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 This month we take a peek into Aleisha and Hayden's gorgeous Waiheke Island wedding.
Read on for all of Aleisha's top tips, fav moments and special secrets from her big day...
Name: Aleisha Coote (nee Van Veen) Partner’s Name: Hayden Coote Ages: I’m 22 and Hayden is 24 
Where was the ceremony held?
The Dunes on Onetangi Beach, Waiheke Island. Who designed your dress? Xian Bridal. I sketched out what I wanted and they made it – fabulously efficient and affordable. I loved my dress!
Who took your photos?
Which is your favourite shot?
This is a hard one as I love all of our wedding photos - but one of my most favourite is of Hayden and I walking down the beach together – a photo packed with the happiness that filled our entire day.
How long did you spend organising the wedding?
We booked the venue and photographer 18 months out, yet the rest was organised within a year of our wedding date.
Did you decide to change your name?
Absolutely – Mrs Coote. 
How did you spend the time leading up to the ceremony? Having our wedding on Waiheke Island was great as everything had to be organised before we boarded the boat – no going back for last minute bits and pieces. On the day of the wedding us girls (four bridesmaids, mum, aunties and grandmas) kitted out the apartment with nibbles, bubbles, good music, hairdressers and a fabulous makeup artist. It was so much fun getting ready together and next thing I knew it was wedding time!
What moments brought tears to your eyes? Walking down the stairs (all done up) and seeing my Dad for the first time – tears were trickling down his face and my “don’t cry” efforts were quickly gone. I cried again walking down the isle to our wedding song (‘Blowers Daughter’ by Damien Rice) and when I saw Hayden. All tears of happiness of course. Any funny moments from the reception? Some late night, extremely funny attempts at pole dancing. Results: bumps, bruises and permanent damage to one guests collar bone. Any advice for brides to be? Relax and enjoy every moment. Most importantly don’t loose sight of what’s most important, the formal celebration of you and your partner’s love for one another, ultimately nothing else matters. Oh and a one month holiday in Thailand was a fantastic way to begin our marriage together!
Flowers by?
Lotta at the Waiheke Flower Company Cake by? A family friend Number of attendees? 80 What was your bridal car? My Dad and his friend’s matching red Holden Club Sports – although we only had 800meters to travel!
Any Bridezilla moments?
Well…our wedding planner (provided by the venue) quit two days before our wedding and failed to inform us of his departure. He also failed to pass on any of my emails or special requests so when I visited the venue the morning of the wedding they seemed to have no idea what about was going on! But alas – a bit of positive thinking (The Secret), trust, great friends and excellent back up crew at the venue meant no bridezillas here! Furtherest travel for a guest? Our MC travelled from Wales to share our special day with us. |
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