Stuff's wedding of the week: Jess and Michael

Laura Ridley Photography Laura Ridley Photography Laura Ridley Photography Laura Ridley Photography Laura Ridley Photography Laura Ridley Photography

Jess and Michael steal a kiss at sunset on Plimmerton beach.

Tony and Kate walk their daughter, Jess, down the aisle.

The wedding took place at Trentham Racecourse

The newlyweds share a kiss on Plimmerton beach.

The couple arrives at the reception at Plimmerton boating club.

The bridal party - Andrew, Peter, Stephen, Michael, Jess, Liz, Michelle and Becca.

Their love blossomed at the Rugby World Cup and a romantic proposal in Rome sealed the deal for this Wellington couple.

Jess and Michael were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Trentham Racecourse, with plenty of family and friend around to celebrate their special day.

We'll let Jess fill you in on all the details...

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How did you meet? Our paths crossed a few times, until our mutual friend (and future bridesmaid) invited a group out to watch the 2011 Rugby World Cup and, well, the rest is history. 

Tell us about the proposal: Last year, we headed over to Europe for the trip of a life time. We travelled to Germany and England before beginning a month-long tour. We even had our anniversary in Barcelona!

Halfway through the tour, we were in Rome mid-afternoon. It was incredibly warm, and we were taken to the Trevi Fountain. We were told to make a wish and throw in a coin.

Gelato, a meal and great company saw the night pass quickly. We headed back with the tour bus to hotel, stopping at Vatican City to see the beautiful, pink sunset. We got back to the hotel and on a balcony overlooking Rome, Michael got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. 

Location of wedding: We were married at Trentham Racecourse surrounded by our friends and family. We headed over to Plimmerton Boating Club for our reception. 

The bridal party - Andrew, Peter, Stephen, Michael, Jess, Liz, Michelle and Becca.

Describe your wedding day: It was an absolutely stunning January day. We had an outdoor wedding at Trentham Racecourse by the gazebo surrounded by our family and friends.

Jess's Mum and Dad walked her down the aisle, and we had our mums sign as witnesses. There was a lot of love and laughing during our special day.

Our reception was entertaining, with a lot of dancing and fun at the photo booth. Our photographer, Laura, managed to capture the essence of our special day in her pictures - love, laughs, family and friends. 

The dress: A stunning ivory dress from Wedding Belles in Stokes Valley.

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The flowers: Beautiful cream and pink roses, gypsophila and lisianthus put together by Joy and her team at Victoriana. 

Highlight of the wedding: Marrying the love of my life as well as being surrounded by all my family and friends, celebrating our marriage together.

The honeymoon: We spent two nights at the Chateau Tongariro, before travelling to the Coromandel for a week, then a stop in Hamilton to visit Michael's granny and to New Plymouth before heading home.  

Your photographer and favourite photo? Laura Smith from Laura Ridley Photography. It's so hard to choose a favourite; however, the sunset picture is absolutely stunning! 

 - Stuff

Source: Stuff's wedding of the week: Jess and Michael