Graeme proposed on Jan 4th 2007 after 18 months of dating. He had organised a treasure hunt style day through special places in Auckland. There was a book of clues which I was to follow, it was also filled with photos, poems, quotes and song lyrics special to us. Graeme had organised my twin sister and his best friend to be part of the day, it was so special to have my sister involved with it all, he even asked for her permission to marry me when he asked my parents! The treasure hunt finished up at the Parnell Rose gardens, with a beautiful song written by Graeme, a few tears and a stunning pear and brilliant shaped diamond engagement ring!
We had nine months to plan our wedding, it was just the right amount of time and I never felt stressed by the planning, just excited. My mum and I pretty much did all the planning and organising, but Graeme was also very helpful- he planned all of the music which was a large part of our day. I made all of the favours and table decorations myself and loved every minute of it.
I wanted a classic dress with a bit of a retro feel, with lace and a bow, and that's exactly what I had! My dress was a real surprise, I bought it on a weekend away in Wellington - half price at Brides on Thorndon! It originally had a bright red sash which I got changed and a lace jacket made at Jill Demchy dressmaker in Auckland- she was fantastic. My shoes were from overland, I'm so glad I wore small heels and I've worn my shoes several times since the big day!
I had four bridesmaids, my three sisters and sister in-law. finding a dress they were all happy with proved a problem and I ended up buying simple black dresses from Max and adding a teal sash, which matched the groomsmen ties we got made. I let the girls have their hair however they wanted and they looked beautiful. I was so happy to have my sisters there with me on the day.
Graeme and his groomsmen bought new or wore their own suits, which thankfully all matched! I bought Graeme special cuff links with musical notes on them, and for all the boys we bought socks off trademe which said "Groom", "Best Man" etc, even for the dads, my dad showed his "Father of the Bride" socks off during his speech!
We were married by Graeme's dad in the church where my grandparents were married in 1955. We also had our wedding photos taken where my parents had their wedding photos taken. My something old was an antique brooch in my hair, my something borrowed was my veil which belonged to a special friend who couldn't be at our wedding, it was also worn by my sister in-law at her wedding, something new was my beautiful gold & pearl earring bought for the day, and i forgot about something blue...but our reception decorations were blue and it was a stunning spring day with an amazingly blue sky!
My sister in-law also organised three special traditions for me, the night before she gave me red pajamas to wear, red for Chinese good luck, the next morning she stuck a silver penny in my shoe (its still there!) and on the way to the church the limo pulled over and a chimney sweep was waiting to give me a kiss!!!
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