Cushla & Harry
Images Joseph O’Sullivan Photography
‘An invitation to join Harry on a tractor date after one of my exams soon turned into another date, and the rest is history,’ Cushla says.
With both their families being competitors in business, it’s always been a family joke that Cushla and Harry ‘got with the competition’.
The pair were acquaintances throughout high school but became better friends towards the end of Year 13.
After a day out snorkelling in Port Douglas for Cushla’s 26th birthday, a delicious Mexican and a romantic walk along the beach, they headed back to their hotel. ‘We’re both private people, so Harry took to the quietness of our hotel room before asking if I would consider spending the rest of my life with him. Through a blubbery mess of words I said yes!’
Finding the perfect dress was tougher than Cushla thought, and she was worried she would never have the ‘this is the one’ moment. ‘I was super fussy. I went to every wedding dress store in Christchurch and tried on multiple dresses at each. The one I ended up choosing was altered a lot to reflect the style I wanted and to fit me perfectly, but I adored my dress in the end.’
A lot of thought went into finding the perfect date for their wedding. ‘It revolved around Harry’s busy summer work season ending, school holidays, daylight saving, Easter and when we thought the weather would be the best.’
For their autumn wedding at Pemberton, the couple kept their vows secret until the ceremony.‘It was super special and I’m so glad we did, but it was also very emotional. The ceremony was surreal – just perfect and more than we had ever dreamed of. We took a copy of our vows back with us to our accommodation after the reception and re-read them to each other and it was one of the most intimate moments of the day. Super special.’
Another moment Cushla will always remember was just before the ceremony began. ‘Moments before walking down the aisle, hearing that beautiful music playing (Pachelbel’s ‘Canon and Gigue in D Major’), and just thinking, “This is the moment I’ve dreamed of”.’
The couple stayed locally in Prebbleton for their bridal photos. ‘We had photos taken around beautiful Pemberton and then snuck away to some nearby paddocks for some more rural-styled shots which reflected us more as a couple. There was a lot of sheep poo on the ground but Harry did well carrying both me and my dress which made for some pretty cute candid photos.
‘Our wedding day was the happiest hours of our life. I just remember not being able to stop smiling and laughing beside Harry, enjoying the wonderful speeches and seeing all our favourite people in one room celebrating with us.
I never wanted the dancing to end that night. What felt like 10 minutes was actually nearly three hours. It really does go so fast.’
Q&A
Best moment?
It’s hard to pick one. Dancing in front of my husband would be one as it was a surprise for him, and sharing our day with family and friends.
Tips for other couples?
Don’t stress the small stuff, it will all fall into place. Take a moment with your significant other to soak in the day, it goes so quickly!
Standout vendor?
Sarah from Willow Floral & Design. Our flowers were amazing, especially the floral arrangement on our arch.
