Table of contents
Real Wedding: Florence & Jay
- An autumnal love affair

What was one non-negotiable for your wedding?
"For our wedding, one of the non-negotiable aspects was to incorporate our Filipino culture. We wanted to celebrate our heritage by featuring Filipino cuisines, which are a big part of our family traditions and gatherings. Additionally, we made sure to include karaoke and dancing, as these are essential elements of Filipino celebrations that bring everyone together in joy and laughter. It was important for us to create an atmosphere that reflected who we were and honoured our roots."








What do you consider the best investment you made, and why?
"We prioritized hiring a skilled photographer and videographer to capture our special day. Rhea and Fabian not only documented the moments but also created a visual story that we can cherish for years to come. The quality of these services is invaluable, as they allow us to relive the emotions and joy of our wedding day through beautiful images and videos."




Did you include any non-traditional elements?
"One non-traditional element we included in our wedding was a creative twist on the classic bouquet toss. We noticed that no one was eager to participate in the traditional way because no one was ready to get married! So, we decided to change the rules on the spot! We used a dummy bouquet and tossed it multiple times. Each time a lady caught it, she was deemed "safe" and removed from the group. We continued tossing until only one single lady remained. This final participant was awarded the real bridal bouquet, symbolizing she would be the next to marry. This fun adaptation kept everyone engaged and added an exciting and memorable twist to our celebration, allowing our guests to participate in a unique way that aligned with our lively atmosphere!"






What is one thing that surprised you?
"One thing that truly surprised us during our wedding was how emotional the ceremony turned out to be. I didn't expect it to hit us so deeply. My groom, Jay, who is generally not one to show his emotions, suddenly found himself overwhelmed with feelings. It was a moment I had never witnessed before; he has never cried in front of me, and seeing him so vulnerable and moved by the occasion was both surprising and beautiful. It reminded us both of the profound significance of the day and the love we share, making it a truly unforgettable experience."






What advice would you share with other couples beginning their wedding planning journey?
"When it comes to wedding planning, our biggest piece of advice is to plan ahead and avoid procrastination. Although we had a full year from the day we set our wedding date to organize everything, we found ourselves cramming in the final months leading up to the big day. This last-minute rush added unnecessary stress and made it difficult to enjoy the planning process. One of the challenges we faced was that plans kept changing due to well-meaning suggestions from family and friends. While input from loved ones can be helpful, staying true to your vision for the wedding is essential. When too many opinions come into play, it can lead to confusion and overwhelm, making it hard to make decisions."







Thanks to all the contributing vendors:
- Photo & Video:
- Rhea Rodrigues Photography
- Venue:
- Kumeu Valley Estate
- Cakes:
- Sweet Bites
- Hair & Makeup:
- The Glam Room
- Celebrant:
- Sarah Bernstone