Cameron and Brooke were meant to be, the couple first met back in 2013 when Cameron and his parents moved to New Zealand from Perth and purchased the shop Brooke was working in. Brooke went over to their house for an interview to keep her job under the new ownership. Brooke walked in and just like a movie bumped straight into Cameron…who was shirtless,Time froze and Brooke was now standing in front of Cameron and his parents (her new bosses) staring at their half naked son. Luckily they didn’t seem to notice as Brooke kept her job and got the opportunity to work alongside Cameron from time to time where there was a noticeable spark.
The couple have been inseparable since their first meeting and have two beautiful daughters together.
Brooke and Cameron went on to get engaged, Brooke commented that she was never one of those girls who dreamt of getting married but since bumping into Cameron she just knew he was the one. Brooke says in her vows…
“7 years ago I was wandering into a job interview,
eager to impress
– when I banged into you
Shirtless 😌🤫
You appeared in my life and my world went still.
I have adored you ever since.I look at you and smile.
I know we are exactly where we are meant to be.I love how life is simple with you.
You don’t hold grudges.
You are selfless.
You are loyal.
You always put us first.”
Cameron talks about the love of finding his soulmate…
“You have taught me that two people joined together with love, respect and open communication can be so much stronger and happier than one can ever be alone. You have shown me my good sides and my not so good sides and helped me grow in more ways than I could imagine.”
Cameron and Brooke had a clear idea of what they wanted their Big day to reflect, Love!
“We are simple people. We don’t care too much about the latest trends or other people’s opinions. We just wanted to bound our love and share that love with our loved ones.”
The beautiful ceremony was held at Waiongana gardens where the beautiful flowers and scenery created the perfect backdrop. The reception was held at Jersey lane barn where there was a playground for the little ones. Festoon lights were used to tie in with the rustic theme of the barn and make the night glow.
Brooke and Cameron’s big day was filled with special moments some of the standouts were the first look photographs and speeches along with Brookes cousins welcoming the couple with a Haka and to top it off fireworks and the shoe game. The couple shared how grateful they were that they decided to get a Videographer to capture all of these moments.
“I missed seeing our kids walk down the aisle so seeing that special moment and Cams reaction was really special to me. Edward & Bronwyn from Capture You Wedding Cinema are complete professionals with reasonable prices so I recommend sending them a message.”
Brooke and Cameron’s wedding was filled with love and special touches unique to them as a couple. Brooke shared with us the touching way she incorporated a very special loved one into her day…
“My dad passed away in 2007. For me personally, I knew I needed to incorporate him into my special day. I had an artificial floral piece made by “K Flower Arrangements” for the front of my dads ashes and I carried him down the aisle. Holding him close to my heart while I walked down the aisle, my Mum to my side, really pulled everyone’s heart strings – mine included.”
Now that their Big day has been and gone the couple has had time to reflect on what they may have done differently or would urge other couples planning their own special day to think about. Brooke emphasized the importance of choosing the right bridesmaids that have the time and energy to help you in the lead up and on your big day. A strong crew of Bridesmaids that are willing and able to stand by you during the whole process including the stressful times is Invaluable. More hands does not always mean light work.
“The more bridesmaids you have, the longer it takes to get ready and the more expensive it is.”
“Girls naturally have a lot of glam: hair, make up, nails, tans, jewelry etc. The boys have their suits & that’s about it. I couldn’t recommend booking Mata Bidois higher. He works at multiple of New Plymouth’s best barbershops but will come to you & have the males looking sharp.
To see his work, follow him on instagram: @ali.g.tha.barber_”
Also if you have kids dedicate Aunties or other family members that they are comfortable with to look after them on the day.
Finally the couple shared some advice that they believe would benefit those going through the process and planning their big day. Meeting your Vendors before you book them was number one for this couple.
“It is essential that you vibe with the people who are contributing to arguably the biggest moment of your life! Your photographer(s) and videographer(s) will be with you through your whole day so you need to know you guys get along.”
Brooke and Cameron also recommended an evening wedding, They had their ceremony at 5:30 and had 4x bridesmaids, 4x Groomsmen 6x flower girls and 3x Page boys and needed the extra time to get everyone ready without the stress of a short timeframe.
Booking an Airbnb to get ready in so that everyone is in the same place makes it a lot easier.
“We are now in 2020. There are no rules. You know yourself and you know what works best for you. We booked an air bnb with two levels of living, hubby and his groomsmen were downstairs & my bridesmaids and I were upstairs. This didn’t ruin our “first look” as it was still the first time he had seen me full glam and in my dress. If you get ready in one house this eliminates travel time for your photographers to go back and forth to get those important “getting ready” shots.”
Write a schedule with estimated times as all of your vendors are going to ask for it! Also have a list of all your vendors contact details on hand.
“remember no one is going to notice things if they aren’t done perfectly. Only you know exactly how you wanted everything. Everyone else is there to support the love you are bounding together. Breathe. Appreciate all the moments. Let your emotions be real. Enjoy yourself.”
When the wedding has been and gone the most important thing still remains and that is a marriage, Brooke shared what her favorite thing about being a Mrs is.
“Sharing the same last name as my children and husband has been the final piece of our puzzle. We are whole now. Holding Cams hand and both our rings chiming together is a constant reminder of our wedding day, our love, our growth & our future.”
Congratulations Brooke and Cameron, your day looked absolutely perfect and we can’t thankyou enough for sharing your story with us xx
Vendors:
Photographer 1: Charmaine Adlam Photography
Photographer 2: tb-photography
Hair: Shayana Manson
Barber: @ali.g.tha.barber_
Make Up artist 1: _njmakeupartistry
Make up artist 2: Melissa.jane.makeup
Cake: Tartan Rose
Dress: Dylin’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Loved Once More
Grooms Suit: Hallensteins
Venue: Waiongana Gardens + Jersey Lane Barn
Catering: ABC Catering
Custom Signs: 9ineteen95
Invitations: Vistaprint
Wedding website: With Joy
Celebrant: Grant Coward
Transport: Smart Cars + Rides for Brides
Entertainment: Seismic Events – DJ Moose + Photobooth Fun
Videography: CaptureYou
Flowers: K Flower Arrangements
Wedding planning service: Hitched Taranaki
Furniture Hire: Higher – Weddings and Events Hire.