Samantha and Jake

Our Love Story

Funnily enough, we met on Tinder. We were talking back and forth for a few weeks before meeting for coffee. This was my first time meeting someone in person that I had met on the app so I was super nervous! There was no need for the nerves though, we got on like a house on fire and the date lasted four hours and ended at Kmart because it was the only shop left open at 11 pm on a Wednesday. It's safe to say the first date went well! We knew we had something special early on and moved in together less than six months later. Fast forward a few years, holidays & animals added to our household and then 'blink' we were engaged! Looking back, it was surprisingly easy getting to know each other and becoming such a big part of the others' life. It was very natural.

Our Proposal

Jake did such a good job at organising his proposal, or organising it so I would organise it! It was his birthday weekend and I had planned to take him to a favourite holiday spot of mine at Lake Kaniere. As a child, I would often go there with my family so the place holds some very dear memories for me. Seeing as I was the one organising most of the travel over I didn't suspect anything was going to happen and was just excited to have a weekend away. We get there on a really overcast, drizzly Saturday morning and headed to the lake. It was beautifully still and quiet and it was just the two of us, a real tranquil moment. Utterly perfect. When Jake dropped to one knee I swear my heart skipped a beat - like, is this really happening!? Is this real!? Of course, I said yes and we were laughing away, me still in shock. All of a sudden Jake says something in the direction of the bushes and two guys come out. It was two of his best mates who had driven over so they could capture the moment in private without me knowing. More shock! We were able to drive around to a waterfall and get them to take some romantic 'just engaged' photos before they left and we then went on to Franz Josef to celebrate with a fine hotel and champagne.

Our Wedding Planning

Our biggest priority was simply to be surrounded by our loved ones and enjoy the day. Ultimately, so many things could go wrong but as long as we were together and around our favourite people nothing else would matter.

The planning itself was totally manageable. At the start, it felt very overwhelming and it was hard to know where to begin, but once we booked the venue and established a date it was smooth sailing - Everything fell into place. I remember wondering what I was missing about six months prior to the date, but we were on top of everything. Our biggest worry was Covid raging in the background. The unknown was very unsettling and there was always the thought - will we be in full-blown lockdown come the wedding day? Postponing naturally crossed our minds a few times throughout the lead-up but in the end, we decided to go ahead as planned and it paid off.

Our Wedding Day

As everyone says, the time flies! We were grateful to have had amazing photographers and videographers to capture the day else there would have been many memories forgotten.

We had organised an Air BnB for the girls and one for the boys on the day which made getting ready a breeze. The girls had the Mamma Mia soundtrack rocking and got dolled up sipping champagne whilst the boys enjoyed a morning beer and tried on their custom jocks and socks. Soon enough the morning was over and we were at the venue. The ceremony went perfectly, we had the flower boys lighten the mood and do a skit down the aisle while the bridesmaids walked down to the Friends theme song. I had a family friend lead my mum and me down with bagpipes which was an emotional and sentimental touch. Our vows were spoken, rings exchanged and bam - we were husband and wife! The feeling of finally getting there was indescribable, quite honestly it was the happiest moment of my life.

After the ceremony, we were bombarded with confetti (biodegradable, gotta be kind to the planet!) and made our way to greet everyone. First, we had the family and friend shots done and then the wedding party went off around the venue to have a photo shoot of our own. Darjon Vineyard is such a stunning venue, we were incredibly lucky to have a beautiful setting around us. After the photos, it was time to cut the cake and do the speeches. The dinner was also exquisite, we chose to do a buffet style which worked well for us. There was an array of different meats and salads to choose from so everyone was well-catered for.

After dinner, it was perfect timing for Jake and I to sneak out for sunset. Our wonderful MC ran us out some cake while we were doing the photos and we are so glad he did, by the time we got back, there was nearly none left! Once we arrived back we had our first dance which was to Can't Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis. Funnily enough, Jake and I had only decided to do a first dance three weeks prior to the wedding and had been madly practising every day. On the day we didn't follow the moves but it didn't matter - it was a moment I'll cherish forever. Next, was party time! We had a playlist of music that worked a charm and most people got up for a boogie. Seeing all our friends and family having a great time was the perfect end to the day.

Our Special Moments

Being able to have my dad live-streamed for the speeches was very special to me. We tried our luck through all the MIQ lotteries to get both of my parents to attend but in the end, only Mum got through. It was heartbreaking coming to the realisation I wouldn't have both parents by my side on the most special day of my life, but I was very grateful to be able to have Mum present and still have dad a part of the occasion.

A few years ago my neighbour, Neil, who I had known since I was a child and thought of as a grandfather sadly passed away. Neil was a great bagpipe player; for as long as I can remember he would practice every Tuesday. When planning the wedding, Gregory, a close friend of Neil's offered to play the bagpipes for me, an incredibly beautiful notion. He helped me pick a song and on the day used Neil's old bagpipes. It is something I will never forget.

Our Advice

Take a few moments for the two of you to step away throughout the day.
Make sure someone fixes you a plate of cake else you might not get any!
Throughout it, remember why you're getting married. Once you do that the stress of the little details gets put into perspective.

How did you use Christchurch Weddings to help plan your day?

Christchurch Weddings was my little helper at the beginning of my wedding planning journey! It really helped me discover the local vendors and get a feel for everything a wedding really is. Google is one thing but it was nice having somewhere to go that is unique to Christchurch.

Our Stand Out Vendors

Every single vendor was amazing!

We would like to do a special shout-out to our Photographers (Robin + Andie), Videographer (David at South Island Media), Venue (Meris at Darjon), and our Celebrant (Danielle Bartlett). They all went above and beyond to help us celebrate our day. 10/10 recommend each and every one of them.

Our Dream Team

Venue | Darjon Vineyard

Photographer | Robin + Andie

Videographer | South Island Media

Florals | Court Florist

Catering | Verve Real Food Catering

Celebrant | Danielle Bartlett

Hair | Rebecca Hooper

Makeup | Stacey Banfield

Dress | To Cherish Bridal

Brides Accessories | Necklace - Poetry Designs Jewellery, Pearl earrings - Kanis.

Bridesmaids Outfit | Petal + Pup