Paula & Graham's Elegant Modern Masterpiece Wedding
Real Weddings: Global
By
on February 17, 2009
14
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!
Read more posts about: church wedding, custom dress, diy cake, feathers, hairstyle, new zealand, peacock feathers, tent, veil« Previous post
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Karen said
I think that dress is fantastic. It gives me extra confidence to try on those "different" dresses just to see what I love. Oh and I think the cake is great.
Margarita said
I love the *different* dress, the uniqueness of this wedding. My favourite weddings are personal ones!
Beti said
Lovely pictures. You look so relaxed! That's wonderful!
Paula said
I forgot to add that my photographer is from Pasadena, California- he was amazing! http://www.williamhoward.net/
One Barefoot Bride said
I LOVE the dress! It's beautiful and it looks comfortable and easy to wear. And the shoes! Did I count 3 different colors? Red, leopard print, and blue. Awesome. I think I will take several pairs of colored shoes to my reception.
Sabrina said
From a fellow NZ OBB – love it! Your dress is perfect and the peacock feathers are so stylish. Congrats on making it your day!
britany said
i love your blue shoes!! they're gorgeous! and the bridesmaids shoes are really great too.. if you don't mind, where did all of these shoes come from?
i'd LOVE to know
thanks
Jocelyn said
I love that gorgeous blue colour. Great to see a NZ OBB featured.
Paula said
Britany
My shoes were Nina brand- shoebuy.com I think? the others I have no idea! The girls used their own shoes
And thanks to all for your kind comments… it was a wonderful day!
Brandi said
Ooh awesome! Congrats! I looove your dress and veil. So gorgeous.
Zephyrine said
Absolutely gorgeous, from a fellow Christchurcher
I LOVE the feathers and the dress!!!
xina said
that is one of the most beautiful, awesome dresses i have EVER seen! love it.
the gals look fab in teal, love the grooms suit.
all the other details are fabulous!
thanks for posting!
wildstyle said
Paula your wedding was so gorgeous and unique! I'm happy to see a Christchurch bride on here too – I'm from the US and getting married there next year.
Would you be willing to share with me where you found all the feathers? I wanted to use feathers in my wedding too and was planning to buy them here in NY and bring with me but I'm told I can't get them thru customs? So sad!
Sunshine said
Wildstyle, I used
http://www.feathergirl.co.nz/
She was fabulous.