Stuff's wedding of the week

Stuff's wedding of the week

Sparks flew at the start but it took four years before Brent and Sal decided to do anything about it.

They made up for lost time by getting engaged five months later, followed by what appears to have been a very fun "fusion" wedding in Christchurch.

But we'll let Sal fill you in on the finer details...

How did you meet? Brent and I met seven years ago through our mutual friend Dave. The attraction between us was there from day one but it wasn't until four years later that we addressed it. Brent and I started spending a lot of time together in early 2012 and stumbled into the most wonderful relationship. Perhaps that's why the proposal came so quickly!

Tell us about the proposal: Fast forward five months (yeah, I know, who gets engaged after five months?) - we're in Christchurch on the Port Hills over looking the city. I'm sitting on the bonnet, singing along to Taylor Swift ("you are the best thing, that's ever been miiiiiine") when Brent turns to me, says, "on that note Sal..." and boom! The man is on his knees, ring in hand. My mind was whirling and my response - hell, yes! (It would have been a pretty awkward trip back to Dunedin otherwise.)

Location of wedding: Cossars Wineshed in Tai Tapu, Christchurch. It's a really pretty venue with beautiful iron wrought chairs (the chairs are what sold me!). We had our ceremony between the grapevines on site.

Describe your wedding day: Brent and I share the same birthday (25/01/1989). Naturally, we wanted to cut down dates we would have to remember in the future and decided to get married on that day, too.

As I'm from Pakistan, I suggested a mash-up wedding. Brent and his family were super supportive! The bridal party as well as his family wore traditional clothes and his aunties got henna on their hands the night before.

Brent's little brother Stefan - an incredibly talented saxophonist - played us down the aisle. I was escorted - in traditional Pakistani style - by my immediate family holding a red cloth above my head. Ceremony was Kiwi-style with vows before Stefan played us all out to Feel So Close by Calvin Harris. Mingling in the courtyard ensued, we had a polaroid camera and a guest book, there was giant jenga about, croquet, drinks and nibbles, etc. The night progressed far too quickly.

The dress: Pakistani brides wear red! My dress was custom tailored in Pakistan and chosen by my mum and sister (I didn't even see it until it arrived). It was red and heavily embroidered - so heavy, in fact, that it took up a significant portion of my sister's baggage allowance! My makeup artist was Jess Reddy (MaJEStic Beauty). Jess went above and beyond to make me look like a proper Pakistani bride - this girl is incredible and I would highly recommend her.

The flowers: I didn't have a bouquet but I love roses so we had a bunch of white freesias with a single red rose on each table - these were picked up at Moffats in Christchurch.

Highlight of the wedding: When the dance floor got busy and my parents came out for a bit of a boogie - so cute!

Was there any drama? The venue told us that celebrants bring their own PA systems but unfortunately our's didn't (and we didn't even think to confirm this with her!). Anyway, it was such a windy day that no-one heard our vows. it wasn't a huge disaster though -everyone still gazed at us adoringly, pretending to listen.

The honeymoon: Brent and I went to Vietnam; we started in Hanoi and made our way down the country to Saigon. We had the most incredible time and... we're still married!

Your photographer and favourite photo? We love, love, love Peter Letunovskiy Photography. Peter was perfect on the day - he flitted through the crowd easily, captured each special moment and really went the extra mile. Case in point - a car full of girls in sarees and Peter returning from the photo shoot (which we had in the morning) and no-one has brought any money. When I mention that I'm hungry and need some caffeine, Peter jumps out at a dairy and purchases a chocolate bar and a can of V for the hungry/sleep-deprived bride - what a champ!

My personal favourite photo is one of the groomsmen laughing during speeches. It captures the essence of the day - happiness and smiles all round.

Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing well those you hold. keep your friends close,but your enemies closer.