In the heart of the Gimblett Gravels wine growing district, Nicole and Benjamin shared their winery vows as the leaves began to gather underfoot. They wed before a modern arbour; fortified by structural clean lines and edged with crisp, elegant florals by Botanical Lane.
Nicole, beautifully etched by Anna Schimmel, with a deep-v backline and a touch of décolletage nude tulle, and Benjamin timelessly monochrome featuring an onyx bowtie. Endlessly chic, bridesmaids swooned in rosé ash by Leave Her Wilder, with Nicole’s blush velvet Chaos & Harmony heels tying in with her maids perfectly.
Spaces recreated by Flock Events seamlessly complimented the vineyard surrounds and the couple’s plush style. Vine-greens and blancs scattered the reception; an intoxicating venue at the heart of eastern wine country, the romance of the Hawke’s Bay proving a last holiday reprieve for guests just before lockdown fell.
An exquisite new vintage captured by Meredith Lord below.
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
We swiped right (on Tinder) and we have been together for 4.5 years.
How would you describe each other?
I would describe Ben as driven, caring, patient, supportive and fun. Ben would describe me as caring, thoughtful, funny and organised.
Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement?
Ben proposed on our 3rd anniversary, he waited all night and didn’t get a chance, he ended up proposing once we went to bed with a key ring. I went to pick my ring later that week!
Tell us about your wedding style.
Modern glamour if there is such a thing, it was quite traditional with the colour scheme, bridesmaids in a timeless blush colour and everything else was black and white, flowers were white and green. We didn’t want anything that would date quickly when we look back at photos.
What was your favourite moment from the day?
Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Benjamin’s face.
What does marriage mean to you?
It cements our commitment to each other, it’s a deeper love and respect for one another being married.
Why did you choose your destination?
We both love Hawkes Bay and the wineries, it is a nice trip away for our guests and you can always rely on beautiful sunny weather.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
I am the most organised person you will meet and then COVID turned everything upside down (our wedding was just before lockdown, 21 March 2020), it made me realise that you just need to relax and what will be, will be – it actually doesn’t make a difference to your day. Remember that the most important part is marrying your best friend.
|| VENDOR CREDITS ||
Photographer: Meredith Lord | Florist: Botanical Lane | Prop & Furniture Hire: Flock Events | Venue: Te Awa Winery | Bride’s gown: Anna Schimmel | Bride’s shoes: Chaos & Harmony | Veil: Alma J Bridal Boutique | Bridesmaids Dresses: Leave Her Wilder | Rings: Diamonds on Richmond | Makeup: Candice Dear | Hair: Debbie Pearce | Suit: Working Style | Groom’s shoes: Vance Vivian | Groomsmen: Hallensteins | Stationery: Paper Lust | Neon sign: Radikal Neon | Celebrant: Fiona Cleary | Catering: Te Awa Winery | Cake: Pretty Little Details Co | Event Planner: I Do Glamour | Entertainment: The Munros & Stolen Records
Looking for some intimate furniture hire inspiration? Check out Kate & Hamish’s day with Flock Events here.
Want to see more hire pieces by Flock Events, check out Flock’s profile on our exclusive Wild Hearts Vendor Collection here, and you can light up your next event with a neon from Radikal Neon, check them out here.
Words by Isabelle McKay.
