Best Kept Secret – Guests Showed Up For Engagement Party But Simon And Sarah Exchange Wedding Vows Instead!
How we met
That was in September 2013 at our mutual friend’s engagement party. My best friend is the sister of Simon’s best friend. They had organised for us to meet, as we were both single. Simon followed me around all night, and I wasn’t really ready for anything yet, but after a week of persistence from him we went on a date and have been together ever since!
Sarah was such a joy for me. Her and Gai, Simon’s mum, never made it feel like work and the laughs we had over whatever came out of our mouths at the time will truly be unforgettable for me. I’m so happy I was able to make her experience enjoyable, something she will treasure. I’m humbled that our journey has felt like Sarah’s mum was with her in spirit, which I’m sure she was. Even typing this, the hairs all over my body are standing at attention. Wishing Sarah, Simon and new bub, due next year April, a wonderful family life together. Enjoying and overcoming anything life throws at you.
Helena xo
From Beginning to End
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks – all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will and you will and we will” – those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word”. Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this is my husband, this is my wife.
by Robert Fulghum
In Sarah’s own words…
This has been the most amazing experience to have Helena design and create the most beautiful gown for me. She made every fitting an absolute joy with so much laughter that made a hard time truly wonderful. Not being able to have my Mum attend who was also a dressmaker, made this a truly memorable and beautiful time. I never thought I was going to be OK with going through the whole process after losing my mum, but it brought me closer back to her and made her feel a part of it. Thank you so much for all you have done ❤️
New Addition to family arriving in April 2020.
Wedding Vendors.
Venue – Anchor Buoy Cafe & Bar
Cake – Conk n Co Platters
Celebrant – Dee Weisner
Entertainment – Kingi Tamati
Makeup – Keeora Makeup Artist
Hair – Visage Hair Studio
Dress/Veil – Helena Couture Design