A Love Story to Remember: Sophie & Mihnea

Planning a wedding is a beautiful adventure, and for Sophie and Mihnea, it’s the culmination of a love story that began in high school and led us to the most magical day of their lives. They got married at Kingfisher Rise out in the northern countryside part of Auckland. King fisher Rise offers beautiful gardens surrounded by great views of the surrounding farmland.

If you’re dreaming of an Auckland wedding filled with personal touches, heartfelt moments, and a relaxed yet elegant vibe, their journey might just inspire you!

Their Beginning: High School Sweethearts

We first met in intermediate school but didn’t truly connect until we were 14 or 15, when our friend groups merged. Late-night conversations about everything under the sun turned our friendship into something deeper. At 16, Mihnea asked me to be his girlfriend, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Being high school sweethearts means we’ve grown up together—navigating life’s changes side by side. From teenage crushes to building a home and life together, our love has only grown stronger.

The Proposal: A Rainy, Candlelit Surprise at Home

After nine years together, Mihnea secretly planned the perfect proposal. We were supposed to go to Waiheke Island for the weekend, but he decided our home—the one we bought together—would be even more meaningful.

Of course, things didn’t go entirely to plan! I unexpectedly worked from home, nearly ruining his surprise. With some quick thinking (and a little help from my colleague and best friend), Mihnea managed to get me out of the house long enough to set up an incredibly romantic scene—flower petals, over 30 candles, champagne, and my favorite meal.

The best part? A downpour nearly derailed everything, and an unplanned detour added stress (especially since he’d already lit all the candles!). But when I walked in, our home was still standing (phew!), and our cat was part of the sweetest, most personal proposal. We spent the evening laughing, crying, and celebrating with wine and stories—a perfect start to our engagement.

Our Wedding Style: A Relaxed Garden Party with a Touch of Elegance

We wanted our wedding to feel us—casual, fun, and full of personal touches. A garden party/marquee wedding was the perfect choice, allowing us to:

Personalise every detail – DIY elements made it feel uniquely ours.
Keep things relaxed – No stiff formalities, just good vibes.
Avoid the spotlight – We’re shy, so an intimate, joyful celebration suited us best.

What We’re Most Excited For: Seeing Each Other at the Aisle

After all the planning, the moment we’re most looking forward to is locking eyes as we say our vows. That first look will be a core memory—one we’ll cherish forever.

Their Top Wedding Planning Tips

1. Enjoy the Process

Instead of thinking, “I have to organise X,” reframe it as, “I get to organise X.” How lucky are we to plan a day where everyone we love celebrates with us?

2. Choose Vendors You Trust

Finding vendors who get you makes all the difference. Look for people who offer guidance, reassurance, and creativity—it takes so much stress out of planning!

3. Make It About YOU

Don’t feel pressured to follow traditions that don’t resonate with you. Your wedding should reflect your love story—not anyone else’s expectations.

Why Auckland? The Perfect Wedding Destination

We chose Auckland because it offers:

Stunning venues – From vineyards to gardens and chic urban spaces.
Breathtaking scenery – Beaches, parks, and city backdrops for unforgettable photos.
Amazing vendors – Talented florists, photographers, and caterers who bring visions to life.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Auckland has everything you need for a dream wedding.

Final Thoughts

Our wedding day is a celebration of us—our journey, our love, and the life we’ve built together. If you’re planning an Auckland wedding, remember: the best weddings are the ones that feel authentically yours.

Are you planning an Auckland wedding? What’s your vision? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!

Contact me today and let’s make your vision a reality!