MUSE - Katie Von Dadelszen, ANEAU bride and bridesmaids in custom ANEAU robes

Photography by Fiona Andersen

How did you and Chris first meet? At what moment did you know Chris was your man for life and had captured your heart? Chris and I met at a mutual friends birthday party at the beach road hotel in bondi 6 years ago... his laugh is what first got my attention it reminded me of the cartoon character Muttley from hanabarbera cartoon series! I thought Ohmygod his laugh and his smile are so infectious I need this man in my life!  About a month later he asked me to come and meet him for a drink again at the beach road. We shared a sneaky kiss on the dance floor and then said our goodbyes as I had to fly to Los Angeles the next morning for work. Not a day has passed since that evening where we haven’t spoken. Not one single day!

What led you to choose Wanaka in New Zealand at Horse Shoe Bend Estate for your wedding location? Chris is from New Zealand and we have spent a bit of time in beautiful Queenstown together. When researching venues for our destination wedding I came across horseshoe bend estate in wanaka and instantly fell in love - it was the perfect venue to host our nearest and dearest whilst truely showcasing the beauty of wanaka.

The theme of white and black for your wedding is so stunning against the backdrop of the incredible landscape of Wanaka and fits perfectly with the modern architecture of the estate. Was this the intention of the creative direction? Yes I felt black and white was subtle yet still very impactful. I didn’t want to take away from the beauty of the New Zealand landscape but I still wanted to convey a sense of style and sophistication where I could look back on my wedding photos in 20 years time and not be shocked but any crazy colours!

We feel so lucky to have collaborated and made custom robes for you and your bridesmaids. How did they add a special touch to the preparation? The robes were absolutely stunning! On the morning of the wedding I hung the robes in the rooms of each of my bridesmaids so they could put them on as soon as they got up. The girls were absolutely blown away. The crisp white cotton was so luxe and it looks and feels so premium. The girls also loved the personalised initials on their robes which added that special touch. We were running around like crazy women all morning setting up for the wedding but we were so cool because of the gorgeous breathable cotton! I loved how the robes also tied back to my black and white theme! Anna absolutely nailed them. The black piping gave them that added bit of detail and I think that’s what sets aneau apart from other brands - the make the beautiful fabric and the considered design details - every piece is carefully considered and made with love!

What was the most memorable moment from the day and if you could go back in time what would you tell yourself the morning of the day? Apart from marrying the man of my dreams, our helicopter glacier photos and sharing our love with our very best of friends and family I would have to say it was just before I got my make up done. Chris took me out to the pool lounges and presented me with a letter from my father who wasn’t well enough to attend the wedding. Chris, my best friend (and maid of honour) and my little brother had arranged the letter with my father. I was completely overcome with emotion when I read it and was sobbing uncontrollably but Chris was there hugging me, looking at me with such love and comfort in his eyes I knew instantly in that moment that this man was my protector and who I couldn’t wait to marry. If I could go back and tell myself one thing on the morning of the wedding it would be to get someone to record the speeches!!!! We had so many wonderful speeches and laughs and tears but no one recorded them! To this day people are still asking if we have copies of anyone’s speeches!!!

What are you most excited about for your next chapter together other than your new incredible last name, Von Dadelszen?  We are going to Japan for 2 1/2 weeks in October for our honeymoon and the rugby World Cup (remember I married a kiwi so it’s all about the all blacks lol) after that I’d love to start trying for a little baby von d!!!!!!