Soul Bound creates mesmerizing celebrations that embrace a couples unique and individual style; breaking the mold of the cookie-cutter aesthetic to create events that encapsulate the quirky and free-spirited. With weddings that are as stunning as they are meaningful, they remove the stress so you can revel with your closest family and friends to experience those rare moments of magic throughout the day.
We speak to Daria from Soul Bound about her beautiful events that she styles….
How did you get into the planning/styling game?
I always had a pronounced love for all things aesthetic, was fascinated by creating concepts and planning tools and converting them creatively. My study background is in International Event & Tourism Management and I was fortunate to work in many beautiful countries and witness the most memorable wedding set ups. Being a crucial member of this industry makes my love for weddings grow more with each single one of them. Mixing my experience with each couple’s vision is such an exciting moment.
CREDIT: Ash Muir Photography
What is your most popular package?
The Soul Mate Bundle offers Full Wedding Planning and Styling and is my most booked package.
I get a lot of enquiries for Partial Planning or On the Day Coordination, however most of my couples notice that having some more support for their wedding journey gives them peace of mind for their upcoming special day.
Credit: Haley Adele Photography
Advice for couples on the fence about hiring a planner/stylist?
A professional Wedding Planner/Stylist understands your needs and desires and will make your wedding journey smooth and exciting oppositely to a stressful one. We take care of all the crucial bits and finer details (even the not so fancy ones) while you can decide to sit back and relax or dive into planning/styling mode with us as much as you feel like it.
It is true that planning your own wedding can take anywhere from 150 to 300 hours. The hours can add up pretty quickly and if you are working a full time job and have a family that is a lot to take on.
Having someone taking care of the set up, run of the day and pack down without you having to worry about it, gives you the chance to fully enjoy your day.
Credit: Oriwia Soutar Photography
Favourite wedding you have ever planned/styled?
I am truly honoured to be a part of all of my couples weddings. All of their days are unique and can hardly be compared to one another. Each wedding has magical moments which I remember fondly.
However I am currently planning a wedding in Tuscany for one of my close friends and I am pretty excited about this destination wedding and their wedding vision.
Credit: Picture Perfect Photography
Brides are often overwhelmed with the volume of inspiration and contacts available. What should be the starting point when planning a wedding?
Having an honest and open chat with your partner right at the beginning. Both of you should think about what kind of wedding celebration you imagine without being influenced by other people’s expectations or wishes. It’s definitely not as easy as it sounds but will help along the planning to stick to your own wants and needs.
Some other things to consider are your wedding budget, deciding on a date and if you would like to involve a Wedding Planner, before starting to create a beautiful vendor selection to make your wedding day come true.
What are some of your favourite NZ destination wedding locations from iconic venues to little hidden gems?
I love love love the Coromandel. Orua Sea Grotto is such a breathtaking location and gives you so much freedom since it is a bare piece of land overlooking the ocean.
In the Auckland region I would not look past The McCallum Residence. It will wrap you in as soon as you arrive and it is hard to let go of.
Another brand new venue is Vanderosa Farms in Leigh. The views are to die for and the options seem endless to transform it into everything you can dream of for your big day.
Credit: Ryan Watts Photography
What advice would you give for planning and allocating a wedding budget?
I know no one likes to talk about it but setting a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it is a crucial part. While we all get flooded with gorgeous Instagram and Pinterest posts – you don’t want your wedding to financially drown you or notice half way through the planning that you already blew it all.
What is the one thing brides who plan their own wedding often say they wish they knew, in hindsight?
I should have included some alone time with my new husband/wife on the day. Wedding days are busy and the reality is that every guest wants a piece of you on the day. With everything happening most couples don’t notice that they hardly spend some important “us” time with their significant other.
I always encourage them to set aside 10 minutes just for them. Sneak away just the two of you. No bridal party or photographer. Allow yourself that time to actually realise what just happened.
Credit: Todorov Studios
The best weddings are…
The unexpected ones. Engagement Parties, Birthdays etc turning into a wedding celebration.
Guide us through the initial process couples can expect when working with Soul Bound?
I like to really get to know you. If it’s over a hot cuppa, a glass of wine or a bubbly zoom meeting. Having a great connection and feeling a good vibe on both sides is really important. I want to know everything you are happy to share with me and truly like to find out what your wedding vision looks like. Nothing is too quirky or wild. If you choose to work with me I will probably be one of your best mates when it comes to the Wedding Planning part. So making it click on both ends is a must. After our initial catch up I want you to have a proper chat with each other about getting me involved and if it’s a “Yes” then we will dive straight into the planning mode.
For more visit Soul Bound on the Vendor Collection here
