Emily and Jimmy

Our Love Story

Jimmy and I met at University through a mutual friend while being in the same Accounting class together. We were together nine years before getting engaged during a last-minute long weekend trip away to the West Coast, staying with a family friend who owns a helicopter charter business. After a couple of days of usual rainy West Coast weather, we managed to both get seats on a helicopter flight on the final day of our trip. On the top of the mountain overlooking the Franz Joseph and away from the other tourist on our flight, he got down on one knee in the snow and asked me to marry him. Jimmy managed to surprise me completely as our trip up to the mountain was entirely unplanned.

Our Wedding Planning

Having all of our friends and family together and having a summer wedding were two of the most important things to us when we thought of our wedding day.

At first, we found the whole process quite overwhelming and didn't quite know where to start. We were fortunate enough to have Lisa at The Event Boutique help right along the process from finding the venue, styling and design details, set up and florals. She helped make the process stress free. After ticking off the first few items, the rest fell into place. I appreciated all the recommendation of vendors from those in the industry.

Our Wedding Day

Our wedding day was on a super hot summer day in February this year. My bridesmaids and I got ready in our house, and Jimmy and his groomsmen at The Tack Rooms on Montreal Street. We had our ceremony and reception both at Pemberton Gardens in Pemberton. Our ceremony was outdoors in the Quince Garden, with the reception indoors. We had our bridal party photos at a family friends property close by. The day went by so quickly and was the best day ever!

My favourite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing Jimmy at the end. Seeing how much fun everyone was having, especially our three-year-old Niece.

Our Advice

Finding great vendors that you get along with allows you to entrust them to make your big day stress free, relaxed and how you envisioned. Having a spreadsheet helped us with the planning process and organisation. Be sure to take time to find small moments throughout the day for yourselves to step back and take everything in, as it does go by so quickly.

How did you use Christchurch Weddings to help plan your day and what was your experience?

I found Christchurch Weddings a good place to find vendors and inspiration.

Stand out vendors and why?

Lisa at The Event Boutique was amazing and so much help along the whole planning process. She created gorgeous styling and florals that complement the venue and consistent with our vision. Also, our photographer Sophie Isabella captured the whole day perfectly and her approach allowed us to relax in front of the camera to produce beautiful natural photos. Our Celebrant Kate Clark was also fantastic, she is so warm, friendly and has the best personality which helped calm the nerves.

Our Vendors

Venue | Pemberton Gardens

Photographer | Sophie Isabella

Stylist and Florals | The Event Boutique

Catering | Moveable Feasts

Celebrant | Kate Clark

Hair | Alex Hannah

Makeup | Stacey Banfield

Dress | Lovers Society

Brides Accessories | Earrings - Stephanie Browne

Bridesmaids Outfits | Blak

Grooms Attire | Tarocash and Barkers