Lynsey & Andre

The night Lynsey and Andre Savelio met, they lived in different countries. The two collided when she was celebrating her 21^st birthday in Brisbane, where Andre lived at the time, but the fleeting encounter didn’t stop when Lynsey flew home to New Zealand. The couple’s connection was both immediate and electric. A string of birthday celebrations developed into a series of long-distance calls. “It felt like we had known each other forever.”

Andre, the professional rugby player, also hailing from New Zealand, suffered a knee injury during this time, and Lynsey wanted to be closer to him in Brisbane. After a year, the athlete moved back to England to play for Hull FC. Six months later, she followed. They have been inseparable since.

Lynsey appears radiant in her two-piece bridal dress, finely fitting their barefoot luxury wedding. She pairs the softly contoured mermaid skirt with an all-over lace top that features a sequinned, textural floral design.

The groom preserves his laidback demeanour whilst still looking slick and charming in a pair of beige linen trousers and a white button-down top with long sleeves.

It was important to the couple that their wedding choices reflected their cultural backgrounds.

Sage green bridesmaid dresses add a timeless pop of color to the evening, tying the whole look together with grace.

After saying their vows on the cantilevered Glass Stage under the tropical sky, their family and friends take the stage. Then, the festivities rolled out, getting everyone on their feet to dance, sing, and cheer along. Entertainment is an important tradition and element of a Maori wedding, especially the cultural dances.

Before dinner commences, Andre’s family performs the Haka, followed by a heartwarming song by grandpa. The iconic Haka was performed by Andre’s family as a show of respect to Lynsey’s and to honor the newlyweds.

The evening was imbued with Maori and Samoan traditions, set in a tropical cliffside setting on the island of the Gods. All eyes are now on Lynsey as she takes centre stage to perform a Samoan Siva dance. It is a display of respect and love for the husband. While she dances, guests attach money to the bride as a sign of respect from the guests, gesturing a wealthy marriage.

The evening’s muted color palette is enlivened by the guests’ vibrant tropical dresses and shirts, not to mention everyone’s sunny dispositions that lit up the entire night. “Our wedding day was above and beyond,” the bride reminisces. “I can't even explain how magical this day was, and many people have said to me I've ruined weddings for them in future now as nothing could top this.”