Together Journal real weddings

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…

Geremy is a Maori Advisor for the University of Auckland and Kurtis co- owns Hiem hair salon in Auckland.

Our life is very homely, we have our fur baby Manu the staffy and enjoy weekends away to country settings with her as well as adventures to the beach and walks in the Waitakere ranges close to where we live.

We both have very busy work lives so try and keep it low key when we do things together. Our relationship is based on a strong sense of respect for each other and an understanding that marriage is a partnership. we laugh together and entertain each other often and don’t take everything to seriously. we met on a winters day in piha and have been inseparable ever since perhaps love at first sight is a real thing.

Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…

While we didn’t have a set theme there was one thing we both wanted which was for it to remain simple and beautiful, nothing over the top as the settings we chose speak volumes. The contrast of the religious church ceremony at 107 year old Te Toko Toru Tapu (Holy Trinity Church) with its farm and historical whanau connections and the incredible urban yet rustic and organic vibe that is Orphans Kitchen were the perfect marriage of town and country. The day combined whanau, friends, culture and spirituality. The floral details by rose tinted flowers blew us away. The grazing table by grazeaway on the lawn in front of the church is still being raved about and the food and service at orphans kitchen was impeccable.

Tell us about your main outfits:

This was so hard for Kurt as he lives in a simple uniform of black jeans and a black t-shirt most days but after seeing a black velvet suit in person he knew this was what he wanted. Kurt teamed the suit with a lightweight viscose black shirt, earrings from Zoe and Morgan and the couple wore matching patent leather loafers from ASOS Geremy wore a simple but classic black suit from Hallenstien brothers, a crisp white shirt and for the ceremony wore a very special family Korowai from his uncle Taka.

What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?

Geremy: Seeing Kurt, his mum, and his party arriving while the church bell was being run. Our priest the Reverend Barry Bublitz lead a beautiful service of blessing with holy communion. It was very inclusive infused with great solemnity, serendipity and humour. Hearing the beautiful speeches prepared by our Maids of Honour, Whitney Steven and Khylee Quince. Seeing the results of all Kurt’s meticulous planning.

⁃ Kurt my mum walked my up the aisle and it was so special. Our song (can’t help falling in love – kina grannis) was playing in the back ground and as we arrived at the door everyone stood for us at once. That was like a wave of emotion hitting you right in the chest. While the whole day was more than anything I could have dreamed of standing at the alter and saying I do was the most rewarding.

Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?

Understanding each other’s past and present is important. always try to see the other partners side of things and as silly as it sounds try to never go to bed angry. Communication has become an integral part in strengthening our bond and love for each other. Kia mahara ra, ko te aroha te take o te ra. Remember that the purpose for the day is love.

Photography: Haley Guildford | Videographer: James Bong | Ceremony location: Te Toko Toru Tapu Church, Kawakawa Bay | Reception location: Orphans Kitchen Ponsonby | Celebrant: Rev. Barry Bublitz | Kurtis wore: Kurtis – vintage velvet suit altered by Looksmart Alterations | Geremy wore: Hallenstien Brothers suit | Rings: Kurtis – bespoke Zoe & Morgan ring (white gold with a black diamond), Geremy- his fathers original wedding ring from the 70s (a thick gold band with the family name engraved inside) | Shoes: ASOS patent leather loafers | Other Jewellery: Kurtis- Zoe & Morgan earrings, Geremy- family korowai | Makeup: Amber Carroll | Hair: Hiem Hair | Fragrance: John Varvastosartisan | Bridesmaid’s gowns: All wore there favourite black outfit | Entertainment: Background music | Flora: Rose Tinted Flowers | Catering and Beverages: Post ceremony grazing and beverage by Grazeaway, reception dinner provided by Orphans Kitchen Ponsonby | Cake: Top Tier Cakes