Dani met Will in America while she was working as an Au-pair and he was serving in the army.

“Will was in the army and was based in the area I lived in. We met through a dating app and connected instantly.”

“Will proposed at a picnic at our favourite place in Washington D.C (where we lived in America). It was a sunset picnic and the place is a grassy field that overlooks the city. The best part about it is that no one is ever there. He had me up dancing and when I turned around, he was on one knee.”

The couple married on February 17th to make the most of the summer weather. “I dreamed of having my wedding by the lake because I grew up in Rotorua surrounded by lakes, so it was super special to have our wedding where we did. Peppers On The Point is absolutely stunning, you have the option for an outside ceremony or one inside the chapel. We chose the chapel as it has an amazing view out over the lake and meant everyone wouldn’t be overheating outside.”

Dani says their colour scheme was her favourite colour sage with white and gold accents. They chose to incorporate lots of florals and fairy lights which created a beautiful setting for their day.

“We had our reception at a rugby club which is a little unique. We are very relaxed people, we love to have fun, are not high maintenance and like to live stress-free. We chose the rugby club as it meant after the ceremony we could just be laid back and enjoy the company of our friends and family and we had the best party ever! We loved our ceremony and the location but we also loved the reception. After, I got to chuck on my cowgirl boots and dance the night away.”

Will’s mum and uncle travelled from America and Japan to attend the celebration. “Having my mum and uncle at the wedding meant the world to me, it wouldn’t have been the same without them. But I also loved how all the people there from Dani’s life who are now my family were all there to celebrate with us.”

Dani says if she could give one piece of advice to couples planning their big day, it would be to give yourselves plenty of time to plan. “It’s a big day with lots of little details that you don’t want to miss (like the song to walk down the aisle which I completely forgot about). And one thing I wish I made more time for was to have time planned to just be with each other after the ceremony. It goes by so fast, and I do wish I had taken a little time just to breathe and have a moment alone together.”