ballet flats, bows, and olive groves
Katherine & Jules
After a storybook proposal in Tuscany, Katherine and Jules looked to the olive groves of their native New Zealand for a sun-soaked ceremony on Waiheke Island. With just thirty on the guest list, a bespoke wedding dress and ballet flats the bride can’t wait to wear again and again, the couple’s intimate nuptials were perfect from start to getaway car. Read on for Katherine’s story behind the day now.
Photography by Sapphire Studios
"I have a background in fashion design so being able to design my own gown with Lulu was such a dream. I would say my style is minimal but with a little bit of fun! The structured bodice, low dramatic drop waist and full skirt was everything I wanted and more. The first time I met Lulu I knew she was the perfect designer to bring my ideas to life. She presented me with a gorgeous design with all the elements I had envisioned, my favourite featuring a delicate silk lace up open back. We really didn’t make many changes from there! Lulu works with the most incredible natural silk and the hand finished elements through out made it even more special. My favourite edition was the little removable puff sleeves she created for me to pop on after the ceremony."
"A ballet flat to me is so timeless and elegant. As soon as I saw Leonie I knew she was perfect. I adored the silk satin upper alongside the delicate bow which tied together so well with my whole look. I definitely had a bow theme throughout my outfit so it was so nice to have it carried through into my shoes too. I felt so beautiful and I also love that I can keep wearing them after my wedding too."
"Our venue Matiatia Millhouse was a private property set on an Olive Grove on Waiheke Island. The first time we visited we knew it was completely perfect. We have always loved Waiheke Island and have spent many summers enjoying the beaches and wineries. My husband proposed in Tuscany, and with our venue being on an olive grove it truly felt like a little slice of Italy. We had a gorgeous intimate dinner in the courtyard next to the little garden where we held our ceremony. We loved how the space was small and intimate, it really felt like there was no one else around and we had the island all to ourselves."
"We had a very small intimate wedding with 30 of our closest friends and family. Being able to spend time with each one of our guests while surrounded by gorgeous olive trees and sunshine was truly the best part of our day. My husband’s father was our celebrant which also added to how special and intimate our day was. My husband and I are big food lovers, we had a private chef for the day who created the most amazing Italian-inspired menu so this was definitely a big highlight too!"
"A ballet flat to me is so timeless and elegant. As soon as I saw Leonie I knew she was perfect."
"We absolutely loved planning our wedding! Our favourite part was designing all our stationary ourselves. We had the help of NZ artist Nellie Ryan who drew us beautiful illustrations that we included on our invitations and menu. We love that these are a keepsake we get to keep forever.
"A secret I would share is to go with the flow and let your ideas and visions evolve. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with trends. By giving ourselves the time to find the vibe that resonated the most led to us creating a day which was so authentically us."
"The most special part of our day was sharing private vows together on the morning of our wedding. We stood underneath a beautiful big olive tree and it is such a beautiful memory to have together. I think this really set the tone for the whole day, we had the most amazing time and wouldn’t have changed a thing.
"Another special moment was hiring a beautiful vintage Mercedes car which my husband drove us around the island on after the ceremony. It was so nice having this time just the two of us and is something we will never forget."
