Tee & Tom’s Vintage Wedding at Hahei Beach

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by Samantha Donaldson
May 3, 2017

We love a play on tradition, and this laid back wedding captured by Samantha Donaldson mixed things up in all the right ways. Drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s penchant for girl power, Tom and his groomsmen arrived at the ceremony (by vintage tractor, no less), and the groom escorted down the aisle by his mum to greet his awaiting bride, Tee.

Living in London, Tee and Tom brought British style and hints of vintage to their beach-to-backyard affair. Taking full advantage of the their ocean-side setting, the couple tied the knot right by the beach at picturesque Hahei. “The spot is all the more special because it’s where we’ve walked past hundreds of times before to go down to the beach and will walk past hundreds of times in the future.”

After post-ceremony drinks on the reserve, the party meandered back to Tee’s family home for a backyard reception with a marquee complete with an indoor tree! Family and friends were on hand to help out with the DIY, and Tee and Tom came up with a pretty nifty solution for keeping track of all those little tasks. “We set-up a scrum board in the days leading up the wedding with post-its of jobs separated into three sections; to be done, doing and done. That way people were able to come in and help out as they were able.”

tea towel wedding invitation
These personalised tea towels from Wedding Tea Towels are oh so cute, and definitely too pretty to use on the washing up!
vintage backyard wedding by the beach, Hahei NZ soft pink flower crown vintage tea length wedding dress
Living in London, Tee had access to some pretty fantastic vintage. She picked up this sweet 1960s tea-length number from Elizabeth Avery in Greenwich, completing her look with a Vivian of Holloway petticoat and Rachel Simpson heels which she nabbed on eBay.
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Divine Flowers put together the soft pastel bouquets, flower crowns and buttonholes. The rest of the flora and foliage was lovingly assembled by friends and family – with table made by Tee’s 92 year old grandmother!
vintage DIY beach wedding, Hahei NZ vintage tea-length wedding dress
Tom’s pink Tommy Hilfiger chinos are all kinds of great! We love this relaxed yet dapper look.
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Tee’s bridemaids added a touch of modern style in navy blue dresses from ASOS Wedding, and delicate flower crowns from Divine Flowers.
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Tee hand stitched the table names with the words Love, Aroha and Liefde; meaning love in English, Maori and Dutch, to represent all the countries in which they have lived and said “I love you”.
vintage backyard wedding by the beach, Hahei NZ rustic table setting with olive leaf runner
vintage backyard wedding by the beach, Hahei NZ
rustic table setting with olive leaf runner
semi-naked wedding cake with wooden monogram topper
Sweet Addiction stepped in to provide this semi-naked delight, with bespoke cake topper crafted by Sophie Victoria Joy.
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Credits

Images Samantha Donaldson | Bride's Dress Elizabeth Avery | Bridesmaid's Dresses ASOS Wedding | Groom's Suit Tommy Hilfiger | Hair Melle van Sambeek | Makeup Greer Melrose | Celebrant Raynor Simich | Flowers Divine Flowers | Stationery/Invitations Wedding Tea Towels | Marquee hire Marquee Solutions | Prop hire Maree & Co | Cake Sweet Addiction | Cake topper Sophia Victoria Joy |


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