Harriet & Jacob \\ Italian Vineyard Elegance Captured by David Le Photography

Nestled in the heart of Martinborough, two kind, dedicated souls tied the knot at a beautiful Vineyard after years of long distance.

A day of modern, chic romance with an Italian charm unfolded before the sweeping views of the wine region. Between the endless rows of vines, Harriet and Jacob were married by Jacob’s father. The soft sage greens and tussock beige of the landscape provided a rustic backdrop with the Roman country-styled buildings of plaster, tiled red roofs and exposed timber; a European flair imbued with elegance and longevity.

Post ceremony, the reception was held in the vineyard’s tasting room beneath exposed beams and chandeliers, with sweeping wooden tables, wrought iron details, endless candles and crisp white linen. We love the classic, ageless feel of the reception that perfectly captured the essence of the whole venue and the couple of the moment. Into the night, celebrations spilled out of the cellar door and into the surrounding courtyards lit by the stars.

Get swept up in a love story spanning the distance of the North Island below. Tenderly captured by David Le Photography.

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

I grew up in Palmerston North and Jacob in Levin, and although we both attended high school in Palmerston North, we never crossed paths until university. We first met at the University of Auckland where we were both studying optometry. We were in different years but became friends. Jacob then graduated University and got a job back in Palmerston North. He knew I was back on summer holiday and asked me out to coffee, until soon the occasional catch up turned into an everyday kind of thing. Jacob said he knew by the end of summer that I was the one. The next two years were a tough test of our relationship with Jacob being in Palmerston North and me in Auckland. It really is a testament to the love we felt for each other as we felt long distance was so much better than not being together. Fast forward seven years and we are now husband and wife, living happily in the mighty Manawatu, with a cute dog Milly, old cat Maisey and a beautiful new home.

How would you describe each other?

Jacob: Harriet is caring, loving and intelligent. She is so thoughtful and always wants what is best for us. There is never a mundane day with Harriet, she always has something on the go and can’t sit still for too long. I love her competitive spirit which comes out in anything whether it be mini-golf or a game of ultimate charades. Harriet: Jacob is the perfect person for me. Jacob is level-headed and thoughtful and has a plan for everything. He does not worry or stress which I find really calming and hope it rubs off on me. Jacob is always looking out for me and I enjoy his company more than anyone else in the world.

Tell us a bit about the proposal and your engagement

After years together and a house and a dog and many trips Jacob decided it was time to propose, an upcoming trip to Fiji seemed like the perfect place. The entire first day we there all Jacob could think about was the proposal, he seemed nervous all day. He decided it had to be done that night otherwise the stress would ruin his holiday. He eventually panicked and suggested a walk down to the beach, got down on one knee and asked the question. Unfortunately I was completely oblivious and missed the big moment! So Poor Jacob ended up yelling the question from the other end of the beach. Once I realised what was happening I ran back and said yes.

Tell us about your wedding style, what influenced your planning for the day?

I love beautiful things and am a bit of a collector so that definitely influenced our style. I wanted to look back at our wedding photos and still like them in 20 years time, so we tried to keep the style simple and classic. We both love warm summer nights so having our wedding in March was our ideal time.

Why did you choose your destination?

We wanted to be close to Palmerston North as most of our guests live here. A love of wine led us to Martinborough to look at a few venues, and we actually ended up at our chosen venue by chance. Some friends of ours lived nearby and we met them at Poppies Winery for lunch. We spoke to the owner, Poppie, over a wine tasting and then booked the venue that night!

What was your favourite moment of the day?

Jacob: The entrance of the bridal party to the reception following the ceremony. It was amazing to see everyone together for our special day and a great feeling to enter with Harriet as my wife! Harriet: The speeches! Slightly untraditional but I also did my own speech. I hate public speaking but I love to talk, so I decided to go for it. I’m so glad I did because I actually loved saying something on the day, being surrounded by everyone you love and letting them know how much it means to you is just really cool!

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage is about making each other better and happier. Marriage is about living life with each other. All the cliches are true, it is about being with each other through the highs and lows. It is great having your best friend with you all the time!

New Zealand Wedding Photographer David Le Design & Photography www.davidle.co.nz

Who were your stand out vendors?

The whole day went off perfectly, so we really have to thank all our great vendors for contributing. If we had to pick a couple, Poppies Winery provided an amazing venue and wine, they team up with Nick Arnold catering and the food was incredible. David Le our photographer is a legend and made the whole day so fun, along with Emma Doolan makeup. We got our rings made at Cameron’s Jewellery who are total professionals and the best in the region. Everyone was just really happy to help and made the day really exciting and all the planning more fun.

Advice for planning a wedding?

Read lots of magazines! They have lots of great vendor lists as it can be hard to know where to look for things. We visited our venue the same day of the wedding but a year in advance, to see what everything would look like. I would definitely recommend this because it influenced a lot of decisions which at the end of the day made it all the more enjoyable for our quests.

Do you have a favourite quote or piece of your vows you would like to share?

Jacob: “A good marriage is where both people feel like they’re getting the better end of the deal”. I feel so lucky to have Harriet in my life!

Harriet: Jacob, the last few years with you have been the best of my life. Together we always have such fun and we really have a wonderful life. I am so lucky to have you and everyday I will love you.

|| CREDITS ||

We are excited to have David Le Photography as part of our exclusive Wild Hearts Vendor Collection. Check out more of David’s stunning photography here and follow him on Instagram here.

Words by Isabelle McKay.