Something Blue
Unfortunately the accommodation in this story is no longer available to us, however we do have other beautiful venues accessible to you
THE STORY
I received a vague inquiry back in September 2020 from a couple in Wellington, that made me wonder if it would ever come together, several questions came back and forth over a couple of months, always from the groom, Brad. I would normally suggest a face-to-face chat via the internet but because Brad was not giving me a date as such I waited to see where it took us. Eventually I was contacted again and this time it was agreed to hold a virtual call with both, Brad and his partner Tina.
The call answered much of the bride, Tina’s reason for apprehension and doubts and we were all able to be locked in on the date; 29th December 2020 leaving only a few weeks to plan, their Minimoon Experience.
The package they decided on was based around the Moonraker House Elopement Package. The tree top canopy house over looks the iconic Split Apple Rock at Towers Bay. Known for its huge rock form aptly named Split Apple Rock, as well as for its gold and black sand, caves and glow worms, beautiful birdsong and even the Little Blue Penguins.
Everything was set in motion for a traditional style, yet completely unique and custom ceremony for Bride & Groom.
Tina had invited her brother and his partner, who would have been witnesses, sadly the night before the ceremony her brother was admitted to hospital with kidney stones and unable to attend. “The dream maker team to the rescue”, Claire my bubbly girl friday assistant stepped in as one of the witnesses, alongside her other task of walking with Tina to give her away to Brad on the beach. Jess our inhouse photographer offered to be the other witness. It was so funny as Claire accepted the challenge without hesitation or considering about what she was actually wearing, very casual assistant clothing, so in haste went through my wardrobe (Moonraker House is my home) and we selected one of my favourite Ormolu dresses and hay-presto, she looked the part.
Tina and Brad enjoyed their celebration breakfast before Nicola the hair and makeup artist arrived, followed by the cake and flowers and mood was set to back ground music.
The week between Christmas and New Year is understandably always a busy time of year, Moonraker House is only a minute’s stroll from the beach so we can pick our moment, along with the tide times of course. The typical afternoon breeze picked up however, nothing was going to disrupt the high spirits of this cool couple.
The ceremony service was exactly what they wanted, light-hearted, with a few relevant jokes and a bit of banter, inbetween stopping for a short moment for the tears to really be appreciated. Brad and Tina looked stunning, both wearing a dominant pale blue which really complimented each other and was companiable against the Pohutukawa tree in its red full bloom glory.
The day was not over until much later, as Brad and Tina had opted for our three-course celebration dinner which chef Daniel put together, even serving us, as both Claire and I were invited to join them, with much laughter into the evening, as we reminisced about the day and past adventures.
Thank you Brad and Tina for being such a joy to work with and we trust you enjoyed your honeymoon at Awaroa Lodge? another one of our partners we work closely with.
I also thank my team, Claire, Wendy, Amber, Nicola and Daniel for being such awesome vendors
Credits to our wonderful Jess Ross for these stunning images.
Terri
WHAT THE GROOM HAD TO SAY
What a successful day in an amazing spot
in a very safe pair of hands!
The Backstory
We decided to get married at the end of 2020, simply to drive a positive stake through its heart.
My only requirements were jandels (on my feet anyway). The location, timing, guest lists (very small) and planning were going to be a bit tricky as the bride can be a touch fickle. It was going to be up to my big picture and a very well rounded celebrant, a trusted advisor, cajoler and caterer: Here entered Terri Everett The Dream Maker.
Lead Up to the Day
Terri, having deciphered my somewhat vague requirements for our event, i.e. “somewhere on a beach in jandels”, immediately identified the essential next steps, responding, “that’s great Brad, what does Tina want?” If you’ve ever been well guided over treacherous terrain, you will appreciate how I felt at that moment? From there Terri and Tina had a few convos and the next thing you know we had tide charts, cakes, hair and makeup, an entourage, a paua shell for the rings, very flash lodgings at Terri’s Moonraker House, the dinner sorted and the ceremony all laid out in interesting font on card stock your mother would find pleasing.
The Day
Originally we were thinking of an Abel Tasman location as the ceremony venue, however when we saw what was an offer we opted for Spilt Apple Rock beach which is right below Moonraker House standing tall in the tree canopy. The tides were not favourable to getting everything in and out of Awaroa Lodge on the day we chose, so Terri and her entourage staged the ceremony out of Moonraker House, which was a perfect Plan B with a stunning sea view. She presided over all the formalities down on the tiny detail at Split Apple Rock Beach (tick) where I wore jandels (tick). The bonus for me was watching Tina come down to the beach on the bush track in her fancy blue gown, accompanied by Clair, Tina’s brothers last minute stand in.. We wrote our own vows and Terri led us through a perfectly concise ceremony. There were some laughs and some tears. It may not be the norm for us men to take the lead on that these days but I simply couldn’t hold them back. I’m sure I would have cocked up some detail or another (the rings, see through white trousers, sparkling water instead of bubbles?). Anyway, it was perfectly orcestrated and Terri was our exemplary Celebrant and guide. Some people didn’t even know they were being guided. Thank you to everyone.
Brad and Tina