Rachel Olsen, nee Sloan (28) occupational therapist and Richard Olsen (31) teacher - Waikouaiti
When and Where did you meet?
Richy and I met on New Years day 2011, Richy was living in Christchurch at the time so we began a year of a long distance relationship between Christchurch and Dunedin (funnily enough I had just moved from Christchurch). 6 weeks into our new found romance, I went to Eurpoe for seven weeks which was a real test of our relationship.
The proposal
We had planned a holiday in Melbourne as I had never been. I was very keen for all the shopping that Melbourne had to offer, Richy however was more keen on going to the Melbourne Star Observation wheel - he even said he would shout me which I thought was odd, but thought he must really want to go. Luckily we got a capsule to ourselves, as thought we may have had to share with others. Once we set off, Richy was too scared to move from the seat in the middle, but as we neared the top he slid onto one knee and proposed... I was speechless and so surprised as had long given up hinting about marriage.
When and where was the wedding?
We got married at Glenfalloch Gardens in Dunedin on 27th February 2016.
Why did you choose the venue?
We chose Glenfalloch as it is in Dunedin where we met and both grew up. We also knew it would be handy for most of our friends and family to attend the wedding in Dunedin.
The dresses and suits
My dress was a Venus dress, lace with an embellished belt - all from House of Kavina. The girls wore navy dresses with a high embellished neckline and waist and the dresses were longer at the back than the front. The boys all wore grey suits from Hallensteins, white shirts, navy ties, apart from the groom who wore a purple tie.
The caterers
Glenfalloch catered our wedding - absolutely delicious food!
Highlight of the day
The highlight of the day for me was our wedding dance. We had been getting dancing lessons for six weeks prior to the wedding and apart from some of the bridal party no one knew. Our first dance was to Feels Like Home.
Our photographer
My work colleague and part time photographer, Tessa Blake, was our photographer. She did an amazing job and went above and beyond wht is expected of a wedding photographer.
