As Brand Manager for Whittaker’s Chocolate, Jasmine is used to organising events. As she brought all the ideas and details together for her wedding to Richard, she says "the most important thing was for us to relax and enjoy the day itself with our families and close friends.
"That’s where the experience of Ruth Pretty Catering was invaluable. They not only provide excellent food; they are experts in running events. Having Paul there as our function manager made us feel relaxed because he is so good at what he does. In the lead-up we met regularly to plan the day, and his advice really paid off.
"I have worked with Ruth and Paul before, and trusted them to make sure everything ran smoothly, with great food.
Jasmine and Richard chose Brackenridge Country Estate in Martinborough for their wedding. "The ceremony was outside in the garden, and it was beautifully sunny but not too hot. However, we did have extra umbrellas on hand and the verandah as Plan B just in case!
"We love Martinborough as a close but completely different place to escape our busy city life. Brackenridge’s relaxed, country feel, plus some beautifully scenic photo locations nearby, made this our ideal venue. Our guests could stay on-site, which made it all very convenient, convivial and relaxed.
"Our priority was for our guests to have a great time. With only closest family and friends attending, top quality food and service on the day was essential. See the menu below. Richard and I both love good food and wine, which was another reason for choosing Martinborough. Of course, we had to include delicious Whittaker’s chocolate too.
"Ruth came up with a dessert bar idea, which was brilliant, allowing guests to indulge in lots of different little sweet creations. We even had Creamy Milk and Dark Ghana chocolate fountains for strawberry dipping ... yum!
"I also made cute little favour boxes filled with Whittaker’s assorted squares, and they were a great hit with our guests”, she smiled.
Richard’s Scottish background was celebrated with several Scottish touches: a piper, little Scotland and New Zealand flags on passaround platters, and tables named with single malt whiskies.
Resplendent in a family Currie clan kilt, Richard sprang a surprise at the ceremony by bringing a claymore (a massive broad-sword). According to tradition, the marriage ceremony was conducted in front of the sword, which was later laid across the head table.
Jasmine laughed that "it’s not the easiest thing to find a place for in the table setting unexpectedly, but Paul managed it with aplomb!”
There were more surprise highlights to come at the reception. Richard’s male friends did a haka for him after the speeches, and then Jasmine slipped quietly onstage and belted out a rock song drum solo. Her drum teacher Maurice plays with their wedding band The Shenanigans, and taught her the piece especially.
"Our first dance was also very special. My dance teacher Greer choreographed a unique dance to Richards’s favourite Fleetwood Mac song, and although Richard was a bit nervous he was awesome, and I was very proud of him!” Jasmine reported.
"All in all, it was a wonderful wedding, truly the best day of our lives. We have so many fantastic memories, and because it all went so quickly our beautiful video (by Jono Tucker Photography) is invaluable for us to relive and remember special moments. Our guests didn’t want to leave.
"Our wedding day brought together everything and everyone important to us, and the expertise of Ruth, Paul and their team helped make it simply perfect,” Jasmine and Richard concluded.
Photo credit: MarySylvia Photography