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On arriving back to New Zealand after 3 years living in London, Tom and I decided to spend a month travelling around the South Island (after all, we’d practically travelled the world and felt guilty not seeing a large part of our own country!).

We were camping at Lake Tekapo when Tom suggested we go for a walk and watch the sunset. He then completely surprised me with a beautiful diamond solitaire ring and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes – after being together for 10 years!

We were quick to start planning our wedding but the day still came around so quickly.

The weather was beautiful, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Our ceremony was held at “Lovers Cove” on North Head, Devonport. With Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf as the backdrop, it was beautiful.

I arrived in a friend’s Chevy Impala which was a very fun ride!

It was a very surreal feeling walking down the aisle but as soon as I saw Tom, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

Coming from a musical family, I wanted live music throughout the day and evening. My Dad played the guitar and sang a song he had played at his and mum’s wedding 27 years ago.

He played again at the reception but this time it was a wedding song he had written himself. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Our reception was at McHugh’s of Cheltenham. With such gorgeous views of the Hauraki Gulf, we didn’t want to spoil it so we stuck to a simple theme which was black, white and ribbons. Everything looked very elegant, but the full moon and high tide finished it off.

The favours were also the place cards on the tables. My bridesmaids and I spent hours tying black ribbons around candles which had each guest’s name attached. They looked great and complimented the black ribbons tied around each seat.

I wore a Kate Dowman dress. It had a strapless bodice with a scooped neckline. My favourite part of the dress was the funky art deco belt which tied at the back. My earrings were also a feature and really complimented the belt. Again, it all looked simple but elegant.

My bridesmaids look gorgeous in their strapless black dresses from Principals. With two of the three bridesmaids living overseas, it was a lot easier to get the dresses altered at the last minute. I added a diamante brooch to the back of the dresses, which matched their hair clips and a brooch on their shoes. They looked great and it was special to have them there supporting me throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the day was our first dance! Our band played Jack Johnson’s “Better Together”. Tom and I had secretly had dance lessons leading up to the day. We pulled out a few good moves which really impressed our guests, and we had so much fun doing it!

It was a very special day and, after ten years, it was definitely worth the wait.

It was extra special to have those closest to us there on the day, especially as so many of them had travelled from overseas to be there.

Advice to brides-to-be: Don’t sweat the small stuff – you don’t notice any of it on the day!

Bride: Jessica Lay

Groom: Thomas Ryder

Date: 2 March 2007

Ceremony Venue: Lovers Cover, North Head, Devonport

Reception Venue: McHugh’s of Cheltenham

Dress: Kate Dowman

Groom’s Attire: Frank Casey

Photographer: Misty Lynn

Celebrant: Julia Cameron

Transport: Chevy Impalas