Anna and Tom’s early March wedding at the gorgeous Eagle Ridge Estate overlooking Tauranga was truly one for the books! Their big day was the perfect balance between refined elegance and relaxed! Family and friends travelled from near and far to celebrate and share in all the love and laughter of Anna and Tom’s union! Little did we know then how quickly things would change around the world in the weeks following – it turned out to be one the last weddings I documented before lockdown. How fortunate Anna and Tom were to have all the people they treasure present for their celebration! They were fully able to embrace loved ones and dance the night away while sharing such a precious milestone with their nearest and dearest. Looking back, I think it is all the more special for Anna and Tom.
How they met: With the help and encouragement of a friend Anna created a profile on the dating app Bumble. What makes Bumble unique is that women make the first move! Something about Tom must have caught Anna’a eye because she reached out and they connected over shared interests.
Their first date: Before long plans were made for their first date – a surf at the Mount main beach. Shortly after Tom arrived, Anna messaged that she was running late and they made a plan to meet up on the water. Tom headed in to catch a few waves, later Anna arrived and managed to find him amongst all the other surfers. The rest is history!
How the proposal happened: Anna and Tom fell head-over-heels for one another in no time. When you know, you just KNOW right?! They were confident from early on that they had found their life partner so when Tom’s father booked a trip from the UK to visit- Anna and Tom decided to make the most of it! Is there any better way to celebrate having all the family together than with a wedding!?! From proposal to wedding, they planned this incredible day in just four short months!
Them as a couple: Anna and Tom are both laid back and easy going by nature while also being incredibly thoughtful and intentional. The aspects of their day that were most important to them included the sentimental details, quality time with their guests, and a few opportunities throughout the day to sneak away for some intimate time to soak it all in.
The wedding day: It was the perfect day for a wedding, with clear blue skies and sprawling views over the Bay from the Mount to the Kaimai Ranges. Tom and his groomsmen got ready offsite, at a house in the Mount overlooking the ocean. The boys enjoyed a relaxed morning and a few laughs before putting on their classic suits and heading to the airport to catch their ride, curtesy of Adventure Helicopters. As guests arrived, they were serenaded by the Autangi Ensemble string quartet and then surprised by the helicopter landing of Tom and his groomsmen. Anna and her bridesmaids got ready onsite in the Hokioi Suite at Eagle Ridge Estate. Every inch of the homestead is beautiful and it made for a stunning backdrop for the girls getting ready. Anna wore her grandmother’s antique ring and had not one, but TWO beautiful wedding dresses – a timeless lace Wedding Societe dress for the ceremony and the beaded glam Zavana Couture Karis dress for the reception. Anna & Tom opted to wait and see one another for the first time as Anna walked down the aisle. They were both filled with so much emotion and Tom’s eyes glistened as Anna approached on her father’s arm. The newlyweds were celebrated with a shower of flower petals as they took their first steps as husband and wife before enjoying a glass of bubbly and cutting the cake. After a good mingle with everyone we took the bridal party off for a wee picnic and explore of the venue. Anna changed dresses before the reception and surprised Tom with a “first look” before going in to greet their guests and kick off the reception. The table settings were out of this world beautiful – those blush pink and sage green linens paired perfectly with the florals, gold cutlery, and stunning glassware. It’s no wonder, since Anna’s sister (and maid of honour) Lizzie is the woman behind Tble.Linen and pulled together some of the best in the industry! We snuck Anna & Tom away after dinner for a few golden light photos – and the sunset at Eagle Ridge did not disappoint! Those rolling hills were made for golden sunsets! WOW! Finally, Anna & Tom ended the night with a pumping party thanks to The Generators music! Everyone was dancing up a storm, from the toddlers to the grandparents!! What a party!
Special details: Anna had a photo of her grandparents displayed along with their vintage engraved silver champagne glasses bound with a silk ribbon. It’s a family wedding tradition for the Bride & Groom to use the family heirlooms to toast on their wedding day, which is exactly what Anna & Tom did. The colourful florals from On My Hand were designed with intention and incorporated elements to represent both Anna and Tom’s heritage as well as the places that hold significance to them. The witnesses asked to sign the registry were Anna’s grandmother and Tom’s young nephew. We did incorporate a “first look” later in the day when Anna changed into her second dress, and the anticipation along Tom’s reaction was still so special!
