The first proposal, not that I remember it, didn't come as a suprise. I knew it was coming, I chose my ring previously and we had spoken to our parents. It was quite unique, I was cold grumpy and tired after a shoddy riding lesson, he wasn't on one knee and we were in his cousin's kitchen.

A few weeks later I conveniently smacked my head on the concrete, and lost (we think) a month's memory.

Proposal number two was to help me fill in the gaps, so didn't come as a suprise either. We drove out to Sumner beach, where he got down on one knee and gave a moonlit speech =) I remember that one!

We had an 8 month engagement, with a heap of planning in the first month and a heap of planning in the last few months. It felt quite simple really. I know I had enough of it then, but boy I miss it now!

A lovely lady in Leeston (Jared's home country-place) made our cake. Jared and his Mum made our invitations, and my Mum made our wine glass centrepieces :)

Blue, orange and gerberas. Orange is a sentimental colour, I found Jared's orange cast sexy when we first met.

Gerberas have always been my favourite flower, and the bridesmaids dresses came in blue =)

My mum and dad are divorced, so it was incredibly special to have them both walk me down the aisle.

We had our own minister take the service, which made it that much more personal.

Our reception venue (Newbery Lodge, Opawa) was just awesome, I couldn't give it enough praise. The staff were so easy to deal with, it was fantastic to relax at the end of the night knowing everything was under control. The food was brilliant, and the indoor/outdoor feel to the place meant everybody could mix and mingle brilliantly, it was just a calm fun evening =)

I played it risky and brought it made to measure off TradeMe, without trying a similar one on or anything. I can't remember the name of the lady exactly, but I'm pretty sure her username was Diaryee. It was a relief when I tryed it on, and it was perfect =).

I didn't get the Bridesmaids' measurements in time to get their dresses made, so they were off the rack from Pagani (lol shh!)

The best man picked the cars - silver Ford XR6's.

Taking time out from the cameras and people at the reception under a big tree on the grass, just talking about the day. Pure Bliss.

There were a number of funny moments - I swore in front of everyone - signing the register proved to be a challenge! The second one I signed in my married name, and the third in the bridesmaid's spot.

As I leaned in for 'the kiss', my trusty boob tape popped off - thankfully my dress stayed on =)

We couldn't cut the cake, It took us ages to get the knife through, much to everybody else's amusement.

Jared's Grandma made my veil, and I tucked a picture of my nana into the boning of my dress. I wasnt planning to follow specific traditions- but I couldn't get away with it. Horrified with my garters (one bright orange, the other hot pink, I still had to pick one!), my grandmother gave me an old hanky, with a new blue bow sewn onto it, to borrow.

The venues =) They weren't our first choice but they were stunning, the church sentimental, and Newbery idylic. They really helped shape our day.

The photographers =) Matt and Nandy Barrett from Barrett International Photography are relaxed, fun and in control. We couldn't have asked for lovely people or more professional work. They had a third photographer, Carlos Fernandez, from iLite photography, at the beach, to help him add to his wedding portfolio. He took some stunning shots too.

The bridal party - Jared's brothers and my two best mates. I was gutted it wasn't bigger, but as a small group we had sooo much fun, and they are four of the most important people in our lives.

Its sounds corny, but I can't say I would change a thing Oh...hang on.... I'd glue the car ribbons down with super glue lol!

Paihia, Wellington and capped it off with a reunion in Picton=)

Love it! enjoy the planning, the stress, the deadlines. Oh to be back there =) We were discouraged from getting married because of our age (20 and 21), but you know yourself best, follow your heart in all your desisions.

I love being married, waking up next to my husband, going to sleep next to my husband, eating dinner with my husband. Our relationship, now more formal, really has stepped up a level and I feel a very priveledged chikadee to be able to share it with my first ltrue love.