Real Weddings

Tessa and Sam

Photography by Wonderferris

“Sam and I met during our university days in the mid-2000s when we were both working at Rakino’s Bar on High Street. The both of us were quite shy, so it was hilarious to eventually learn that our mutual affection was totally obvious to the whole team there. It finally got to the stage where our manager stepped in, giving us two Shapeshifter tickets that had been gifted to the bar. It gave us the push we needed. After that, we were inseparable for three months in a row! Fourteen years later, Sam proposed in the snow at the top of Mt Taranaki - after a very, very difficult climb! I asked him what he would have done if I didn’t make it to the top, and he pointed to my engagement ring and said, “You’d be waiting a bit longer for this!” This perfectly demonstrates our life together: constantly laughing (even when we’re trying to be mad at each other) and full of adventures. Having been together for fifteen years at the time of our wedding, we wanted it to be a celebration of our relationship as much as performing the marriage ceremony. We were married in April at Mantells, Mt Eden. The ceremony was initially planned for their beautiful courtyard, but, thanks to a classic Auckland day (drizzle and humidity), we were made to have a sudden change of plans. At that point, Covid had already forced us to reschedule our original date, so I was a very relaxed bride despite the last-minute kerfuffle. We switched things to an indoor ceremony and really felt grateful that everything could go ahead. Our celebrant Kim was super organized and ensured the bridal party knew what to expect on the day. She went above and beyond to create a personalized ceremony for us that truly reflected who we are as a couple. The fantastic food, hilarious speeches, cheeky post-ceremony cocktails, and an excellent DJ who helped us recreate the Rakino’s dancefloor vibe made this a perfect night.”

Thanks to all the contributing vendors:

Photography: Wonderferris
Celebrant: Lucky In Love
Venue: Mantells, Mt Eden
DJ: Shawn Corlett
Dress: Modes, Newmarket