From flawless skin to bongo-backed speeches, Harriet McClurg’s Hawke’s Bay wedding was nothing short of unforgettable. As someone who works in the appearance medicine industry, Harriet had both the knowledge and the access to bring her wedding day beauty goals to life—and she didn’t miss a beat. With a two-piece gown from LVR Bridal, a glowing complexion, and classic details (hello, pearl chrome nails and sentimental earrings), Harriet brought a balanced mix of timeless elegance and personal flair to every moment. Below, she reflects on her skincare prep, standout surprises, and the unforgettable honeymoon that followed.
What was your biggest skincare concern leading up to your wedding, and how did you address it?
Pigmentation - I did 2 x Moxi Lasers, a series of Laser Genesis & injectables (botulinum toxin and skin boosters). It might sound a bit extra, but I work in the appearance medicine industry so I am lucky to have access to the best in the business.
Did you make any changes to your skincare routine before your wedding? If so, did it pay off?
I stripped it right back, my skin barrier was impaired from chopping and changing and adding too many actives at once. Simplifying my skin care routine absolutely helped.
What was your vision for your wedding? How did you bring it to life?
We wanted it to be a party, a celebration of love and with those who we love! Other than guests, our priority was to create a fun vibe, with epic food, drinks and music, and of course beauty all around. I honestly cannot fault anything about our day, it blew my expectations completely.
What was your wedding day beauty vibe in 3 words?
Glowy, flawless, natural-ish.
What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?
The ceremony - which blows my mind as I was SO nervous about it. It really was the most special part. But honestly, I loved every minute so so much!
Did you always know what kind of dress you wanted, or was it a surprise?
I had no idea, the best piece of advice I got was to try everything, especially styles you would never go for. I went for a two piece in the end which I loved.
What was your hair vibe for the big day?
Classic, low bun, loose at the front. I had the most gorgeous earrings, courtesy of my husband, that I wanted to show off! I am obsessed with them. So the hair had to work for the earrings!
How did you decide on your wedding day makeup look?
I have a huge focus on skin, so really wanted that to appear glowy and natural. I wanted to look like myself, but my healthiest, glowiest best self. Doing a makeup trial was absolutely key for me, to have that confidence that on the day I would be happy with the look.
Were there any 'little touches' that really pulled your wedding day look together?
Loved my nails, I requested pearl chrome and they were such a vibe! Fun, but still bridal and not distracting. My earrings, as mentioned above, I adore!
What bridal trends are you loving at the moment?
Oooh I can’t say I am super up with the trends, but I love bright florals, candle lit dinners, garden party vibes. Also pets being included somehow in the ceremony - love this! We have cats so it would have been risky to include them to say the least. But if we had a dog they would have been there for sure.
Tell us about any standout moments that took you by surprise?
So many stand outs! The realisation that you have all your favourite people together all at once, there to celebrate you as a couple! Speeches, all of them! We had some very eccentric speakers, including my husband’s, which included groomsmen on bongo drums as a musical back up.
Lastly, tell us about your dreamy honeymoon - where you went, how long for, what you enjoyed most about it.
We honeymooned in Mexico, leaving two days after our wedding weekend, which was absolute heaven. Skipped the post-wedding blues and it was such a magical, fun place to decompress and debrief after such an incredible wedding.
And to finish, This or That?
- Coffee / Green Tea
- Cold plunge / Sauna
- Cooking at home / Eating out (Home when in my health phase but I do especially love dinners out)
- Books / Podcasts (Both equally, daytime podcasts & books in the evenings)
- Neutrals / Bold colours
- Sunrise / Sunset
- Pilates / HIIT Class
- City break / Nature retreat
- Contemporary / Timeless
- Luxury hotel / Cute Air Bnb
Venue: Private Venue, Hawke's Bay
Dress: LVR Bridal
Photographer: Natalie McNally
Hair: Salon 26
Makeup: Josie Brenstrum
Shoes: Senso
Accessories: McClurgs Jewellers
Florist: Sniff Flowers
www.mcclurgs.co.nz
@mcclurgsjewellers