chic style

They may have been shy when they first met, but this fun-loving Waikato couple certainly knew how to break the ice for guests on their big day. A water bomb fight, games on the beach, and fish and chips... this is definitely one of the most fun weddings we've ever seen.

But we'll let Hayleigh fill you in on all the details...

How did you meet? Through a hungover gaze while an All Blacks game was playing. We met on mutual friend's farm where we were lightheartedly encouraged to interact, both slightly shy. Our first date was in Raglan, where we had lunch and a walk along the beach. We haven't looked back.

Tell us about the proposal: It took place on Mount Pirongia. We drove up and Christopher made me get out of the car. He then got down on one knee and said the kindest of words. I couldn't believe the ring, and said yes - a million times yes. I was so overwhelmed with emotions that I was crying in the car on the drive back to Hamilton. On the way home we stopped into his sister's place, where she had champagne waiting.

Images: White Bridesmaid Dresses

Location of wedding: Pukehina Beach, Western Bay of Plenty.

Describe your wedding day: We had a sweet and simple ceremony on the beach, during which our seven combined sisters read quotes from Roald Dahl books throughout.

We didn't have an official wedding party, but my sisters all wore the same colour dress so they looked like they were my bridesmaids in photos. This was a deliberate move on their parts so they could claim later they were bridesmaids!

During the ceremony we played a little joke on the guests. We hid our wedding bands so all our guests had to search and look under the chair they were sitting on. Whoever found it had to bring it to us up the front - it created lots of giggles.

Chris is a huge fan of Fletch, Vaughan and Megan from ZM, so I messaged them prior to the wedding. They sent us the most amazing, thoughtful and funny hand-crafted wedding card. When I gave it to Chris he was so overwhelmed.

After the ceremony, we had played heaps of games. The bride's side took on the groom's side in a challenge to erect two identical tents without instructions, there was a game of bat down on the beach, and also a massive water bomb fight.

We had the fish and chip shop cater our wedding - it was a bargain with amazing service to boot. They wrapped 60 individual packs of fish or hotdog and chips in paper that was covered with photos and stories of Chris and I. It gave the guests some light reading material during dinner.

We also had Mack the dog on hand and wearing a bottle opener - you just had to call him and he would come so you could open your beer.

We hired three baches, sleeping all 60 guests, so instead of a "seating plan" we had a "sleeping plan". We ended the night with sparklers, and gave our guests 60 pieces of pounamu, which was such a lovely touch.

The dress: I was visiting my aunt Katie, who works as a marriage celebrant, on the West Coast. She had asked me to come to a rehearsal with her to help with the music. When we arrived the bride was about five foot tall, big chested and round (similar to myself), and I asked my aunt to take a photo of the gown she wore as I struggled to find pictures of plus-size brides in wedding dresses.

When I saw the sneaky photo I thought it looked amazing. My aunty emailed her to see if she would sell it, and, after some reluctance, she replied that I could have it for $100. My aunty posted it to me in the Waikato, I tried it on… and it fit perfectly.

The flowers: They were by Love Vintage. They were absolutely amazing, so affordable, and just what I wanted.

Highlight of the wedding: My husband, of course - just seeing him, holding his hand, feeling the love. Another highlight was the five minutes we put aside to take it all in. My work colleague had got married three weeks prior to us, and her advice was to consciously stop, look around, and appreciate the day, the people, and the decorations. I'll never forget that.

Was there any drama? Honestly, I had absolutely nothing to complain about, no regrets, no drama. It was everything I wanted, a relaxed, happy day and everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves.

However the next day I slipped on a deck and fractured my back. I had to be taken to a local medical centre where I was given morphine. As Chris was driving us on the two-hour journey back home, I spewed on myself in the car. I managed to spew again into a plastic bag... but it turned out there was a hole in the bag

When we finally got back to the mighty Waikato, I projectile vomited on the deck. Chris had to undress me, put me to bed, and start hosing down the deck and car. Day one and I cashed in my "in sickness and in health" vow.

The honeymoon: Chris is from the UK so we will head over to see his parents -who came to New Zealand for the big day - in 12 months or so.

Your photographer and favourite photo? Our photographer was Kaitlin Foote, she is a dear friend who has a heart of gold. She made our wedding cake, took our photos, and her fiance let us borrow a $135,000 Audi for the wedding. Our favourite photo? Usually it wouldn't be one of myself, but I love the look on my face walking down the aisle to my husband and on my dad's arm. I was so happy.

Also see: Grey Bridesmaid Dresses