Real Weddings

Holly and Hemi
Kapiti Island

Photography by Lisa Maree Photography

“Hemi and I get called highschool sweethearts a lot. We grew up in the same small area and eventually met one another in college. It blossomed pretty naturally from there, and within 7 years, we got married! I would’ve never imagined that. It was last year that Hemi proposed to me. It happened during Spring in Paris - can you believe that? We were coming to the end of our European holiday, and it was such a surprise. He managed to keep the secret for a whole month - even longer, I’m guessing! He got down on one knee in front of the Eiffel Tower and popped the question. Getting engaged in Paris has always been a dream of mine, no matter how cheesy that sounds. It’s the city of love for a reason, right? That evening, we sat at a quaint little Parisian cafe and drank red wine to celebrate. The wedding that we had was exactly the wedding I had in mind as we planned. Although we had the ceremony on Kapiti Island, and any number of things could’ve gone south, it all went perfectly instead. I was so grateful that everything was smooth sailing. We chose Kapiti Island because it’s a special place for us both for different reasons. It’s essentially Hemi’s second home. Growing up, he spent all his school holiday’s over there with his family. As I grew up on the Kapiti Coast, Kapiti Island resonates home to me; anytime I see it, I know I’m home. It will forever be an incredibly important place for both of us and, no matter where we are in the world, seeing Kapiti Island will always bring a sense of comfort to us both. Getting married there was a dream come true.”

Thanks to all the contributing vendors:

Photography: Lisa Maree Photography
Videographer: RubTech Productions
Venues: Matai Huka & Waiorua Bay
Dress: Etcetera Bridal
Hair: Lifestyle Hair
Makeup: Carra J Makeup Artistry
Florals: Wild Rose Levin
Catering: Fine Touch Catering
Helicopter: Heliworx
Wedding favours: Kapiti Island Honey
Celebrant: Aingie Miller