Alan and Bridgett Taylor (nee Pile)
Ages: Both 28
Occupations: Plumber and Retail Assistant
Region: Dunedin, Otago
When and where did you meet?
We met at Kaikorai Valley College. Alan asked me out but I said "no", not until I finished school. We did continue to be friends, as we are today. On the last day of school, in November 2003, guess who arrived at our front door. Yes, Alan. As my parents say, we all love a trier.
The proposal
After nine years Alan proposed at the Lindis Pass while on holiday in August 2012. We got out of the car to stretch our legs and Alan said let's take a photo. He then got down on one knee, took photos of me and I came back to him to check what they looked like. He was still down on his knee and said ''while I'm down here, will you marry me''. I said yes but at first he couldn't quite hear me. He then said "if you had said no it would have been a very awkward trip home to Dunedin". He does have a great sense of humour.
Where was the wedding?
Our wedding was held at Larnach Castle. It's the most romantic setting with all the flowers in bloom and so many options outside and inside for the nuptials, and of course the ballroom was wonderful for the reception. We had the ceremony on the lawn on a small rise in front of the ballroom.
Why did you choose the venue?
It's like a fairy tale come true. What bride wouldn't want to get married at a castle. You feel like a princess. Everything was under one roof: caterers, venue, ceremony, accommodation (the bride and groom are given a complimentary room and breakfast when they book their wedding) for friends and family if they wish, and of course there is Michelle Simpson, the events co-ordinator, who was there throughout the rehearsal, ceremony, dinner and dancing and so helpful prior to the big day. She made sure everything went smoothly.
The dress
I had all these ideas and didn't want to buy something off the rack or import. Mum & I went to Joy at Je Taime as I had all these ideas. She was just great and with her help, ideas and skills I had my romantic wedding dress made just for me.
The bridesmaids' dresses
I found the dresses and underskirts on the Amazon website. These were delivered very quickly from England and America. I had always wanted something different from the usual bridesmaids' outfits, and I think we achieved that. The '60s rock 'n' roll really appealed when I was looking around. Once I had ordered them I went looking on the internet for the shoes. My idea was that when the girls came down the aisle the guests would say "wow!", looking at the shoes, then "oh", when looking at the dresses. My mum said that it did happen. The belts were made (by Je Taime) to match the shoe colour.
The flowers
My Aunty Sandra (Sandra Pearce) did our flowers. She found the beautiful roses that matched both mine and the bridesmaids' outfits/dresses. She has a wonderful eye for colour and having everything just right.
The caterers
Larnach Castle employs chefs and catering staff. What a fabulous meal we had. We chose from a large selection of courses/food that fitted our tastes. They even made sure those guests with allergies were catered for. From the canapés to the dessert everything was just right, looked great and tasted just as good.
Highlight of the day
- Seeing everything had come together beautifully as I imagined.
- The actual ceremony when marrying Alan.
- Even though it started to rain going down the long aisle, when my mum gave the girls/bridesmaids see-through umbrellas they went so well they looked like they were supposed to be part of the outfit.
- Wee note: although the guys/best man/groom didn't know about the umbrellas they were perfect gentlemen, holding them so we ladies didn't get wet.
- It just highlighted how our wedding day was wonderful even with the rain
- I think I could say getting married to the love of my life at Larnach Castle and having our families and friends there made February 22, 2014 a highlight in itself.
Your photographer and favourite photo
We actually had three photographers on the day.
The official photographer was Graham Warman and his photos are quite outstanding.
The other photographer was Janene Sims; she took all the pre-ceremony, ceremony and all day and evening photos. This was great as she took photos of couples, groups, family and any that Graham was not taking. We got some really great detailed shots. She is just starting out and her photos are quite outstanding. She gets photos that you say afterwards, "Oh I'm so glad I have a photo of that as I didn't think to ask for it". The other person taking photos was my sister-in-law, Rachel Pile; she took photos at home before leaving and at the hairdressers and makeup (Aart on St Andrew). They are really outstanding as well.
So in all I have hundreds of photos to remember our day. Every one of the photographers got different photos, some of the same thing taken from different angles.
I really think that my favourite photo would have to be the murder mystery type of photo taken by Graham in the room in the castle. It was fun to do, looks great and all the outfits suit that period.
