Two kiwi travellers found a love close to home in the midst of a music festival in Budapest. Bringing their whānau together Bayly and Ben celebrated in the gorgeous Nelson Region at Appleby House, Rabbit Island. This modern styled wedding infused with special touches of 164 handmade plates and beautiful Korowai worn by the bride for 2 life milestones. Read more for inspiration of modern elegance, fresh florals and refined styling.
Romantically captured by Ana Galloway.
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
We met back in 2016 at a music festival in Budapest called Sziget – the Island of Freedom. We were both living in London at the time, travelling as much as possible. It was thanks to a couple of mutual friends and good timing that we ended up meeting in the mosh pit.
How would you describe each other?
Ben is just a genuine top bloke. Probably the most charismatic and patient person I know. Bayly is kind, loyal and has a cheeky wit.
Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement?
Ben will tell you that I had no idea about the proposal, but I think that everyone who knows us, knows that I wouldn’t let something like that slip by. We decided to do a road trip of Te Waipounamu back in winter of 2019. I am pretty organised but strategically left two days of “free time” for Ben to plan. He did a great job, booking a helicopter ride up to Brass Peak where his wobbly knee finally gave in.
Tell us about your wedding style. What influenced your planning for the day?
We both wanted the day to be simple and timeless – “classy AF” as our photographer Ana Galloway said. To us, that meant black and white with minimal decoration. There were a lot of hours spent scrolling Instagram and Pinterest but we are so happy with how things came together.
Why did you choose your destination?
We wanted to get married somewhere close to home that had accommodation on-site. Appleby House and Rabbit Island Huts was perfect because not only is it stunning, but roughly 30 of us were able to spend the entire long weekend together. Having the entire place to ourselves made the weekend even more special.
What was your favourite detail from the day?
It would have to be our dinner plates. I decided to make them all myself about a year before the big day. We had originally invited 164 people, so there were a lot of late nights after work. They are incredibly special to have and for friends and family to keep and remember our special day. Oh and I can’t forget the beautiful korowai that I was able to wear, gifted from my extended whānau. I last wore it when I graduated university, so it is very special.
What was your favourite moment from the day?
The speeches. There was so much laughter. We could watch them again and again. They were made extra special thanks to our original MC, Claydan, who was stuck in Sydney due to COVID. Luckily, he pre-recorded his speech which had the everyone in fits of laughter.
What does marriage mean to you?
Knowing that you get to spend the rest of your life with your best friend and the person who makes you the happiest.
Who were your stand out vendors?
Everyone was amazing. We are so lucky to have so many talented people and businesses in Nelson. Ana Galloway was the star of the day capturing all the beautiful moments. Our caterer Kristin Harrison was also incredible, and we cannot thank her enough for the tiramisu dessert table she created.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Remember to sneak away a couple of times during the night to catch up with your new husband or wife and soak it all in. We were often busy speaking to different groups, and it is nice to take some time out because it goes so quickly! Also – if you have not had eyelash extensions before and are think about getting them for your wedding, please be cautious. I trialled extensions about 6 months before our wedding, and all of my lashes fell out on my left eye. Thankfully I had Asher – and amazing makeup artist, so you couldn’t tell on the day, but they are only starting to grow back a year later.
|| VENDOR CREDITS ||
Photographer: Ana Galloway | Florist: Willow Florist Design | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts | Marquee: Got it Covered | Prop or Furniture Hire: Events Co | Stationery + Signage: Bride | Celebrant: Jo Bond | Rings: Village Goldsmith | Catering: Kristin Harrison | Bridal Gown: Paris Georgia | Hair: Hair by Victoria Sifa | Makeup: Asher Artistry | Bridesmaids: Ruby Boutique + Aje | Suit: Rembrandt | Tie / Bow tie: Rembrandt | Cufflinks: Barkers | Shoes: Atticus | Groomsmen: Hallensteins | Plates: Bayc Ceramics
To see more of Ana Galloway’s beautiful work check out weddings Charlotte + Tom , Kate + Paul and many more in our real wedding blog. You can also find Ana on our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection, here.
