COMBINING TRADITION, MEANING, AND FUN,

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“Lots of our friends and both sets of our parents have had long-lasting marriages,” Hannah says. “We want to emulate that. And we want our wedding day to remind people of the beauty of marriage.”

They had their first date out at Ngawi about five years ago. The couple have since heard that Hannah’s parents, who farm in Martinborough, had their first date at Ngawi too. It’s become a ritual for Hannah and Richard to go camping and surfing at Ngawi each New Year. It was 31 December 2022, just as they were watching an extraordinary sunset (see photo), when Richard proposed.

Hannah and Richard are leaving as little as possible about their wedding to chance.

They’ve chosen Tironui as the venue. “It is versatile because it has rainy day as well as outside seating options.” The wedding will be held in a romantic olive grove and the venue has beautiful options for photography including an archway in the olive grove and, up the hill, a view of Wairarapa valley which is magnificent at sunset. “We’re aiming for rural but also classy and classic.”

Tironui lets the bride and groom provide their own beverages and catering. “We’re bringing local beer and wine which will work well since the venue has keg taps and a fantastic bar set up,” Hannah says.

They’ve hired Le Grá Vineyard and Winery for catering. They’ll provide grazing platters before dinner while the photos are being taken and then dish after mouth-watering dish will be delivered to the tables so people can help themselves: chicken two ways, Moroccan spiced lamb, lots of seasonal vegetables, salads, and more. Hannah likes the idea of guests being able to stay seated and enjoy their conversation. “It’s family feast style dining.” All dietary requirements, including allergies, will be catered for. Many of the 70-strong guest list, including local family members are taking a ‘risk adverse’ approach and staying in Airbnb’s in Martinborough before the wedding. Martinborough Fair is on the same day as the wedding and the roads will be busy.

The formal wedding ceremony will be held in the afternoon on the day, officiated by celebrant Lisa Cornelissen, based in Martinborough. “I like that she is local and, therefore, not far away when it comes to the preparations,” says Hannah.

As well as the formal ceremony, the couple anticipates sharing their own vows in private up on the hill and while photos are being taken. The photographer will be August & Vine, who is Martinboroughbased. “Owner operator Sam is professional,” Hannah says. “She takes candid shots and is great if you get selfconscious in front of the camera.”

The bride’s dress is from Hello Romeo, now based in

Wellington but formerly from Martinborough. The dress is made in white glitter tuille, with the bodice covered in pearl-like beading that trails vines down the gown, and has a rum-coloured underlay. The V-shaped back is framed in beading and with white mesh. The groom will wear a charcoal suit and white shirt.

Transport to and from the venue for the day will be Hannah’s father’s 1956 red and white Chevy, and a matching car owned by his friend. Classic cars indeed.

The couple plan to combine their honeymoon and Hannah’s 30TH birthday, taking a month away somewhere warm where they can go surfing.