Charlotte + Tom \\ Captured By Ana Galloway

An occasion filled with love, retro vibes and wild garden blooms for CHARLOTTE + TOM’S Kapiti Coast wedding. Set in an old historic hall just outside of the capital city of Wellington, beautifully captured by Ana Galloway.

Te Hoto Hall was filled with retro charm, wooden beams, lawn games and an old tennis court, providing the perfect setting for a laidback Summer celebration with their nearest and dearest.

“We aimed to create an atmosphere that was laid back, beautiful and underpinned by sentiment and family values. Touches like selecting the favorite flowers – some of which Charlotte’s dad grew – of our mums, Charlie’s grandma, nana, and bridesmaids really made it feel so special.” said Charlotte.

Every detail a nostalgic, heartfelt sentiment from the couple, right from the styling of the day, the live music, food and to the gifts for their guests – over 200 vintage champagne flutes the family sourced from antique shops around the North Island.

“It’s not the notes you play, it’s the notes you don’t play that count”. – Miles Davis

How did you meet and how long have you been together?

We have been close friends since we met as teenagers. We always had a strong connection. After some awkward moments working out what these feelings were, we eventually figured it all out and have been together for nearly nine years!

How would you describe each other?

Tom is fun, never judgmental and extremely kind. His brother once described him as a “people wizard” and it’s so accurate – people just feel good around Tom!

Charlie is really curious, engaging and down to earth. She loves to laugh and creates lots of special relationships.

Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement?

It was a rainy day in our kitchen in Brooklyn when we decided together that all we really wanted was to be with each other forever. Over the next few months Tom designed my engagement ring, which was based off my mums engagement ring that had been stolen when we were broken into a few months earlier. He surprised me with the ring on an Easter evening around the south coast in Wellington. I wanted to surprise him too so worked with the same jeweler to design his wedding band. I gave it to him on our 1-year engagement anniversary and didn’t let him wear it until the wedding day!

What was your favourite moment from the day?

Tom: The ceremony, marrying Charlotte in front of my extended family who have known, and loved her nearly as long as I have.

Charlie: I have three!

I LOVED dancing on the hall stage with our band – first to Jungle Boogie with Tom and secondly to Abba Dancing Queen with two close friends, while Tom was crowd surfed by his groomsman to pass me a bottle of wine on stage!

I also loved the toast my dad made at the end of our ceremony. All our guests were given a beautiful champagne flute to toast with (from over 200 unique flutes which were collected by my mum from second hand and antique shops around the North Island).

Surprising my grandma by gifting her my bouquet during my speech – it included my something blue which was a blue flower charm that belonged to her mum – the photos Ana captured are some of my favourites.

Why did you choose your destination?

We wanted a venue that was easily accessible from Wellington but far enough away for guests to have a weekend away if they wanted. We stumbled across Te Horo Hall at one of their monthly markets and loved the area, the backdrop of the Tararua Ranges, and the flexibility offered by a venue where you could pick and choose pretty much all elements of your day.

We got married in the neighbors’ paddock behind the hall overlooking the hills. The owner of the paddock was amazing, he moved his horses, mowed the lawns and was so friendly and welcoming.

As soon as we saw the hall we were so excited (especially Tom), as we knew we had found our perfect venue and could start picturing how the day was going to play out.

Tell us about your wedding style. What influenced your planning for the day?

We had always wanted our wedding to be inviting and relaxing for our guests. We aimed to create an atmosphere that was laid back, beautiful and underpinned by sentiment and family values. Touches like selecting the favourite flowers – some of which Charlotte’s dad grew – of our mums, Charlie’s grandma, nana, and bridesmaids really made it feel so special.

We loved the original character of Te Horo Hall – high ceilings, stage, wooden floors, big lawn and old tennis courts. Our vision was to enhance all of this and not hide it. We could never have imagined how amazing the hall would have looked and felt until it all came together.

We had a vision of lawn games, tennis, the aroma of delicious food, live music and lots of rugs and cushions to keep it comfortable so all our people could get to know each other and have fun.

What does marriage mean to you?

To us marriage means bringing our lives even closer together. Making a commitment to each other that we will go through life as a team.

Who were your stand out vendors?

All were amazing.

We have to give a shout out to Ana Galloway, Horrobin and Hodge and the Crafted and Co who elevated everything to the next level. SO MANY compliments on their work and professionalism (and they are all just great people/teams). Ros our celebrant was so calming to work with, we couldn’t have felt more relaxed around anyone else on the biggest day of our lives so far! Jimmy and The Jets were incredible throughout the day and night (after party included)! Walking down the aisle to a song we asked them to learn (Robert Glasper, So Beautiful) was epic.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Wedding’s involve a lot of planning and organisation and there are some sensitive components to juggle (guest lists, budgets, bridal parties, opinions of others) so try not to be too hard on yourselves.

No advice seems to fit exactly right as every wedding is different, so we will name some things that helped us!

Research great vendors and trust them to do what they do best.
Divide and conquer – we are so grateful for all the amazing help we had leading up to our wedding. Our friends and family were next level. The set-up and pack down turned out to be an awesome part of the process. We were really fortunate that the hall gave us 5 days which our DIY heavy wedding needed. Ps it’s important to keep all helpers well feed and hydrated!
Get onto the admin as soon as possible there is more than you think!
Lastly, your wedding is important to so many people in your lives – make special people feel special.