WOW – our judges REALLY had their work cut out for them when it came to judging Taranaki Wedding of the Year 2019 – the caliber of the entries was really high – but throughout the judging process there was one wedding that just shone through for it’s personal touches, it’s attention to detail and it’s consistency to theme – and it quickly became the wedding that all other weddings were measured against!
Congratulations to our 2019 Taranaki Wedding of the Year – Brent and Ellen Aston-Landers!
Brent and Ellen were married on Saturday 23rd March at the Barn in Hawera – followed by a reception with their family and friends at the TSB Hub. The theme for the day was “Family and Friends” – this theme was carried throughout the day by incorporating their family members and close friends into as many aspects of the celebrations as possible. It was incredibly important to Ellen and Brent to be able to include as many members of their family and their sentimental items in their special day as possible – they are both very family oriented and value and respect the support and love they have received from their families.
Their heartfelt ceremony, conducted by Rose Haskell began with Ellen being walked down the aisle by her father and her 94 year old grandfather – a detail that was kept secret from the whole family – and they walked down the aisle to a Shania Twain song – who is Ellen’s dad’s favourite singer and whose concert they had recently attended as a family. The Bridal Party was comprised of their siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and closest friends and as an extra special touch – both the Bride and Grooms mothers posed at Witnesses for the formal part of the proceedings. The Bride wore jewellery that had had been gifted to her by her family and her new mother-in-law and her hairpiece was actually a brooch that belong to her Nanna. She carried two handkerchiefs – one which was gifted to her by her sister, and the other, with blue flowers, also belonged to her Nanna and represented her “something blue”.
The beautiful gardens at “The Barn” provided a truly stunning backdrop for their ceremony – but the focal point of their ceremony, posing as an alter, was an old horsecart decked with flowers and the lace from Ellen’s own mum’s wedding gown.
After the Ceremony – they bridal party headed to “Hicks Park” for their photographs together with Hanna Andrewes Photography – not only the park where Brent himself plays Rugby – but “Hicks Park” was also named after Ellen’s Dads family.
And finally – on to the reception at the TSB Hub in Hawera which had been decorated with floral arrangements by Ellen Uncle and some friends that they had created using flowers from friends and families gardens. Once again – their reception had an abundance of personal details that further embraced their theme of “Family and Friends”. A Candle burned throughout the evening on their cake table in loving memory of those who were forever present in their hearts, they used sprigs of rosemary on each place setting in memory of Ellens Uncle and guests were invited to place this around the memorial candle with their thoughts of loved ones past – a truly beautiful and sentimental touch – which sums up Ellen and Brent’s entire day!
When announced at the 2019 Taranaki Weddings Awards Gala that their special day – Ellen and Brent were both touched and humbled. Brent made a short but incredibly touching speech thanking his new wife, and their families, for creating such a beautiful and memorable day, that captured the hearts of everyone in the room and cemented their union as the 2019 Taranaki Wedding of the Year.
Brent and Ellen won at $500 voucher towards their honeymoon from Tina Strachan Travel Broker and an “I Still Do” journal from Churchwood Bridal to record their marriage memories for years to come.
Ellen attended two Taranaki Weddings Shows while planning her wedding – which she said were a great help with ideas! Her advice to other brides and grooms planning their special day:-
“Planning is the key! Keep everything simple (but still nice) to create and easygoing, stress-free day. Do little things ahead of time to make the weeks leading up as smooth as possible.”
When asked if they would have done anything differently for their special day – Ellen answered, without hesitation:-
“Not at all! Our day was better than we could have imagined. We LOVED IT! When I think back to our special day I am just so lucky for all the help we had to make our day such smooth sailing. We had such a relaxing morning that the Bridesmaids and I were ready with 25 minutes to spare. Throughout the day we had a relaxed atmosphere with many laughs had. Take me back to this day, any day!”
Brent and Ellen – thank you for sharing your Wedding Day story with us – we wish you heart congratulations and a lifetime of love and happiness together
xxxxx
Brent and Ellens Wedding Vendors:-
- Venue – The Barn – Hawera & TSB Hub
- Celebrant – Rose Haskell – Celebrant
- Photographer – Hanna Andrewes Photography
- Bride’s Gown – Churchwood Bridal
- Brides Accessories – Family Heirlooms
- Hair Dresser – Abstract Hair Design
- Makeup Artist – Jichelle Beauty
- Grooms Attire – Hallenstines & No 1 Shoe Warehouse
- Bridal Party Attire – Churchwood Bridal, Hallenstines & No 1 Shoe Warehouse
- Florist – This + That and Family.
- Cakes – Creatiers
- Caterer – Hub Catering
- Entertainment – Teka Grindlay (Family Friend)