Shasta and Guard

Shasta and Guard

I’m really thrilled today because today’s wedding Wednesday is an inspiration board come to life! Remember our Retro Garden Soiree board? Shasta has now married her beau and the “finished product” is a completely beautiful New Zealand affair!

The couple, who are based in Melbourne, planned their New Zealand wedding in only a few months!

Today’s photos are by Viera Photographics

Shasta and Guard chose the beautiful “My Darling” invitation suite from Poppies For Grace

Shasta and Guard chose to have their photos taken together before the ceremony. Shasta wore pearls the couple had bought in the Cook Islands years before which had been set into a necklace and earrings in Australia.

Guard had a three piece custom suit made by Anton’s in Melbourne while Shasta wore a short gown from Harvey & Ella. Shasta chose to wear red shoes from Olrik. After the wedding, Shasta’s mother told her she had worn red shoes at her own wedding. Shasta’s bridesmaid and oldest friend Elizabeth wore an Alannah Hill gown, while Guard’s brother Max wore a suit from Bridge Rd, Richmond.

The bridal party waited inside while guests gathered.

Miles Jackson played wonderful Spanish style music before and after the ceremony on his guitar.

Shasta and Guard had all of their guests meet them under a large tree at the winery. They walked into the ceremony together to “The Love Cats” by The Cure.

Shasta and Guard  wanted to keep their wedding small and only had 50 guests. They held their ceremony and a garden party reception at Neudorf Vineyard

Guard’s family is from Papua New Guinea and the couple incorporated Tolai tradition into the ceremony by exchanging shell money. Tabu, is the legal tender in East New Britain. Tabu is paid as ‘bride price’ by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. The couple performed the tradition as a symbolic exchange (to mirror the exchange of rings) with small strands. Guard’s father also said a few words in their language as part of the ceremony.

See part two here.