Kauri Bay Boomrock Wedding // Lena and Raphael

What was the inspiration behind your day?

It was really important to us to celebrate New Zealand’s natural beauty, as we both have such fond memories of growing up there, and also pay homage to our Chinese and  German backgrounds. We didn’t really have a theme but we wanted to create a modern,  relaxed elegance with a coastal vibe. We definitely didn’t want it to feel too traditional or fussy. The decor was quite understated, and let the venue and view shine.  

What are some of your favourite details from the day?

So many! Being able to see the ocean! The amazing weather! The rattan lamps, natural table linens, floral arrangements…all helped create that relaxed, summer holiday feeling.  We were really happy with the way the stationery turned out. The name cards were spec’d on heavyweight stock, and they felt really luxe. A lot of guests kept theirs. The custom coasters were also a personal touch – Raph and I like to collect (steal!) cool beer mats from bars we visit around the world; so I decided to design one for our wedding.  Raph found a producer in the UK that printed them super cheap. We decided not to have an arch or anything that would block the view, but instead framed the ceremony spot with two large installs that looked like greenery growing naturally out of the ground. We featured a lot of Toe Toe – a native grass that normally grows near the ocean. It’s one of my favourite kiwi plants and always reminds us of going camping or a trip to the beach. I also asked for orchids to be featured – my grandad is an excellent gardener and he’s always had orchids in his house. We’re very grateful to our families for making the delicious dessert! It was a nice way to include something from our different cultures. I loved surprising everyone with my red qipao, but the earrings were the real star of my outfit.

Talk to us about your dress? Where was it from? How long did it take to find and how did you find the overall experience?  

DRESS: I knew I wanted something contemporary and elegant with a clean silhouette,  nothing fussy or overly formal, and it had to be comfortable to move in as well. I also didn’t want to wear a veil and I was obsessed with capes after seeing pictures from  Solange’s wedding! Giving myself about a month to sort it out, I went to 6 bridal stores in London. While I did try on a giant puffball for fun, I kind of knew I was looking for the perfect slip dress. Easier said than done – the adage is true that what seems simple is sometimes the hardest to achieve! I actually found the cape first, at Heart A Flutter boutique, by Lena Medoyeff same name – meant to be. I loved the graphic silhouetted it created when layered over a dress.  They didn’t stock the matching slip so the hunt continued. When I went to Charlie Brear, I  just fell in love with the store, they had so many beautiful options in the softest silks, and the service was lovely. I ended up selecting a flattering bias-cut dress. I wasn’t able to try both pieces together until after they had been made and delivered, so I was so happy and relieved to see the combo looked ok! It was a gamble that worked out.  

JUMPSUIT: Although I loved my dress and cape, it wasn’t the easiest outfit to move around in and I wanted to be able to dance and have a good time with our guests, so I  looked for a jumpsuit for the reception. The Ralph Lauren one with the cape very much fit in with the style of my dress.  

QIPAO: I loved the idea of changing into a qipao and knew my family would too but  I didn’t know where to get one made in London. A tailor in Soho had quoted me the same price as my Charlie Brear dress and I wasn’t willing to buy two expensive dresses!  Luckily we were stopping over in Hong Kong before the wedding to see some family and  I managed to visit a tailor. I didn’t see any fabric I liked and was about to walk out when  Raph spied a roll of beautiful, ruby red silk subtly woven with dragons and phoenixes hidden in a cabinet. It took about 10 minutes to get measured up and a week later he had sent it to NZ, ready for me to pick up just in time for the wedding. I only tried it on a couple of days before the wedding and luckily it fit ok as there was no time for alterations. I really take it as a sign when things work out like that! I ended up wearing it during dinner and I’m so glad I did because it made my grandparents very happy.