Millbrook Resort in Queenstown set a stunning backdrop for Callum and Marissa's Autumn wedding.
When and where did you meet: Callum and I met nearly seven years ago in my hometown, Dunedin, while we were both studying at Otago University. A mutual friend introduced us and it was from there we started dating. Little did we know at the time that our university romance would turn into seven great years together, an engagement and a wedding.
The proposal: The proposal is something we would like to keep to ourselves, but I will say it was in my hometown and included a knee to the ground and a wonderful surprise engagement party that night with friends and family.
Where was the wedding: The wedding was held at Millbrook Resort, Queenstown. The ceremony was outside overlooking the pond with an amazing backdrop of impressive mountains and a beautiful palette of burnt red, orange and brown tree leaves. The ceremony was magical; it went smoothly apart from our guests slightly overheating in the 2.30pm sun, but after the ceremony everyone moved to the shade of the trees and the celebrations bega nas Millbrook staff served drinks and a variety of delicious canapés. Callum and I made the most of this time to capture some great family photos.
The guests stayed on and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in the sun atthe Millhouse Restaurant Bar on site, while the wedding party set off for location shots around Millbrook and at Arrowtown's gold-mining village.
The reception was held in the Millbrook Pavilion,which is a permanent silk-lined marquee with double doors and a covered entrance overlooking the spectacular grounds.
Why did you choose the venue: We chose Queenstown as our location as we had always visited there on our anniversaries, so it was a fitting setting. We also love Central Otago in April because of the beautiful autumn colours and thought itwould make a wonderful backdrop to our wedding. I had told my parents years ago that I wanted to get married at Millbrook Resort, so I was delighted when Callum agreed!
The dress: Pallas Couture, in Australia, designed my dress. I had an old cutting from a magazine that I kept in my wallet of my favourite dress and when I found the designer online I was delighted. It was also a perfect excuse for a girls' trip to Australia! I wanted a dress that had a balance of romance and a touch of vintage but was also flattering to my shape. The dress was hand-made from beautiful tulle and silk from around the world, with exquisite hand-beaded crystal embellishments on the front. I also had a hairpiece made to perfectly match the dress.
The bridesmaids' dresses: The bridesmaids' dresses were a soft pastel creamy peach that complemented the colour palette of lavender. The sweetheart-style dresses matched my gown perfectly, with a similar complementing shape. They were bought at Forever New.
The flowers: Carley Jones, from Dunedin, was my florist. I chose Carley as she had done many Central Otago weddings before and we had a similar vision in what I wanted to achieve. I chose to go with lavender as the maincolour throughout the wedding. It not only contrasted against the burnt autumn colours but lavender is a prominent plant in the Central Otago landscape, so I thought it fitting to be incorporated into the colour scheme. So with this colour and romantic vintage theming I went with a mixture of hydrangeas and roses in garden-style bouquetsand, for the tables, beautiful crystal vases that I borrowed from a family friend, accompanied by lovely tea lights on top of small round mirrors.
The caterers: Millbrook chefs provided an excellent three-course menu, served with precision, showcasing local seasonal produce, and the wedding cake for dessert.
Highlights of the day: Apart from the getting married part, it would have to be our MC 's speech,he is a good friend of Callum's. We didn't know what to expect from his MC role, but we knew he would do a great job. He kicked off the reception wonderfully creating a fun, relaxing mood with lots of laughs. I had everyone coming up to me after the speeches asking me if he would do their wedding. So I took that as a good sign every one enjoyed it.
Your photographer and favourite photo: Our photographer was Alpine Images Co, from Wanaka. They were amazing, and Jen, who was our photographer on the day, did a wonderful job of capturing it perfectly. There were so many lovely photos it's hard to choose one favourite, but if I had to choose just one that described how wonderful our day was it would have to the one of Callum and I standing in the autumn trees looking towards the mountains while the sun sets behind them. It was just a perfect moment to be captured.
