Hannah & Adam
Photos by:
Emily Rose Hamilton
R&S: Your engagement story
H&A: We left New Zealand in mid 2023 to set off on our OE (making the move to London, very unique for a couple of Kiwis). On the way there we did a stint of travelling around Europe. After some careful planning from Adam, including picking up the ring from Hannah’s family members in New York, Adam got down on one knee at a castle overlooking the coast in the South of France!
R&S: When planning your wedding what was most important to you?
H&A: Because we were organising our wedding from the other side of the world, we wanted the planning process to be as stress free as possible, so we wanted a venue that would really look after us. Rose & Smith exceeded all expectations on this and made it so easy with their planning support and guidance. Paula completely understood our vision from the start and knew exactly how to bring it to life with the very best Wairarapa vendors. Other than that, we knew our investment areas would be good food and drinks, good music, and photography.
The gorgeous afternoon light on The Round Bar Lawn
R&S: What have your guests commented on the most since your wedding?
H&A: Two things – the incredible food (so many comments on the butterfish! And the canapes! The burgers for supper!), and the amazing outdoor dance floor. We had lots of guests from overseas, and some said that they had never seen an outdoor dance floor like that at a wedding before. It created the most amazing vibe to end the day.
R&S: Who was the vendor you are glad you invested in?
H&A: It would have to be our photographer, Emily Rose Hamilton. She was such a dream to have with us on the day and has completely blown us away with our photo gallery. She really took the time to get to know us before our wedding day so we felt completely comfortable with her. Could not recommend her more highly!
R&S: What went into or what was important to you when choosing your menu?
H&A: It wasn’t easy because there are so many delicious options and endless combinations! We wanted variety but also wanted the flavours of each dish to complement each other. So when tasting the options and making our decisions, we kept envisioning how everything would go together on the plate. We started with our favourite proteins and worked from there.
Right: Beautiful Hannah
R&S: What is the one piece of advice you would give to future R&S couples?
H&A: Try to relax and enjoy the planning process because you are in such safe hands! Let Paula know exactly what you are looking for from each vendor, and she will ensure it all comes together exactly how you want it to on the day.
R&S: What initially drew you to Rose & Smith and what made you book?
H&A: It would have to be the stunning ceremony spots and reception room we saw on their instagram that initially drew us to Rose & Smith. We wanted a venue with beautiful indoor and outdoor options because we didn’t want to be worried about the weather. We also wanted a space that we could make our own that would feel unique to our wedding – there are so many decor options available so it is easy to tailor the space to your vision.
Once our parents had visited Rose & Smith for us and reported back on the amazing flow between spaces, food options, and thorough planning service, we knew it was the only option for us!
R&S: Anything else you would like to add about your Rose & Smith experience
H&A: There are plenty of reasons why Rose & Smith is an incredible venue – the beautiful ceremony spaces, Dale’s amazing food and extensive menu options, the stunning photo spots, or the seamless flow the space creates. But it is Paula and her team’s expertise and commitment to bringing every couple’s unique dream to life that makes Rose & Smith so special. With her, you are in extremely safe hands throughout the entire wedding planning journey, and of course on the big day. We would choose Rose & Smith every time. We wish we could do it all over again!
END NOTE
Hannah and Adam, it was lovely to finally meet you 1 month before your wedding! Booking a venue sight unseen is a risk so thank you for trusting us. Your wedding was so elegant and glamorous, I loved it!
I especially loved your outfit changes into vintage attire for the dancing. Your love of food and entertaining was evident with your attention to detail and exquisite taste, we are so glad you chose us.
Lots of love,
Px