Nutrimetics Consultant
Owaka
Christopher Michael Given (28)
Farmer
Owaka
When and where did you meet? Chris and I both grew up in Gore we went to different schools but Gore is a small town and we kept turning up at the same places obviously sharing a mutual attraction it was a bit difficult for a start because Chris is not big on talking after a lot of eyeing each other across rooms Chris finally overcame his shyness and brought me a drink and the rest is history.
The proposal: Was romantic and sweet even though it did not go to plan for Chris as our daughter Shelby got sick as he was about to propose on the Gondola in Queenstown on my 26th birthday. But after a great family dinner Chris got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes and it was a perfect end to a perfect day.
Where was our wedding: In the spectacular Catlins at the Catlins soap company run by Jude and Ross Mcnab followed by the reception at the RiverRidge Retreat run by Adele and Garry Dawkins
Why did we choose the venue: We chose to get married at the Catlins because of the beautiful scenery and we wanted to get married where we were going to start our lives together, RiverRidge Retreat provided a place where we could enjoy our night and all our friends and family could stay and enjoy a slice of what the Catlins have to offer while the Catlins Soap Company had the beautiful garden which I always dreamed I would be married in. Not to mention the people Ross and Jude Mcnab and Adele and Garry Dawkins who made it all possible. I would highly recommend both venues for anyone wanting a unique and special wedding with lots of diverse scenery for photos.
The dress: I had bought a dress which I thought was the right one for me but a couple of months later I changed my mind and had another dress made from an online company I sent in my measurements and it arrived perfect and just what I wanted for my garden wedding.
The bridesmaid's dresses: I had my two lovely cousins who I grew up with as my bridesmaids as they were both in Australia together I told them they could pick whatever dresses they would like that would suit them as long as they were blue, I trusted them completely and they came home with beautiful blue shoestring halter neck dresses that were altered slightly we added vintage style broaches and they were perfect.
The Flowers: Aimee Williams from Stirling did my flowers for me. I had calla lillies which are my favourite. I showed her a picture of what I wanted and she made them up no problem.
The caterers: We had Raewyn Martyn and Andre Cain who together make up Anray Catering - both ladies are from Owaka - and they worked with us to create a menu with both our favourite foods. They made a splendid two course buffet which satisfied all our guests.
Highlight of the day: Waking up at the beautiful Greenwood farmstay in the catlins to the most beautiful morning getting ready and have my dad walk me down the aisle and see Chris waiting for me with a big smile on his face. I'm also thankful our daughter Shelby was there to share our day with us.
Our photographer: Kate Groundwater from Still Water Photography who did an amazing job and also my best friend Sarah from Sarah Kelly Photography who really captured the day from start to finish. Too many that I love to pick a favourite.
