Haley + Lewis | Scotmans Valley, Waikato

Hayley and Lewis have one of the coolest love stories, they’ve created love on a global scale and we are so honoured to have been a small part of their day! This country wedding had all the good stuff, some very talented vendors, but most importantly of course - a lot of Love.

Our love story began..

We meet while I was on my gap year in the UK. We started seeing each other for a couple of months until I went to Australia for 2 ½ weeks for Christmas. We weren’t sure if it was going to last seem it was early days. When I flew back Lewis picked me up from the airport and asked me to be his girlfriend.

Tell us about the proposal:

It was a stormy raining day and I hadn’t seen Lewis for nearly 3 months he had been in the UK and I had been in NZ. We booked an air bnb away in Tairua over looking Pauanui beach. It was late in the afternoon and we were having wine and cheese wrapped up in blankets over looking the beach outside. The rain has just stopped and it very airy and calm. Music was playing and then our favourite song came on. Lewis got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him It was magical!

Tell us about your venue and why did you choose it?

We choose my parents farm out Scotsman Valley. We both loved the setting of all the trees and nature and thought it would be the perfect location. It is a special place for us both and having a free venue was a bonus. We looked at other venues but loved the back drop of the trees and there is no place like home.

Where did you purchase your dress and accessories from?

My dress was made by the wonderful Robyn lee. I tried on other dresses but they just didn’t do it. I told Robyn what I wanted and how I wanted it to look and she made the perfect dress for me.

We saved on:

Definitely having the ceremony and reception venue on my family’s farm saved a huge amount. We got our family friends to cater the food so also saved a massive amount with food. My wonderful bridesmaids made a grazing table during the reception and we had family friends help clear plates and serve alcohol.

We splurged on:

Rings, Photography and flowers.

Where did you purchase your dress and accessories from?

My dress was made by the wonderful Robyn lee. I tried on other dresses but they just didn’t do it. I told Robyn what I wanted and how I wanted it to look and she made the perfect dress for me.

Do you have any tips for other brides & grooms?

Enjoy every minute and forget about the little the things. Remember to take time out for you and your new husband to be for that little special moment in private.

What were the highlights on the day?

There were so many highlights! Having all the family together. We had friends that travelled from the UK, America, South Africa and Australia and were so blessed they could make it. It was amazing having them there to celebrate with us. We were extremely lucky with the weather too, it was a hot sunny day.