After following Gemma every step of the way as she planned her wedding, we finally get to see how the big day went!

If you missed out on reading Gemma's Wedding Diary entries, click here to check out how it all began!

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Name: Gemma Finlay
Partner's Name: Paul Digby
Ages: 25 and 29



Where was the ceremony held?
The Holy Trinity Church, Silverdale.

Who designed your dress?
I bought a very basic dress off the rack and my wonderful mother customised it so I ended up with my dream dress (and saved a whole lot of money!).

Who took your photos?
Dreamlife Photography.

How long did you spend organising the wedding?
10 months.

What was the inspiration for the day?  
I wanted a really romantic vintage inspired feel so I kept everything very soft and stuck to a palette of pale pinks and greys.

Did you decide to change your name?
It took me a while, but yes, my name will change - I'm just still getting my head around it though, so it might be a slow process.



How did you spend the time leading up to the ceremony?
I supervised my bridesmaids hair and makeup (control freak, me?!) then got my own done. After that it was a quick lunch at my parents then into our dresses before the photographer arrived.

What moments brought tears to your eyes?
There were a few! I kept it together during the ceremony but when my dad mentioned my late grandmother in his speech, who I still miss dearly, I lost it a bit. Then there was sharing the last dance of the night with Paul - I had a few happy tears because everything had been so perfect.

What song did you dance to?
‘Sail Away’ by David Grey.

Any funny moments from the reception?
The best man and chief bridesmaid both mentioning their single status in their speeches... and then later being spotted flirting up a storm... with each other.

Would you change anything if you had the chance to do it again?
Not a thing - I know it sounds cheesy, but it was 110% perfect from start to finish.

Any advice for brides to be?
Just enjoy it every second - it does rush by, so don't get caught up fussing about minor details.



Flowers by?
Gemma Collins at Country Elegance Flowers in Coatesville - she was a star to deal with and totally understood the look I was going for.

Cake by?
Janine at  Elaboration Cake Design - it tasted good!

Hair & Makeup by?
Hair by Betty at Euro Hair Design Albany. Makeup by Kate at Bobbi Brown, Farmers Albany.

Number of guests?
74.

Where did you hold your reception?
The Coatesville Settlers Hall.

What was your bridal car?
We used Corporate Cab's bridal car service.

Any Bridezilla moments?
Only a momentary one when I was trying to pose for the photographer and my parents' cat kept wandering around my legs - even though he'd been moved about five times!

Furthest travel for a guest?
Wellington.

• Wedding Diary: My Hen's Night 
• Wedding Album: Renee and Mathew
• Could you be our next diary of a bride columnist?
• Wedding Diary 9: One Month to Go