Emma Bishop (26) occupational therapist and Hayden Smith (29) electrician - Canberra, Australia
When and Where did you meet?
We met when Emma first moved to Australia through mutual friends, around five years ago. It was after footy training, and Emma was watching Greys Anatomy at a friend's place. It took another 18 months for the two of them to realise that the friendship was more and they decided to label the relationship, and make it official!
The proposal
Hayden had bought the ring 6 months prior, but due to family circumstances, and other events, the big proposal had to keep being put off. He decided enough was enough and he took Emma camping (even though the forecast was for heavy rain) and walked up to the Blue Lake in Jindabyne which is one of the highest glacial lakes in Australia. It is around a 10km hike, straight up. While Emma was bunkered down under a rock to keep warm, Hayden was busy setting up a camera for 'scenic photos', and when Emma surfaced from the rock ready to leave, she found Hayden down on one knee at the edge of the lake. They then got lost on the return to the car, and celebrated the evening by watching the Kiwi's vs Australia league test match at the Jindabyne pub!
When and where was the wedding?
We got married on 12th February at Edgewater in Wanaka.
Why did you choose the venue?
Emma is a Dunedin girl, and Wanaka was the very first place that she took Hayden when he first visited New Zealand. Emma spent her childhood camping around the area with her family during school holidays, and it holds significant sentimental value to her family. we chose Edgewater, and Wanaka, as we had family travelling from across the world for our big day and Edgewater were able to accommodate all of our needs at the one venue! They were also able to accommodate our lavish helicopter plans!
The dresses and suits
Emma's mum made the bridesmaid dresses which were full length navy chiffon dresses. They had low backs and individually covered buttons, which matched Emma's dress. Emma's dress was called "Emma" by the designer, Maggie Sottero, and was purchased at a store in Sydney with her mum. The groom and groomsmen wore suits from Sergio's in Queenstown.
The caterers
Edgewater did everything! The food was absolutely amazing. The staff were on hand with any issues (not that there were any) so we didn't have to worry about a single thing during the day!
Highlight of the day
The helicopter up to Coromandel Peak. We decided to just go up with our photographer and let our bridal party have some time with their friends and family. It also allowed us a bit of a breather to catch up and spend some quality time together with an amazing landscape in front of us!
Our photographer
Our photographer was Bev Bell of Simply Inspired in Fairlie. She is a family friend of Emma's and was just perfect to have with us. Bev was so efficient and had a slideshow ready for us the next day. We were leaving on our surprise honeymoon and she wanted to make sure we had seen them before we flew out. She was so considerate and relaxed through the whole day, and it was made even better that she could enjoy the party afterwards!
