Kerry and Oriel

New Zealand always makes me sigh – I can never quite get over the amazing vistas of the land of the long white cloud, so when you add a wedding to the mix I am beyond happy. Today’s waterside wedding of Kerry and Oriel is something pretty special and as you look through the stunning photographs, I’m sure you’ll agree!

Kerry and Oriel met by chance. “We both had been given a free ticket to a cheesy nightclub. We wouldn’t have been there if it wasn’t free.”

Photos today are by Jel Photography. I am in love with the stunning photography I get to share with you today – the beautiful captures of the landscape with the romance of the wedding in front.

Kerry and Oriel’s bridesmaids chose their own gowns.

Kerry wore the first gown she tried on from a little boutique off Queen street called Alma J. She paired it with gorgeous beaded flats from Forever 21, Auckland.

White opals featured in Kerry’s jewels. “I wore opal earrings that were my grandmothers to match my vintage opal engagement ring, head piece was made by my Aunty, to match the dress, shoes & engagement ring.”

Kerry and Oriel held their wedding at a private home called “Just Paradise” in the Coromandel overlooking Rings Beach. Kerry walked down the aisle to Maxwell – ‘This Woman’s Worth’.

Kerry recalls one funny moment. “During the ceremony there was a massive bumble bee trying to land on the bride’s bouquet, which at the time was being held by one of the bridesmaids while we were saying our vows.  This was missed by us but was captured by the photographers, a moment I think all will remember!”

Kerry carried a bouquet created by Flowers After Hours in Auckland. “Oriel always sends me flowers from there, so it was fitting they did the wedding bouquet”

The reception was held on the lawns of the home and was catered by Larry at Jamaican Me Hungry. A lunch was followed by a cocktail party as the sun set with plenty of dancing.

Kerry and Oriel handmade as much as they could for the day, including bunting, paper flowers, paper flags, table cloths, menus, place names, wedding cup cakes, hanging mobiles, favors, fabric lids & tags, vases which were jars we collected for table flowers. Kerry says “Everything that could be was hand made to add a personal touch! I love pattern, colour & textiles and didn’t want to stick to a set colour palette, so I just collect things I loved and put them all together.” Guests were given jars of homemade onion jam as their favor.

Of what made their day special, Kerry says,  “Family & friends, beautiful venue with an amazing view, perfect weather, an awesome wedding party & seeing all our hard work come together and our guests enjoying themselves.”

As the sun set, guests gathered for a cocktail party.

Kerry designed the cake and had it made by a friend of a friend.

Of their first dance, Kerry remembers, ” It was to ‘Dust’ by Recloose, a funky house track.  The song was on a CD Oriel gave me when we were dating, I love it.  A great tune to get the wedding party started!”

Congratulations Kerry and Oriel! Thank you for allowing us to share your wedding day on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to by Jel Photography for today’s images!

Photos by Jel Photography