Blair and Jen meet on the stage, and thats exactly where they married in October last year.
When and where did you met? Blair and I (Jen) met seven years ago while rehearsing for a musical theatre production with our local society ("That's Entertainment" Theatre Restaurant with Dunedin Operatic, now Musical Theatre Dunedin). We would poke tongues out at each other from across the rehearsal room and Blair would always offer to drop me home after rehearsals (although he lived 20 minutes away from me!).
The Proposal? In March 2009, Blair sent me off for a day of pampering with a massage/facial and dinner out at fancy restaurant. Later on we planned to meet our families to celebrate buying our first home. Little did I know that this gathering was organised by Blair so he could get down on one knee with all our loved ones with us to propose to me, to which I answered a blubbering YES! A very special moment shared with our favourite people.
Where was the wedding and why? Nearly seven years after meeting each other during rehearsals for a musical theatre production, we decided our favourite stage (Dunedin's Regent Theatre) would be the perfect place for us to get married. We share a passion for theatre and wanted to share our special place with all our loved ones so the stage became our altar.
With a red waterfall curtain (kindly lent by a local theatre society) and beautiful flower arrangements framing the area, the stage was magical and luminous as I approached it with my dad, walking down the aisle. I was in a gorgeous couture gown designed by myself and handcrafted by my mum. She also created the bridesmaids' dresses and her own mother-of-the-bride outfit. How lucky to have such a talented and kind mother! With vows we wrote ourselves and an old family friend as minister, the ceremony was unique and meaningful to us. During the signing of the register, friends sang to everyone and the ceremony was completed with a giant group photo. Following the ceremony, the bridal party then let loose in the theatre, capturing some amazing shots in a place so familiar yet still magic. A highlight was the boys climbing the ladder up to the fly tower and swinging off like cheeky monkeys!
The reception was at the Savoy, an historic function venue just up the road with a unique vintage feel. The rooms were decorated with teacups, flower petals and peacock feathers, and name placements individually decorated for each guest by me and the bridesmaids. After amazing food and heartfelt speeches, our first dance as husband and wife was romantic and unique. I then surprised Blair by performing a song I'd been preparing for months, dedicating it to him.
The rest of the evening was spent dancing to a great live band comprised of friends from the theatre circle, eating gorgeous cake and having some amazing family time. The day was happy and memorable, full of love, laughter, fun and personal touches, and a wonderful way to start married life together.
The dress: Designed by Jen and handcrafted by her talented mother, Beverley.
The flowers: By the lovely Jolene at Estelle Flowers
The caterers: Ceremony self-catered by family, reception catered by the Savoy.
The cake: Cakes by Kate
Highlight of the day? Blair: Seeing Jen walk down the aisle. Jen: Seeing the smiling faces of Blair and all our friends and family as I stepped up on the stage.
Who was your photographer? Kimberley Cheyne Photography
Favourite photo: Blair and I dancing on stage after being wed.
