Phillip & Laura’s DIY Wedding with Copper + Greenery

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by Avosa
September 28, 2017

With wild New Zealand scenery, botanical vibes and Avosa behind the lens, not even the so called “Tasman Tempest” storm was a match for Phillip and Laura’s loved-up family homestead wedding. Celebrating over a decade together, these high school sweethearts honoured their history and toasted to their future.

Originally planning for an open air ceremony, but with the storm threatening a downpour, last minute plans to pop up a marquee were made. The mother of the bride crafted their foliage wall by torch light on the day of the wedding! Doing away with tradition, they decided to celebrate what was important to them as a couple. “We chose to walk each other down the aisle as after 11 years we see our marriage as a continuation of the relationship and lives we have already created together.”

The theme for the day was tropical botanical, with a whole bunch of foliage and copper accents. Laura opted for a clear marquee from Silver Fern Marquees for a glasshouse feel, with tables hired from Vitrine and Maree and Co wicker chairs. Thanks to help from friends and family, and plenty of greenery, they well and truly achieved their styling goals. “The biggest challenge, and a vision from the very beginning were the suspended foliage arrangements. With the skills of many people combined in different aspects, we constructed these entirely ourselves.”

These two ended the party with a surprise for their guests, and made the day even more special. “We had a huge secret we kept from everyone except our parents until our joint Bride & Groom speech. We loved to be able to announce to all of our treasured friends and family at the same time that we were 12 weeks pregnant!”

green and white bridal bouquet
These diligent DIYers styled their arrangements from blooms foraged from the Waikato River bank and the various gardens of family and friends. They sourced cut flowers and extra foliage from Bloom Brokers.
handmade vintage wedding dress vintage bride
With a background in fashion, Laura is one talented bride! She made her stunning vintage inspired beaded dress herself. Her sandals are from Asos, and hairpins from Luxebuffalo.
marquee wedding with hanging greenery DIY perspex seating chart DIY perspex seating chart
For a modern DIY detail, Laura created the seating chart and signage using clear perspex and chalk pens. (Check out this tutorial for a handy how-to)
Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements
homemade buttercream wedding cake
DIY greenery wedding backdrop with tropical foliage modern dapper groom Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements bride and groom walking down the aisle together Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements DIY greenery wedding backdrop with tropical oliage DIY greenery wedding backdrop with tropical oliage Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements antipasto table flower girl with gold headpiece Modern DIY farm wedding with greenery and copper elements Modern DIY farm wedding with greenery and copper elements place setting with hammered copper name tags marquee wedding with hanging greenery Modern DIY farm wedding with greenery and copper elements wild Auckland wedding by Avosa Photography wild Auckland wedding by Avosa Photography wild Auckland wedding by Avosa Photography bride and groom dancing under waterfall wild Auckland wedding by Avosa Photography wild Auckland wedding by Avosa Photography wild Auckland wedding by Avosa Photography wild Auckland wedding by Avosa Photography
When the wedding photographer that she had in mind was already booked, Laura cleverly turned to the list of who they followed on facebook, where she found Avosa Wedding Photography. “Avosa was by far the best decision we made for the wedding!”
Modern DIY farm wedding with greenery and copper elements Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements Modern DIY arm wedding with greenery and copper elements Modern DIY farm wedding with greenery and copper elements

Credits

Images Avosa | Bride's Dress made by the bride | Bride's Shoes Asos | Groom's Suit Barkers' | Hair Hairitage Waiuku | Makeup Connor Adams | Celebrant Yvette Reid | Flowers Bloom Brokers | Catering Flying Trestles | Marquee hire Silver Fern Marquees | Table hire Vitrine | Chair hire Maree & Co. | Cutlery & Festoon lights The Pretty Prop Shop |


Leave a Reply

Jaekee San Miguel 6 years ago

I love the scenery! Im a soon-to-be bride and still looking for places around Auckland. May I know where the location for this wedding? Thanks!

6 years ago

Jaekee, I’m afraid it’s the bride’s private family property! Oh to be blessed with such a beautiful backyard x

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