COVER STORY
The bride wore KYHA and Prada for her romantic vineyard wedding on Waiheke Island
WITH THE BRIDAL JOURNEY
Eight years ago, Natalie and Joshua met through a mutual friend on a spontaneous night out in Norwich, England. He was a New Zealander on a rugby stint in the UK; she was an English girl with no idea her future was about to change. Their connection was instant. When Joshua’s time in England ended, they boldly decided to move to Australia together—a leap of faith that cemented their love story.
Photography Hollow & Co
NATALIE & JOSHUA (1)
Waiheke Island
Two countries, countless memories, and one unforgettable proposal later, they found themselves on Waiheke Island, exchanging vows at Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, a venue that had unknowingly been on Natalie’s vision board for years. “Before my late Grandad passed, he told us to get married in New Zealand, and we promised him we would,” she shares. The North Island was a given, but the moment they discovered Mudbrick, it was an undeniable yes. A rare February date had just opened up—22.02.25. They booked it on the spot.
The Proposal: A Christmas SurpriseFor Natalie, Christmas has always been the most magical time of year. It’s family, tradition, nostalgia—the perfect setting for a life-changing moment. In December 2023, she and Joshua flew to England to spend the holidays with her loved ones and meet her newborn nephew. Christmas evening brought their annual Secret Santa ritual, with every gift wrapped in tinfoil to keep the guessing game alive. But when Natalie unwrapped hers, expecting a playful gag gift, she saw a box from Louise Jean, her favourite jeweller in Noosa. Before she could process it, Joshua was on one knee.
“Time stood still,” she recalls. “Surrounded by my family, on my favourite night of the year, it was the surprise of my life.”
The Wedding Weekend: A Cultural Celebration
From the start, Natalie and Joshua wanted their wedding to be an experience that celebrated their love and the blending of their cultures. “Joshua is half Samoan, so honouring his heritage was incredibly important,” Natalie says. From the powerful Haka performed by their family and friends to a breathtaking Siva Samoa dance by Joshua’s cousins, the tradition took centre stage. Natalie’s English roots were equally evident—she walked down the aisle in a timeless lace gown, carrying a bouquet of white roses and hydrangeas, and they observed classic wedding customs, such as formal toasts and cake cutting. The black-tie dress code added an air of old-world elegance, setting the tone for a night of romance and revelry.
NATALIE’S JEWELS & BLOOMS (1)
Photography by Hollow & Co
Fashion: The Bride Wore KYHA and Prada
The search for the dress was a journey. Natalie had always envisioned herself in a fitted lace gown, but after trying on several contenders with her family, nothing quite felt right. Then, she saw it—an effortlessly chic KYHA dress. “I went to try it on alone because I didn’t want anyone’s opinions to sway me,” she shares. The moment she put it on, she knew.
For the evening, she wanted a transformation without changing her entire outfit. She removed the sleeves from her ceremony gown, effortlessly shifting into a modern, refined reception look. “It felt like the perfect balance—traditional yet contemporary.”
When it came to accessories, Natalie leaned into timeless luxury. As a fashion lover, she sought a designer shoe she could re-wear, ultimately choosing Prada leather slingbacks.
“They were so comfortable—I danced in them all night,” she says.”
Joshua opted for a velvet tuxedo, adding a personal touch with greenstone cufflinks, a wedding morning gift from his nanna. He completed the look with Jimmy Choo patent monkstrap shoes, a sleek complement to his tailored ensemble.
Natalie selected a shade of soft sage for the bridesmaids and let each bridesmaid choose their silhouette from Shona Joy, ensuring they felt as confident as they looked.
The Ceremony: A Moment of Pure Magic
With the winds picking up just before the ceremony, Natalie and Joshua made a last-minute call to move the vows indoors. It was the right decision—the intimate setting made the moment even more profound.
Their celebrant, with a connection to New Zealand and Samoan heritage, set the perfect tone. The bridal party walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of “Fall” by Justin Bieber, while Natalie and her father entered to “I Was Made for Loving You” by Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran—a song chosen with deep personal meaning.
The handwritten and heartfelt vows left no dry eyes in the room.
Reception: Candlelight and Romance
If timeless elegance was the goal, the reception at Mudbrick was the masterpiece. “We wanted something romantic and sophisticated—something that would never go out of style,” Natalie explains. Hydrangeas and roses adorned the tables, flickering candlelight created an ethereal glow, and textured French linen added a soft, tactile detail. With its vineyard backdrop and sweeping ocean views, the setting required little embellishment—just thoughtful accents that enhanced its natural beauty.
A standout element? The menu. Rather than a set selection, guests could choose their meal on the day—an intentional touch that made the dining experience feel intimate and personalised.
NATALIE & JOSHUA (5)
Ceremony and Reception Highlights
A Night to Remember
The energy of the reception was electric. A live band and DJ packed the dance floor, blending classic tunes with high-energy beats. But it was the traditional performances that left the most resounding impact.
After the best man’s speech, a surprise Samoan Siva from Joshua’s cousins captivated the room, bringing guests in awe.
“It was one of the night’s most emotional moments,” Natalie shares.
A SURREAL FEELING (2)
Natalie and Joshua on their Wedding
Final Reflections: A Dream Come True
Looking back, Natalie and Joshua say it was the people—their family and friends who traveled from across the world—that made their wedding so unforgettable. “It was overwhelming in the best way,” Natalie says. “Seeing everyone we love in one place, celebrating with us, was a feeling we’ll never forget.”
Her advice to brides-to-be? “Don’t stress over the tiny details—your guests won’t remember them. Invest in an amazing photographer and content creator, and take a step back to truly appreciate it all. The day goes by so quickly, but trust that everything will come together most perfectly.”
The Details
Venue: Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, Waiheke Island
Photography: Hollow & Co
Content Creator: Social Lover NZ
Planner/Coordinator: Waiheke Island Weddings & My Waiheke
Florals: Wildflower
Bridal Look: KYHA
Shoes: Prada
Jewellery: Louise Jean, Tiffany, Natasha Schweitzer
Groom’s Attire: Sharp Suits, Jimmy Choo shoes
Entertainment: Taotua Duo (live band), DJ Bryce Campbell
Stationery: Paper Darling NZ
Cake: Lilith Waiheke
Wedding Transport: Island Classic Cars – Jaguar MKII
Guest Transport: Waiheke Bus Company
Honeymoon: Queenstown, New Zealand
