Hello lovelies, and happy Monday! I hear that groan, but don’t despair, because I have the most perfect way to start the week for you today. I can’t believe it is possible for anyone to look at the gorgeous images from Jenny Siaosi of this intimate Autumn wedding and not finish with a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart. Filled with the most beautiful sunshine, a little vintage styling and a lot of love, Nicola and Bjarne’s truly heartfelt wedding epitomises understated elegance……

 Although the couple live in Melbourne, Australia they chose to get married on the stunning Kapiti Coast of New Zealand in the cute little town of Otaki. Originally, the theme for Nicola & Bjarne’s wedding was to be 1950’s retro, inspired by Nicola’s late Grandmother. Nicola had even purchased a 1950’s tea length wedding dress from London. But on the day of the dress arriving at her desk in Melbourne, she discovered something that turned all their plans upside down! “I found out I was pregnant!” Realising tea length dresses require pinched in waists, the dress she’s bought was unfortunately not going to suit Nicola’s ever expanding waist line. A plan B was needed, thought of and executed – the bridesmaid dresses had slight alterations made to their designs and Nicola found a second dress that was no less stylish but a little more “forgiving” on her bump, and did not blow the budget!

I love how the couple took the unexpected in their stride, without panicking, they just made a few subtle changes and created a stylish celebration with more than a hint of vintage charm! The bride’s updo, dress and headpiece will take your breath away, the bridesmaids in their mismatched warm yellow dresses are sweet, stylish and just perfect for the season; oh and their venue, The Milk Station, may sound unconventional but just wait until you see it…..

See what I mean! Ok, so before I share this gorgeous wedding in all its glory, just one more sweet story that says so much about the couple – it’s so true, that when you have found your soul mate you just want to share everything with them! You see, the engagement didn’t quite go as planned either! Both being ‘foodies’ Bjarne indulged by taking Nicola to well renowned French restaurant in Melbourne, Vue De Monde to make his proposal special. A little nervous though Bjarne somewhat ruined the surprise when in his excitement he blurted out to Nicola how he had been telling his boss that he was going to propose to her (oh bless!) Both a little stunned at what Bjarne had inadvertently revealed, Bjarne decided he wouldn’t propose that evening as he had put his foot in it. However, when they arrived home after dinner, with a little bit of a nudge from Nicola, Bjarne quickly got down on one knee and popped the question.

If that isn’t the cutest proposal slip up I have ever heard! Alls well that ends well however and this proposal story certainly ended well……

“It may be cliché, but our favourite part of the day was the ceremony and becoming husband and wife.” Such a heartfelt sentiment and so lovely that they were able to share such a special moment with their bump!

After the ceremony the bridal party disappeared for the obligatory portraits, but decided to make the most of it by taking along a picnic – oh how I love this idea! And looking at the basket, they certainly had their priorities right 🙂

Oh isn’t the light in these portraits just glorious? Autumn really is the most beautiful time of the year to get married!

Nicola and Bjarne had the perfect outlook on their wedding. For them their wedding wasn’t everything, it was just the beginning! “Marriage is sharing each other’s highs and lows, respecting each other as individuals, supporting and encouraging each other in years to come. However, we know that no close relationship, however happy, will be completely without challenges.” So, for them, their wedding was an expression of their relationship and their marriage will be something that will endure and grow stronger in the years to come.

Pearls of Wedding Wisdom from the Bride & Groom…..

“The wedding day goes so quickly so enjoy the lead up and planning because that is a huge part of the experience. Oh and on the day, don’t sweat the small stuff! Because the tiny things that don’t go to plan, nobody else knows so it is not worth worrying about.”

Nicola and her Mum made those sweet favours, which was inspired by the Vue De Monde restaurant Bjarne had intended to propose to Nicola at. “Our favours were a personalised small brown paper bag with luggage label ‘for the morning after.’ Inside each had bag of home made muesli, a Pukka “Love’ flavoured herbal tea bag and three mini Easter eggs – the morning after was Easter Sunday after all.”

A big thankyou to Jenny Siaosi for sharing Nicola and Bjarne’s  beautiful day – you can see more of her work by visiting her website siaosiphotography.com, and she can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

And a huge congratulations to the happy couple and soon to be family!

Amy

x

Photography ~ Jenny Siaosi Photography

Bridal gown ~ Mignon Dress VM650 in Antique Ivory from New York Dress Online Store

Headpiece ~ The Essential Hat, Melbourne, Hat Milner – Catherine Ellen

Shoes ~ Novat Shoes, Melbourne

Flowers ~ Juliette Florist Kelburn, Wellington, NZ

Rings ~ Fedele jewelworks, Melbourne

Jewellery/Accessories: Swarovski crystal earings.

Bridesmaids Dresses ~ vintage pattern, made by dress maker Eszter Molnar – EM Originals

Grooms suit ~ Aquila men’s store, Australia

Grooms Shoes ~ Aquila men’s shoes, Australia

Groomsmen suits: Munns The Man’s Store, Wellington

Bow ties/ties ~ Aquila, men’s store, Australia

Ceremony ~ Milk Station Otaki, boiler room

Reception ~ Milk Station, Otaki

Catering ~ Sarah Searancke

Cake~ Cheese wheels from Moore Wilson’s Wellington

Cake topper: Sarah Searancke

Stationery ~ We Love Monday’s Creative

Make up ~ Carole Benoist

Hair ~ Veronica Zhou

Music ~ DJ Max Kelly

Celebrant ~ Marilyn Jeffery