Maddie & Theo

Theo is not much of a planner, but he did have a plan to marry Maddie. While living in Amsterdam, they had access to tons of beautiful cities to go for a weekend getaway. What he forgot to factor in, was that Maddie is the planner, and suggested going to Paris to celebrate their anniversary. This began Theo’s search to find a non-stereotypical place in Paris to propose.

After some research, he discovered Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. After a walk to the park and stopping at a wonderful bakery and wine shop, everything went wrong. First, they were interrupted by children playing, followed by a swarm of ravens, and a couple taking wedding portraits. Theo then planned on proposing on their walk to dinner, which unfortunately, Maddie was not fond of the idea of a late-night walk.

With ten minutes until their anniversary was over, they found themselves on Île Saint-Louis, where Theo thought to himself “life isn’t perfect and planned, and that’s what makes it exciting.” So, with Maddie sitting on the wall above the Siene, he read her the poem he had written with the closing lines “will you marry me?”

Italy holds such special memories for both Maddie and Theo. Soon after researching venues in Italy, they had their hearts set on Abbey San Galgano - A place they’d be able to come back and visit for years to come! Style wise, they kept things simple. The venue and location itself inspired the mood of the wedding - refined with little color, bringing in the warm tones of Tuscany.

“Even pre engagement I’d always loved the idea of a timeless silhouette. My dress was actually the first I tried on in the last store we visited. I had two friends with me who teared up when I put it on, which really made it feel like the one. All my bridesmaids and my mum were in New Zealand at the time, so none of them actually saw my dress until the actual day. The morning of the wedding was such a special moment; all of them seeing me in my dress for the first time.”

- Real AG Bride Maddie

Photographer: Celine Chhuon | Videographer: Pablo Figlia | Retailer: Wild at Heart | Venue: San Gaglano

Florals: Puscina Flowers | Cake: Dolci Passioni | Stationary: The Knot | Beauty: Bezal Makeup

Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren, Profuomo, Hugo Boss

Bridesmaids’ Attire: Dissh, Castanero Official | Rings: Lyppens Amsterdam