Real Weddings

Amanda and Julian
Mudbrick

Photography by Marion H Photography

"We're high school sweethearts. We'd initially met at a summer school program, but it wasn't until we were both in the same Melbourne Uni extension accounting class that we really got to know each other. We started as friends, going to class together with Julian copying my homework every day. Julian ended up failing that accounting class, but we also ended up falling in love. He's even gone on to become an accountant, so it goes to show just how interesting life can be. Julian planned to propose to me in Mexico. Lo and behold, things didn't go as expected, with delayed flights and empty tummies, as well as being told our hotel room wasn't ready when we eventually arrived in Cancun. Behind the scenes, I didn't know that the staff were actually racing to get the room prepared for the proposal, filling it with flowers and champagne. When we stepped inside, I remember exclaiming, "I hope this is all complimentary, seeing as they took so long to get the room ready!" When I turned around, however, I saw Julian on one knee. I was speechless. I ended up reaching for the ring, still unable to find words. Eleven years later, we finally got married. We wanted a small intimate destination wedding with our closest family and friends. Something that felt like a mini-vacation for everyone invited, where our guests got a chance to relax, eat fantastic food, drink good wine, make new friends and let loose. We'd never been to New Zealand before our wedding, but we've always been the type of couple to enjoy taking risks. We loved the idea of a winery with water views, so we took a leap of faith and picked Mudbrick on Waiheke Island - it was perfection. Having Danielle and her team from Oh! Such Style help plan our wedding was honestly the biggest lifesaver and the best decision we ever made. Our wedding day was exactly what we wanted it to be, and we couldn't be happier."

Thanks to all the contributing vendors:

Photography: Marion H Photography
Styling & Planning: Oh! Such Style
Venue: Mudbrick
Florals: Wildflower Waiheke
Cake: Paula Janes Cakes
Hair: The Peach Club
Island Beauty: Makeup
Celebrant: Laura Giddey