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Weddings have been back in full swing this summer and we couldn’t be more thrilled. 2022 has been the year of love, new beginnings and coming together, so what better time to tie the knot?
To celebrate, we’ve launched our brand new editorial series, Real Brides, focusing on a handful of couples’ stories and unpacking their big days in detail. From elegant town hall ceremonies to boho-inspired barn shindigs, there’s no shortage of wedding goodness to inspire you, regardless of whether you’re married, engaged, dating, single, or if you just enjoy a sweet love story.
So, without further do – read on to hear Kate and Ross’s journey (captured by photographer Joshua Gooding), from their meet-cute all the way to the altar, and beyond.
When did you meet?
We met in June 2011 at a mutual friend’s engagement party in Wellington, New Zealand and got talking about the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Ross was travelling to my hometown for one of the games and had nowhere to stay, so I offered up my Dad’s home. We hit it off from there moved to the UK and the rest is history.
How did they propose?
By this time we had moved to the UK and were up in Scotland on a trip through Argyle and the West Highlands. We were visiting Dunollie Castle in Oban which has ancestral significance to me, and Ross proposed in the ruins. This was quickly followed by a trip to the local pub and we indulged in drams of Oban whiskey to celebrate.
Tell us about the engagement ring
I originally told Ross that I wanted a say in my engagement ring as I really warmed to rose gold. So, after the proposal we went to the jeweller together narrowed it down to three options, then Ross chose from there. It’s a slender ring with incrusted diamonds coming up the bridge under the main stone, a round diamond held in four claws.
What was your vision for the wedding?
We actually had two! This was the UK leg with our friends in London, which was first. It was actually a surprise mascaraded as my birthday lunch. We then went out to New Zealand a couple of weeks later and surprised everyone with another Kiwi style garden wedding.
Tell us about the venue
We only needed a small venue as our guest list was tight due to it being a surprise and The Phene was an approved venue for the borough of Chelsea. We knew it was the perfect venue for us as soon as we walked in because of the Victorian features of the pub and its tasteful décor.
How did you choose your dress?
I found wedding dress shopping quite difficult and didn’t particularly enjoy it at first. But after I went to Chislehurst Bridal it completely changed things for me. Dawn (the store owner) was amazing and when I put on my dress I really did have the ‘this is it’ moment.
With Ross it was a no-brainer to wear his tuxedo; being winter in London it just suited the look we were going for.
What is your favourite memory from the day?
The reaction from everyone when they found out it was going to be a wedding and walking around Chelsea getting heaps of toots and waves as Josh was taking our photos, we felt like celebrities.
Did you have something blue?
My shoes had the finest touch of blue in them.
What song did you have your first dance to?
It was a spontaneous first dance to 'My Girl'. Ross spun me around and picked me up and I nearly took out Josh and his camera in the process
Was there anything that didn’t go as planned?
Yes, the place I had originally booked my hair and makeup didn’t have a makeup artist for me; despite confirming and booking months in advance. They let me know this five days before our wedding. Luckily I found a lady named Sylwia through Kristina Gasperas who could do both (hair and makeup) and she came to our house the morning of and did the most amazing job and couldn’t speak more highly of her.
What is your one piece of advice for future couples?
Do it your way, don’t worry about anyone else. It’s too easy to get caught up in details that don’t really matter.
Suppliers:
Photographer: Joshua Gooding (@joshua_gooding)
Venue/Catering: The Phene (@thephenesw3)
Cake: Somali Young
Dress: Caroline Castigliano from Chislehurst Bridal Store (@chislehurstbridal)
Rings: Heming (@hemingjewellery)
Shoes: Rachel Simpson Shoes (@rachelsimpsonshoes)
Suit: Moss Bros
Natasha Harding is the former Fashion Editor (Digital & Print) at Cosmopolitan & Women's Health UK. Working in fashion journalism for just under ten years, she’s covered over 30 international fashion weeks, hundreds of red carpets and religiously scours the runway every season to create the brand’s bi-annual trend report. Joining Cosmopolitan back in Australia, Natasha moved to London a few years ago and is now the resident expert for celebrity style and industry news, fashion features and e-commerce. Follow Natasha on Instagram
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