Favours were pearly white iced homemade biscuits stamped with ‘Mr & Mrs Chopin’ and their wedding date. The stunning centrepiece hung from the centre of the ceiling – a showstopping wisteria-clad chandelier. The three-tier big-day bake bore the couple’s monogram and was decorated with ferns and roses, while the bottom tier was designed to mirror the pleats in the bridesmaids’ dresses. The beautiful bride wore Bexley by Maggie Sottero. “As soon as I tried it on, I just knew it was the one!” she tells us. “I was obsessed with the floral train, which worked perfectly with our wedding theme.” Meanwhile the groom and his party looked dapper in black tuxedos with the elegant bridesmaids dressed in serene forest green maxi dresses. A violinist played as guests arrived and throughout the ceremony, creating the perfect atmosphere. Later, a school friend of Jade’s and Britian’s Got Talent-winning vocalist performed sets during the drinks reception and following the wedding breakfast. The evening ended with a packed dancefloor with music courtesy of a live band. “Our wedding day was truly incredible from start to finish, filled with joy, love and unforgettable memories with our friends and family,” Jade remembers. “The weather certainly made it even more memorable as we said our vows and enjoyed our drinks reception in the blazing sun, then during our couple’s photoshoot in the evening the skies opened, and torrential rain came pouring down before revealing the most beautiful rainbow as we danced on the balcony.” REAL WEDDINGS 21
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