Paula & Graham's Elegant Modern Masterpiece Wedding

The offbeat bride: Paula, Psych Student & PT Office Manager

Her offbeat partner: Graham, Company CEO

Location & date of wedding: St. Michael's Church (ceremony) and The Art Gallery (reception) in Christchurch, New Zealand on January 24th, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: Anyone who saw the photos and doesn't know me made comments along the lines of "That dress is…. different". As my maid of honor said, if you know me, it made perfect sense!

The whole day was about fun with family & friends. We did things that meant something to us, like getting married in a church because we wanted to, not because it was expected.

I have an aversion to white strapless dresses, bouquets of red roses, and anything that's been 'done' before. Hence the miles of peacock feathers (In my hair, in the bouquets, the boys buttonholes, the cake, the invitations….), the very pared-down black, white & blue theme, and the truly modern feel, which is all very 'us'.

I also love food, so the meal was hugely important. The meal was DIVINE and the venue fantastic!

Our biggest challenge: There wasn't anything that stood out as a challenge. Although convincing some traditional people that what we wanted was what we were going to get was difficult.

Most found it easier to sit down and be quiet than to try and argue with me. Organising everyone was difficult at times, especially with many overseas guests, but I have a cat-herding degree

My favorite moment: We had photos up in the Port Hills, about 20 minutes out of town. It was 28 degrees celsius, and not a cloud in the sky. Instead of getting photos taken, the entire bridal party sat underneath the tent and we ate and drank and had fun! We did get some photos taken, but we enjoyed the time out, chilling out and relaxing.

My offbeat advice: Infuse your personalities onto your day. There is no point wearing a white flouncy strapless dress if no one in living memory has ever seen you in a dress!

Also, you've picked your attendants presumably because you love them for who they are. Why dress them the same? Let their personalities shine through too. Let them enjoy the day! Our bridal party were absolutely wonderful, there really is no words to express how lucky we are to have such amazing friends!

Some of our vendors: My dress was based on a Jasmine dress but I butchered it. I had a very patient dressmaker! (now retired).

• Veil was by The Hat Shop
• Cars were borrowed from Father In Law & Groomsman
• Cake was by my mother-in-law
• Reception was by Alchemy
• Candelabras by Distinctive Decor
• Hair by Natasha Bachop
• Makeup by Tracey Allsop
• US photographer who was awesome!

Enough talk — show me the wedding porn: Click on the photo below for more stunning pics from Paula & Graham's elegant and modern New Zealand wedding!