It could have been fate or it could have been chance but this first meeting of Danielle and Caylem sure had some signs that this would be something more than just a brief meeting out. Between their same birthday and mock proposal this couple were clearly meant to be. #RCREALBRIDE Danielle wore the elegant Mietra by Maggie Sottero. This intricately woven allover embellished lace wedding dress is highlighted with delicate beaded spaghetti straps, a plunging illusion lace neckline, and a stunning open back. These features add subtle sexy touches to this ethereal sheath wedding gown. Finished with covered buttons over zipper closure. Photographer: Paul Howell THE FIRST SIGHT We met through a mutual best friend at a bar. I was impressed by an early drink offer from Caylem – he was impressed my drink of choice was beer! We discovered we had the same birthday and decided this was a sign. We hit it off, so much so that at some point he took a ring off my finger, and proposed putting it on my wedding finger! (the real proposal was 3 years later). About a week later he picked me up and took me on a date to a nice restaurant – the rest is history! THE PROPOSAL After 3 years together he surprised me with a proposal by burying a treasure chess in the sand on a Rarotongan Beach. I dug it up and opened it to find the ring inside, then he asks “will you be my wife?”. He’d even brought a nice bottle of wine with him that we’d purchased at a vineyard in NZ and were saving for a special occasion. As romantic as that sounds, it did take him awhile to convince me to do the digging – I was so engrossed in my book told him to dig himself – I hadn’t realised what was happening! THE VENUE We chose a rural setting with the most gorgeous ceremony backdrop of rolling hills. The outdoors were stunning. We also loved the menu & the style of dining, and the different spaces the venue had to offer. It was the last venue of about 6 that we viewed, and we fell in love instantly. FAVOURITE MOMENT Wearing my dress & walking down the aisle. The dress is something neither of us expected I’d wear, so it was such a great feeling to put it on and see the reaction! And the other favourite thing was the speeches. In general people don’t tend to share feelings of how they feel about someone, so it was so heart-warming to hear such lovely things from those closest to us. We cried & we laughed, they were great! THE DRESS The dress made me feel sexy! It was so feminine and flattering. I loved the lace and all the beads, and the gorgeous open back with the buttons. It was the last dress I tried on after about 20 others, and knew it was the one when it brought tears to my sister’s eyes. FINDING THE ONE Fabulous experience with Pena (unsure of spelling) working with me and my sister to find the dress. I had a look in mind, but Pena pulled out some dresses that were a very different style, which made me realise that everything I thought I wouldn’t go for was what actually suited me best! I was also sure I’d never wear a veil, but Pena put one on and it really completed the look – so I went from not having one to a cathedral length veil! ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES Enjoy it! A wedding is such a special time, the last thing you want to do is look back and recall a negative expereience for what should be an incredible time of your life. Planning is all part of the fun. Also, can you give us a tip on how to keep a happy relationship? Don’t sweat the small stuff! VENDORS Gown: Raffaele Ciuca All Wellington NZ based Photographer: Paul Howell Videographer: Priceless Moments Videography Venue: Ohariu Farm Church/Celebrant: Rachel Dudfield Flowers: Flowers Rediscovered Cake: Stilhetto Studios Hair: Dye Pretty Makeup: Face by Nadia Shoes: JJ’s House Invites: Optimal Print Suits: Barkers Band/DJ: The Noodles Bridesmaid Dresses: Pagani Table Centrepieces: Cominbation of DIY & our florist Rings: Brent Weatherall Jeweller