Emma and Josh's Wedding
Ōhinetahi Gardens and Milton St Substation
Images by Sarah Clements Photography
‘Josh and I met in England when I cut his hair. He went home and told his then housemate Willy – also his best man at our wedding, that his barber was attractive, which prompted Willy to go to the barber. At this point I had finished work for the day and we didn’t meet. A whole year passed before I cut Josh’s hair again, and this time he asked me what I was doing that night.
‘We moved to New Zealand a year later, and it was on a walk at Castle Hill that Josh proposed. We found a secluded spot for a picnic and he proposed there. Josh and I are introverts, we enjoy each other’s company more than anyone else’s – even after nearly eight years together, so it was an ideal location and a very authentic proposal for Josh.
‘We were supposed to be married in 2020 in England, so I already had a dress. However, after having a baby and sad memories being associated with our covid-cancelled celebrations, I decided I wanted a change. So my bridesmaid and I made the decision one morning after seeing a flash sale to go and find a dress at Wilkins Bridal. A few hours later I was home, new dress in hand.
‘We chose Ōhinetahi Gardens in Governors Bay as the ceremony venue because it felt like home. If we could no longer get married in England, I wanted to bring a piece of England to our wedding. We then headed to Milton St Substation for our reception. The contrast in venues was fantastic – the bright, sunny day, then the industrial, dark night.
‘We didn’t write our own vows. We wanted the ceremony to be short and sweet, and it was just that. Immediately after the ceremony we got to spend time with our family and friends. We only had a small wedding so we could spend time with our loved ones.
‘At our reception we had speeches while people grazed. The welcome drinks were frozen margaritas and frozen daiquiris and it was truly so much fun. I made each guest a favour out of pottery – they got cups, vases, plates etc. which was a lot of effort but so well received.
‘Josh, our son Freddie and I were reunited after the ceremony after spending a few days apart. The moments were captured on camera by Sarah and they are so beautiful. Our family being the centre of the day was what our wedding was for.’
Q&A
Did you have a budget and were you able to stick to it?
We had a small budget. Unfortunately we didn’t get all of our money back from our cancelled English wedding and Josh started his business only last year, so we wanted a small wedding, and even then we broke the budget.
Any tips for other couples?
Ask for help. People like helping those they love. Make it fun and enjoy every part of it.
Who was your standout vendor?
Our photographer Sarah Clements. She blended in so well. She knew the best lighting, the right time to nip out, how to get the best shots. I love candid shots and Josh and I are not fans of getting our photos taken, but she smashed it.
