The Connemara Country Lodge, in Awhitu, New Zealand, its dramatic natural backdrop, played host to Whitney and Chris’ spring wedding. The day encapsulated the essence of what Whitney describes as a ‘Fairy-Party-Chic’ theme, with bright and festive details and lots of lush florals. Even the bride and their guests dressed in floral patterns, really bringing the theme to life.
“Drawing inspiration from her childhood garden and Shirley Barber fairy illustrations, Whitney wanted their day to be filled with the brightest hues and, of course, lots of love and joy. “I wanted everything to be bright and festive, yet rustic and nature inspired”, she told us. “The day was dripping with colourful flowers just like a fairy party in the woods! Even our guests wore florals, it was great. The dreamy aesthetic inspired me to buy my dream wedding dress: a gorgeous floral gown by Chotronette, which was my first big wedding purchase. I felt like a fairy princess in it!”
The bride walked down the aisle to The Rose by Westlife with her mum and her dad, which has always been one of her favourite songs. They also had their grandmas as their witnesses, which was really special. “As we signed the marriage certificate, Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours played”, she continued, “and we walked back down the aisle to I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do by Abba while being showed in dried flower confetti made by my mum. So much fun!”
From the self-designed invitations to the floral-draped ceremony arch, every detail was carefully considered. However the biggest DIY project by far was the flowers! The bride’s mum and grandma spent months in their gardens growing dahlias, zinnias, roses and more, some of them from seed. “We installed all the floral arrangements and décor ourselves, with the help of our friends and family, which took hours!” she explained. “My maid of honour, Eliza, created the bouquets and the men’s buttonholes.”
Reflecting on the journey, Whitney shared that the imagination and creative freedom were what she cherished most about the planning process. “Do what suits YOU!” she advises. “It’s your day, so don’t let other people’s opinions sway you. Don’t be bound by trends, make your own style. Also, don’t sweat the small stuff. Prioritise the key elements: venue, photography, dress, food. Everything else is extra. Our mantra was as long as everyone has plenty to eat and drink, they’ll have a great time. And they did!”
