KATE + PAUL \\ Coastal Celebrations Captured by Ana Galloway

A celebration set on the coastal cliff tops of The Summerhouse, a new destination on the outskirts of Nelson with a modern landscape and serene ocean vistas.

KATE + PAUL chose a fusion of modern and romantic styling details for their wedding day. With florals in soft pastel hues and touches of wild natives that added a rustic texture to compliment the surroundings in this sundrenched dreamscape location.

Effortlessly refined, Kate wore a timeless silk slip dress by New Zealand bridal designer Wild & White, paired with a polka dot tulle veil.

As the sun set beneath the hills and those painterly dusk hues hit the coastline, guests danced the night away and Kate + Paul’s newest adventure began.
Capturing the oceanscape and Summer celebrations, was Wild Hearts favourite Ana Galloway.

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

Having both spent long periods of time overseas, we both returned to NZ within the same month and through our good mutual friend (& MC on our wedding day) Ekow. He hosted a murder mystery night, we spent most of the night back to back at different tables but when leaving we caught each other’s eye. By the time the bus got to the bar in town, we were definitely keen to share a few shots and party the night away. I wrote my number on the back of one of the bar receipts and told Paul if he was genuinely keen to know me to call me on Monday night – he called!

How would you describe each other?

We love a good adventure, off the beaten track, something that makes the soul feel good. We keep each other honest and balanced.

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

I am not one for the big over the top public proposals. It was just us being us one very quiet Christmas morning. Although I pride myself on usually always being one step ahead and very hard to surprise, I truly missed seeing this coming.

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

We wanted something considered but relaxed, something that would allow our personalities to shine through. We were really motivated by being true to the things we enjoyed and ensuring our guests would have a good time.

What does marriage mean to you?

Our marriage means knowing we will always have each other’s strength, commitment and loyalty. It means finding love in moments that are challenging and learning to fall in love time and time again as we grow and change together. But most of all being married to us is about enjoying each other and having a bloody good time together.

Why did you choose your destination?

We wanted all our guests to visit a place they hadn’t been before, so this newer venue was appealing (we were originally keen to explore an overseas small wedding but COVID played a hand in how things eventuated). Having a view of the ocean was important to us as it reminded us of being on holiday which is one of our favourite things to do together.

What was your favourite moment from the day?

Weddings bring out all the feels! It’s so hard to push pause on one moment and say yip it’s that, that bit was the best. However, saying cheers and sharing an espresso martini together while looking at our guest’s party the night away was pretty special, we remember just feeling so grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful people and so much love.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

If it matters to you, it really matters, make it happen! If you’re someone who stays awake at night thinking about tiny details, prioritize a wedding planner.