I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, violets! We’re kicking of the week with a gorgeous wedding full of natural DIY details. Simon and Olivia, who immediately clicked when they met in high school through mutual friends, held their wedding at the Kowhiti House, just an hour from Wellington, New Zealand. The relaxed spaciousness of this landmark country property provided a beautiful setting for this couple to exchange vows and celebrate with close friends and family. Together with her friends, Olivia folded hundreds of origami flowers which were strung up for the ceremony backdrop. The morning of the wedding, Olivia also crafted handmade rustic bouquets with a soft and organic texture, creating an element of natural simplicity. Thank you Benjamin and Elise for sharing these photos full of natural light and love!

The Proposal:
On our 6^th dating anniversary my husband planned a lovely day full of presents and little notes numbered 1 to 5 with reasons why he loved me. As we drove home after seeing a movie that night, he ‘spontaneously’ stopped at a beach at sunset where he proposed. The sky was the most amazing colour, it was really magical.

Details of the Day:
Our goal was for our wedding to be classy and relaxed. We had a small guest list of close friends and family, with family staying for two nights at the venue. There was impromptu cricket after the ceremony, lots of swimming, card games, chats and good food over the weekend. It was like a wonderful family holiday, where I got to marry my best friend. My amazing friends and I folded hundreds of origami flowers which were strung up for the ceremony backdrop. I made fabric flower headbands for my beautiful nieces and we bought flowers from a wholesaler and put them together on the morning of the wedding. My talented husband designed all the stationery.

Most memorable moment:
Aside from the ceremony, my father gave a really lovely speech that blew us away.

Any advice to future brides?
Plan the important stuff (venue, outfit, rings, marriage celebrant, license, food) and then forget about the rest. If you have time or money to get into more detail then great. If you have enough going on in your life, or can’t afford it, then don’t worry about trying to create a wedding with a hundred details. Your love will fill the venue well enough. Just enjoy the moments.

Photographer: Benjamin and Elise / Florist: Bride / Stationery: Simon Neveu / Venue: Kowhiti House / Dress: Etsy / Dress Alterations: Alison Blain / Hair + Makeup: Bride /Caterer: Frillys