Natural New Zealand Coastal Wedding: Holly + Jared

New Zealand Wedding

We always love to see what amazing wedding planners + designers come up with when it’s their wedding they’re designing. Is it easier? More stressful? We’re not sure. But, what we do know is that today’s bride, Holly Otene, knocked it out of the park with her coastal New Zealand wedding to her beau, Jared. No detail was overlooked and the setting was just as stylish + effortless-feeling as we imagine a good NZ wedding to be. As you’ll soon see, the photos by Madeline Druce prove that + then some! But first, let’s hear a bit more about the beautiful, beautiful day straight from Holly:

Our wedding day captures us totally, a bit wild but simple and honest at the same time. It’s full of the colours and things I love about the country we live in, dark greens, dove greys, jagged cliffs, black sand and crisp peaceful mornings set against wild seas. Our venue was breath-taking a true escape into the wilderness, a Tuscan inspired house up a windy dirt road over-looking Cloudy Bay in New Zealand’s wine region Marlborough. The day was styled to pair perfectly with the surrounding environment. We used greenery from the award winning native NZ garden, oyster shells and coral from the local beaches all teamed with fresh washed linen. No detail or texture was over looked to create an elegant but wild coastal feel for the day.

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

white bridesmaid dresses

Flower Girls

wooden signs

Amid the natural surroundings, Holly + the bridal party processed to Bloom by the Paper Kites.

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

Groomsmen

white bridesmaid dresses

white and green bouquets

John Zimmermann Couture Dress

Holly’s John Zimmermann Couture dress was incredibly unique. And her wild, rose-filled bouquet by Mayflower was the perfect complement for it!

white and green bouquets

lawn games

Holly says, We wanted guests to have a taste of black tie with a touch of glam but easily transfer to a relaxed afternoon by the coffee cart or barefoot beach golf after a seafood laden lunch.

greenery overhang

greenery overhang

wedding sign

tented wedding

beach shells

We’re loving the simplistic look of natural shells + sea elements scattered about the tablescape. So fitting for the coastal setting. If you’re going for a similar look, you can snag some natural sea shells herehere + here!

garland

garland centerpiece

garland centerpiece

tented wedding

driftwood sign

berry naked cake

cake cutting

rose petal exit

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

The most memorable moment was our leaving, we exited the bell tower and burst in to the courtyard were all our guests showered us with petals, I threw my bouquet and jumped in the car next to Jared. I remember looking at him, smiling and thinking, this is it, this is the beginning of our lives together.

just married sign

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

New Zealand Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

I never thought it would be at all stressed, this is after all what I do for a job. But no matter how much expereience you’ve had planning and organsing there is will be an element of stress. You’re looking after those closest and dearest, don’t trick yourself into thinking there won’t be heighten emotions. The key is having close friends and family around you to keep you grounded and remind you that your wedding is only a day, your marriage is the lifetime commitment.

And of course what I say to all wonderful brides-to-be, decide your look and feel from the start and run with it, no matter what anyone says. Have all your inspiration in front of you when you go to make any big decision, don't be afraid to change up the usual and opt for something that reflects the two of you.

photography: Madeline Druce // venue name: Paripuma Coastal Lodge, Cloudy Bay in Marlborough, New Zealand // event design: Holly Otene // planning: Holly Otene // florals: Mayflower // wedding dress: John Zimmermann Couture // bride's shoes: Nude Footwear // bridesmaid dresses: Witchery // hair stylist: Locks + Lashes // makeup artist: Locks + Lashes // groom attire: Thomas's Department Store // paper goods: Helen Keen Graphic Designer // catering: Posh Nosh // cake: Ruth Thompson // music: Family Friends // officiant: Ross Bambury // rentals: Continental

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