Fireworks, fantastical costumes (our pick is grandma with her flailing dragon wings) and a fervent amount of love, this incredible wedding will have you smiling from ear to ear.

MAKE DO, BE YOU

As much as the images provide unequivocal happiness the planning process to get there wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Originally planning a bonanza with over 200 guests in the middle of the Kelburn Garden Party Festival, a huge regional event, free-spirited pair Rachel and Andrew had to postpone their dream day, like so many others, at the hands of the pandemic.

So with no venue, no catering (as theirs had cancelled) pandemic rules and restrictions in place, two new puppies, a bride-to-be on crutches from a knee injury – they had to settle for a smaller affair. But boy did they come up trumps.

Gathering 16 of their closest friends and family the pair hosted a uniquely uplifting wedding in the gardens of Kelburn Estate, doing much of the styling themselves and turning a dampening situation into a simply sensational one.

DEVINE DIY

When it came to her gown, Rachel enlisted help from family to create her perfectly chic style. Her skirt was handpainted by mother in law Alison (which included a flower called Sheila’s Rose - a symbol for her late grandma), before sister in law Amelia Robson Design scanned hand drawings to create a gorgeous botanical pattern. Rachel then sewed her ivory satin waist band on herself the Friday before the wedding. Better late than never.

Stationery again was a labour of love. Each guest received a little metallic coloured gift bag containing a personalised wooden place name handprinted by Rachel. Also inside were sparklers, personalised handkerchiefs, chocolates, metal straws, disposable champagne flutes and confetti cones.

Here’s the biggie though - THAT table styling wasn’t at the hands of an esteemed professional wedding stylist, believe it or not. Rachel and her sister in law made it all themselves, from the huge A&R cardboard letters capped in pink tape and lights, to the incredible overhead chandelier strewn with colourful ribbons.

The tables were covered in hessian runners and multicoloured jars, gifted to them from family and friends, and filled with fabulous dried florals from Nomad Floral Styling.

WE HAD ABOUT FOUR SUNDAYS OF WHAT WE CALLED ‘WEDDING CRAFTS’, WHERE ALL THE WOMEN OF THE WEDDING CAME TO HELP CREATE OUR STYLING. I COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THE COLLABORATIVE HELP FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

ELLA, REWRITTEN BRIDESMAIDS

Q&A

HOW DID YOU FEEL AS YOU WALKED DOWN THE AISLE?

Like the happiest, most lucky woman in the world. Everything was so perfect and beautiful.

FUNNIEST MEMORY?

Our friend Moz set off the fireworks wearing his light up shoes. He put on such a performance, and just encapsulated the energy and vibe of the whole wedding.

THE MOST SPECIAL?

The walk down the aisle with my father looking at Andrew waiting for me. With all our loved ones laughing and smiling, it was such a loved filled moment. It makes me smile every time I think about it.

BRIDE TO BRIDE

TALK TOGETHER ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU GUYS HAPPY. THEN DO THAT, UNCOMPROMISINGLY. YOU WON’T REGRET IT.

RACHEL, THE BRIDE