Garden Wedding of Jordyn and Mike
Jordyn and Mike might just have you swooning as much as we did when reading their submission about their garden wedding. Their story is absolutely beautiful and inspirational. They say a picture says a thousand words, this couldn’t be more accurate as these photos radiate love, happiness and joy.
What do you do for work?
Mike is a Transport Manager for Siteworx Northland LTD which is an earth moving company. I do work at schools and preschools, teach swimming and work with a health and wellness company called Usana Health Sciences.
Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding?
Mike proposed after 5 months of dating. Mike had a few ideas of how he could propose but I kept guessing them or our friends would ruin them. E.G one of our friends – “Wouldn’t it be so funny if you proposed on the Grand Canyon!” We had a randomly planned beach day with our best friends and their children as well as Mikes daughter. Philippa’s excuse to not walk up Tapeka Point was that she was sick so she will stay with the kids. Tony was walking up the hill with his one year old on his shoulders until he said “Rome just pooped his nappy I’ll have to go back.” Close to the top I said I’ll race you. He ran up and I mostly still walked after I was tired. When I got to the top I could see a beautiful view of the Bay Of Islands and him on one knee. He had an apple in his hand with a hole in it. It was a reference to when I had sent him a joke video from Collage Humor about how engagement rings scam made by jewellers and all you needed to show your love was a simple gesture like an apple. I put my finger through the hole and when the apple opened it was a beautiful diamond ring which I loved. The lead up to the wedding was 6 months and pretty low stress, at the beginning! We both chose 5 bridesmaids and groomsmen. I realised how much time it actually took to plan a wedding however I had a lot of help from my mum and other friends and family.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme / vibe?
The theme was like a garden wedding because I found a beautiful venue with a big pond, ducks and a secret garden we took photos in. Then we choose blue and purple as our colours because my favourite colour is purple and Mikes is blue. Mainly what ever we saw and liked I used and it all came together nicely.
Favourite detail and/or moment of the day!
When Vestam, Mikes daughter, came to give me a hug when I met Mike at the alter. That was special as it’s must be pretty different for a child when your dad gets married.
Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?
I found a lot on the internet and used the ideas. I did the finger print tree and signs. I also had a friend that for our present she designed our programs and table seating numbers etc.
Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?
We are both Christians so we had a pastor marry us. It was special because was my youth group leader when I was at high school and baptized me when I was 18. The ceremony wasn’t super religious we wanted it more relaxed. We wanted the cermony to be short and sweet there was one bible verse read out and prayer before dinner and when we met at the alter..
What does marriage mean to you?
Two people becoming one. Two people committing to work on the relationship for the rest of their life. That you are in a safe place to be your self, share your fears and grow together as much as possible. We also didn’t live together before we got married so it meant I moved in and got used to his snoring.
Talk to us about your dress, where is it from? How long did it take to find?
I first looked around shops and found some that were ok but pretty expensive. I found the style that I liked so then I looked on line. I found one I liked where I could put in my measurements and height and that wasn’t too expensive. I cant remember the website; I’ve even looked to recommend it. I didn’t have my hopes up that I would fit it or that I would like it because I got it online but it fit perfectly and I loved it. I did go to a dressmaker to change the top and the front beading and also the straps. She also made me a veil and added places for me to hold it up. I love it so much it was perfect.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Advice, yes! Have a list of people you want to take photos with and show the photographer and make sure you get them done. EAT FOOD! I didn’t and it made me feel ill until I ate again. Have make up/hair trials. Bring flats to wear for part of the wedding; I wore them at the ceremony so that I wasn’t taller than Mike. Savor every moment and treasure it because the day goes fast. Don’t feel guilty you didn’t get to speak in depth with everyone, they understand. Spend money on a good photographer. Have the best day ever!
Photos: Cameron Thorp – Little Village Co
Cake: Nicky Gabriels, Whangarei
Stationery designer: Trudi Hewitt, Auckland
Hair and Make up: Pip Hagar, Auckland and Dixie Smit, Whangarei
