The Happiest of Backyard Weddings

TAMMY & BART

BROOKLYN, WELLINGTON

Photography: Saani Weitenberg

"Our first physical meeting in Gatwick, South terminal on Boxing Day. It was through mutual friends. Our first interaction was when I crashed into Bart on the ski slopes in Le Plagne, France. I took Bart out at the knees; Bart landed on me, and I was totally winded!

In 2011, we went from being good friends to an official couple. Our fondest memories are our snowboarding holidays – specifically the Treehouse trip in Austria, which we enjoyed so much we kept going back year after year! We both connected over our love of travel and adventure. A year later, we moved into our first flat in London together; Collcott Lodge is a really fond memory despite some cohabitation teething problems!”

“The proposal happened in 2016. We had travelled to Paris and were house-sitting for a friend. Just three months later, we decided to get married at a drive-through in Las Vegas. We've had many travels in our relationship, based in London and US; we've lived both together and long-distance due to work commitments. One of the places we lived was New York, and US visa requirements meant that we needed to get married as soon as possible if we wanted to get paid! Hence, the classic Vegas trip. The chapel was called 'Love in the Fast Lane.' Will the romance never end?

We moved around a bit, first settling in New York for a bit, then decided to return to New Zealand for good in 2020. We always knew we wanted to do something far more special (and private!) with our families when we moved back home. Although the pandemic delayed this even more, we were finally able to celebrate with our immediate family in the back garden of our first home in Brooklyn, Wellington, in February of 2022.”

“Lyndal of Little Lace Flower Company went above and beyond to make our pop-up wedding dreams come true. She was wonderful in bringing our simple, rustic backyard dream to life while also providing amazing personal touches and creativity to the day. Her work ethic is second to none!”

“Other shout-outs include Lisa and Anna from The Canapé Company. Their food was phenomenal and still a talking point in the family today!

Andi Harness, our celebrant, was spectacular. Her blend of honesty, kindness and hunour made for a memorable and intimate day with people we love. We are so grateful for how she pulled the ceremony together.”