A venue with a view is always a bonus, however both country and seaside views is iconically Kiwi. Kendyll and Luke found their dream wedding venue at Nocton Woolshed, which overlooks the Clevedon River valley and out to the Hauraki Gulf and Islands. Rustic, relaxed and chic, all outputs of their planning were symbiotic with the venue.
Radiant against the verdant surrounds, Kendyll’s bodice was delicately embellished, with soft layers of tulle flowing from the waist. Her bridesmaids were relaxed but refined in Blak Bridesmaids dresses – gorgeous khaki, high necks and A-line silhouettes.
We love the freedom in the gorgeous florals by Kensal: an understated palette of peaches, pink lemonade and soft green, garden inspired and slightly wild. Daisies, bluebells and roses untamed yet perfectly put together.
Picturesque scenes documented by Samantha Donaldson Photography.
Marriage is… saying you’ve found ‘your person’ you want to do life with; creating new memories and embarking on new adventures together.
KENDYLL + LUKE
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
We have been together for almost 8 years. We met at work in Auckland, where we lived and worked for 3 years before moving to London for what was supposed to be just 2 years but has now been 5 and counting.
How would you describe each other?
Kendyll is strong-willed, intelligent, kind and caring. Luke is hard working, ambitious, thoughtful and generous. We balance each other out and both love an adventure.
Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement?
Having returned home to NZ for a holiday, us and Kendyll’s family stayed the weekend on Waiheke to celebrate her birthday. It was also a chance to spend time with her new baby nephew, who kept Kendyll considerably occupied and thwarted Luke’s multiple attempts to get her alone to pop the question.
Leaving it until after the birthday lunch (Kendyll still hadn’t got the hint) she was told that if she wanted her birthday gift, she had to join Luke outside on the deck. It was a simple but perfect proposal and an instant celebration with family which made it all the more special.
Tell us about your wedding style. What influenced your planning for the day?
We wanted to have a rustic style wedding with autumnal colours, taking a steer from the venue and the time of year we were getting married. We wanted the day to be relaxed but chic. We had first anticipated that we would select a venue where everything was included and taken care of, however when it came down to it, we realised that the things we wanted that were important to us; food, wine and the band, wouldn’t be exactly how we had imagined without taking a more DIY approach. It’s no lie that it takes more planning and doing it from the other side of the world was challenging at times, but it was totally worth it when everything came together on the day.
What was your favourite moment from the day?
Seeing each other at the first look before the ceremony was somewhat surreal, realising it was all actually going to go ahead. Potentially having to postpone the big day due to the increasing Covid-19 restrictions being put in place in the week leading up, made being able to go through with it, even more special.
What does marriage mean to you?
It’s saying you’ve found ‘your person’ you want to do life with; creating new memories and embarking on new adventures together.
Who were your standout vendors?
It’s hard to single out any vendors as they all did such an amazing job. Given the stress of the lead up, having everyone pull through, and being particularly lucky to have so many family and friends help, made the whole experience incredibly special.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Lists and spreadsheets are your friend! There is a lot to think about when planning the entire day yourself, so keeping it tracked and budgeted makes it easier. Given there is a lot to organise, having a support network is also really important. People are so happy to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for help to divide and conquer. And once all organised, make sure you enjoy everything on the day, it goes by in a flash!!
Why did you choose your destination?
Auckland was the natural choice having been where we first met and lived as a couple. The venue felt right to who we are as a couple and what we miss most about NZ; being set in the countryside with views of the sea. It was such a great venue for the whole day.
|| CREDITS ||
Photography: Samantha Donaldson | Florals: Kensal | Prop & Furniture hire: Two Foxes Rentaland Inspire | Venue: Nocton Woolshed | Bridal gown: Alice Temperley from Angelica Bridal | Veil: Unveiled by Sophie | Bride’s shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Bridesmaids dresses: Blak Bridesmaids | Rings: 77 Diamonds | Hair & Makeup: Charlie McLean Makeup | Groom’s & groomsmen’s blazer: Moss Bros, Chinos: Selected Homme, Bowties: Reiss & Shoes: Asos | Stationery: by Emma Watson (bridesmaid) | Celebrant: Barbara James-Bartle | Cake: Baker & Co | Entertainment: Blue Steel Band | Transport: Ritchies
We are excited to have Samantha Donaldson as part of our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection. Check out more of her beautiful photography here and for an insight into Sam’s work, see our chat with her here.
Words by Isabelle McKay.
