Tralee and Sa’ulilafo’ou’s Wedding
Ōhinetahi Gardens
Images by Megan Krammer/Through the Lens Photography
‘It was a real modern meet-cute … Instagram DM!
Sa’ulilafo’ou’s proposal was incredible. He’d picked me up from a manic Christmas Eve working at a cafe. in Westport as we were doing long distance at the time. He mentioned he’d been listening to the same song over and over for three hours which I said was bloody odd, and turns out that’s the tune he wanted to propose to me with.
‘My whānau’s property has a beautiful hill outlook stretching over the Mokihinui River that he suggested we go on a walk to, as he wanted to propose there, but I was so exhausted I flopped down onto the bed with my apron still on, hair still smelling of the day’s grease and cheap dish soap. So instead, this beautiful man pulled my head into his lap, began playing ‘High Hopes’ by Kodaline, and read me the most beautiful proposal I’d ever heard, before shifting off the bed to get down on one knee.
‘I found the dress I wanted to wear by accident. A year or two after getting engaged, I was off work for a while following an accident. My cousin, in an attempt to cheer me up, suggested we browse dresses so I could get a feel for what I like … And then I found “the one” immediately (the first dress I tried on) and bought it the next day.
‘The ceremony was the most peaceful, heartfelt moment of my life. Getting out of the car in a beautiful dress … my absolute best friends by my side … the most incredible venue … about to see my māmā and pāpā for the first time that day … walking through a crowd of everyone I love and adore, to the man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with … It was the most euphoric experience.
‘We both wrote our own vows, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place – we both blew each other away by how beautiful and deeply touching each of our vows were.
‘It was a day of so much joy! Tamariki running around with shrieks of delight as they explored the garden and our lawn games … chatter of long-lost friends reuniting, and extended whānau reminiscing over the last event that brought them back together … and so many amazing cultural aspects, including a traditional Tongan dance by my sister-in-law and extended inlaw family.
‘The most memorable moment of the day was my husband placing our ceremonial korowai on me during our ring exchange, and an amazing haka from all my beautiful whānau – it was such a powerful moment of so much mana and something that will stick with me forever.’
Q&A
Did you have a budget?
We budgeted $10K and I am a very dedicated spreadsheet gal. We met our goal through figuring out exactly what we wanted and nothing less or more, being a bit savvy with DIY and Marketplace deals, as well as having a longer engagement – we were able to stay under budget and have the most incredible day.
Any tips for other couples?
Figure out exactly what you want and don’t feel pressured to include any details out of expectation or obligation! If there are things you truly want, then go for it – but if you’re only considering an inclusion out of peer pressure or fears of how you’ll be perceived, ditch it! This day belongs to you and your partner, and it’s allowed to be uniquely you.
Spreadsheets save the day every day! Find a reasonable budget tailored to you both, and remember why you’re planning the day if it ever feels overwhelming – it’s meant to be fun and enjoyable! Don’t sweat the small stuff; no one ever leaves a wedding complaining about napkin colours or how a chair looked! Soak up every moment of joy and you’ll have the best time.
