Set at a family home, this relaxed yet refined celebration was filled with love, warmth, and thoughtful details—from a custom gown to softly glowing skin.
We couldn’t think of a more beautiful way to continue our real bride series than with Mikayla’s effortlessly elegant Auckland wedding. A talented hairdresser with a love for all things beauty, Mikayla brought her signature relaxed yet refined aesthetic to every detail of the day—including a custom gown by renowned New Zealand designer Blair Wheeler. Set at a family home and captured by her sister, the celebration was intimate, personal, and full of understated charm. Here, she shares the skin prep that gave her that lit-from-within glow, the beauty choices that defined her look, and how it felt to wear a one-of-a-kind design from one of fashion’s most sought-after names.
What was your biggest skincare concern leading up to your wedding, and how did you address it?
I didn't have any major concerns as such, I just knew I wanted to have clear, healthy, glowy looking skin for my wedding. I wanted to make sure I had the best canvas (skin) for my makeup to look the best it could.
Did you make any changes to your skincare routine before your wedding? If so, did it pay off?
I just made sure I kept consistent with my skincare routine, had more frequent facials and made a conscious effort to wear less makeup when I didn’t need to. The biggest change was being lucky enough to start using Cassidy—especially the Radiance Serum under my makeup on the day. It gave the most beautiful glow and made my makeup sit so flawlessly on top.
What was your vision for your wedding? How did you bring it to life?
I wanted something that reflected nick and I. Something laid back, and all about family and having all our favourite people together. And it was exactly that. Beautiful simple ceremony, lots of good food and drinks and just a day celebrating with our people. It was a special day and exactly what we wanted. The only thing I didn’t like was how fast the day went!
What was your wedding day beauty vibe in 3 words?
Timeless, glowy, classic.
What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?
Definitely the ceremony, I loved walking down the aisle and exchanging our vows.
Did you always know what kind of dress you wanted, or was it a surprise?
I had a few ideas collected of what I had seen and loved or might want but I really didn’t have my mind set on anything initially. I ended up having the amazing Blair from BW in Auckland, NZ design my dream dress. With his help we came up with something I absolutely loved and it was just perfect. I feel so lucky having a custom dress that I can keep forever.
What was your hair vibe for the big day?
I was torn initially on having it up or down but with the dress I decided that wearing it up was the way to go— sleek, and in a simple bun. And I loved it. So classic and timeless and meant all the attention was on the dress.
How did you decide on your wedding day makeup look?
I’m very lucky that one of my best friends is a very talented make up artist who I trust whole heartedly. We did do one trial to have a play, but I let her guide me and I knew she would create a look that would suit me, my skin, the dress, the day. And she did. I wanted to feel beautiful and like myself, with my features enhanced in a natural way. And for it to last all day which it did all these things.
Were there any “little touches” that really pulled your wedding day look together?
I kept it simple with all the extra touches but one of my favourite was my veil.. Blair had added a ‘BW’ pin at the top of the comb which I didn’t know he was doing and it looked so cool.
What bridal trends are you loving at the moment?
Dress- Lace, classic styles, 2 looks for the day, sleeves
Hair- buns, sleek, classic, effortless waves
Make up- clean, glowy, natural
Decor- bows, fabric, black and white, lily's in florals
And to finish, This or That?
- Coffee / Green Tea
- Cold plunge / Sauna
- Cooking at home / Eating out
- Books / Podcasts
- Neutrals / Bold colours
- Sunrise / Sunset
- Pilates / HIIT Class
- City break / Nature retreat
- Contemporary / Timeless
- Luxury hotel / cute Air Bnb
Venue: Family home
Dress: BW
Photographer: Sister
Hair: Me
Makeup: Becky Elliott
Shoes: Tony Bianco
Rings: My Jewellery Shop, Gold Coast