Making a grand occasion
With so many friends and family, high school sweethearts, Corey and Rosalie, knew they wanted a big wedding. Rosalie shares their story here…
We had a very large guest list, being two local Wairarapa people from big families. One of our priorities was being able to invite everyone we wanted, even if it meant cutting spending in other ways. On the other hand, we knew a lot of people that were happy to help. We had about 220 people at the ceremony, held outdoors at Ata Rangi vineyard, not usually a wedding venue, but we had a personal connection with the owners so were lucky enough to use their gorgeous space.
Our celebrant Teresa McClymont, a friend of ours, met with us to ensure that our ceremony was personal to us. A special moment was when one of the groomsmen, Dan Sharp, a singer- songwriter, played a song he had written about Corey and me.
Our after-ceremony nibbles were very simple. My brother and Dad made endless crockpots of pulled brisket served on sliders, as well as a jackfruit alternative for non-meat eaters. We also had a freezer full of Kapiti ice blocks and ice creams which were a hit. For drinks, there were Ata Rangi wines and homemade vermouth mixed punch as well as a range of beer.
The bridal party were whisked away for photos while the guests continued to eat, drink, play lawn games and mingle. Our photographers, Anna and Dylan Ahern of D&A Photography kept things nice and relaxed while directing us.
We chose the Carterton Events Centre because it was large enough to cater for our 200 guests. Every single person there was important to us – it was quite incredible to look out over the tables and consider how blessed we have been to have so many people impact our lives. No one walked out with a fancy wedding favour, but I don't think they will have even noticed that. They will remember the event for the people they caught up with, the laughs and the connections.
The staff were helpful in making sure the layout, staging, lighting and everything else was just how we wanted it. We hired a lot of what we needed from Festival Hire, who were also incredibly helpful and thorough. Wedding stager Catherine McKinley styled the venue and set up her amazing decorations – far more environmentally friendly than buying our own. The flowers on the tables which were all sourced from friends' gardens.
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Our food was buffet-style and served out in the foyer. We were fortunate enough to convince a friend Jo James to cater for us. We kept it simple with lamb and beef from the farm along with a range of different salads. It was perfect for the warm summer evening.
Sarah Webster of Finom made our huge four-tier wedding cake. Each tier was a different flavour and they were all absolutely delicious. The evening was topped off by dancing to a seven-piece swing band called Wellington City Shake ‘em on Downers. They were missing their trombonist so jazz legend Roger Fox replaced him for the evening!
My dress came from stillwhite.com, a platform for second-hand wedding dresses. It was a simple silk dress with a dramatic train made by designer Martina Liana and had been worn already by one bride who absolutely loved the dress. It needed a few alterations, done beautifully by Aimee Davoren of Greytown.
Alice Henderson did a great job of make-up – we had a large bridal party so we had a team of helpers. Two of our guests, Rachel Nicol and Kataraina Orme did our hair. We got ready in a friend’s house in Greytown away from any other wedding-related chaos.
Everyone told us that the day would go fast, but it really was true. I had sore cheek muscles from smiling so much and I'd never spoken to so many people and given so many hugs in a single day.
Rosalie and Corey’s Wedding Tips
Plan all the logistics in advance. I had a timeline on my computer which had I continually updated as we ticked new things off.
Write a list of all the people you know who wouldn't mind being given a little job on the day before or the day of the wedding. Our MCs had a list of who was meant to be doing what so our parents weren't running around doing lots of little jobs.
Make a timeline of the day right from the time to get up in the morning – it’s important for hairdressers, photographers and caterers.
Don’t lose sight of what the wedding is all about. Wedding stress can tarnish the true joy of the occasion. Ask for support when you need it, keep perspective, and have fun.
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