Welcome to our first Crossed Lovers couple, Lauren + Vincent. 

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.What do you do?

How did you meet and what was your first impression? 

L - Vince and I met in 2005 in year 9 art class. We sat next to each other and it was very obvious he was interested in me, so much so that the teacher moved his seat. My initial impression was he was intelligent, outspoken, creative and OBSESSED with cars! 

V -  At school, arranged in alphabetical order by last name meant some of our classes we were beside each other, first impressions any teenage boy would have…

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Lauren, when and how did you know he was the one?

L -  Vince and I didn’t start dating until 2008 but when we met in 2005 I knew he was going to play a significant role in my life. Before we dated he was my guy best friend, he was always there for me and made me feel at home. I guess there was no one moment where I knew he was "the one" it was the evolution of our friendship and the consistency he showed. I couldn't imagine my life without him.

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Vincent, When and how did you know you wanted to propose to Lauren?

V -  We never rush anything, we’ll be together for life so After nearly 10 years together we were planning a 10 year anniversary trip,  intent was to do it on that trip, instead a night at home with nachos and beer felt more ‘right’ after having the ring for a few months. 

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Lauren, Did you have an idea of your 'Perfect' ring in mind? Did Vincent get it right?

L - I knew I wanted something simple and had my eyes set on a white gold oval solitaire. We were coming up to our 10 year anniversary in 2018 and I was not subtle in my hints. He absolutely nailed it!

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Vincent,  How was the engagement ring making process for you? did you have an idea in mind for what Lauren wanted prior? 

V -  The intent was always there to get married at some stage so I’d always get the ‘hey look, I like this’ so I had a fair idea what we both liked before speaking with H to do some drawings and quotes

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Vincent, Had you ever thought of your own wedding jewellery before becoming engaged?

V -  Yes, I prefer everything to be simple and only buy pieces that will last, there’s also no point saving anything you own for ‘special occasions’ so I decided I’d like a thick gold  9 carat band for the long term wear. 2 years on it’s seen a few nicks with the grinder and files.

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How was the wedding band making process for you?

L -  So easy! We knew we wanted Hannah to make our weddings bands but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted so we looked around and then decided on a white gold diamond band to fit under the engagement ring. Vincent’s wedding band process was so incredibly special, I'll let him talk about this.

V -  Amazing, I love to make things and given the relationship with H I was able to make the band myself from a single gold bar. 

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Your decisions and envisions around a wedding?

L -  We knew we wanted a small intimate wedding and spoke about eloping overseas. We settled on an intimate elopement in Queenstown with 16 of our closest family and friends. We spent four days in Queenstown before our guests arrived and then a couple of days with everyone, it was such a special time. Highly recommend a smaller wedding away from the hustle and bustle! 

V -  A day whether it be cloudy,raining, hailing or gleaming with sun we could look back on and be happy with where we stood, what we said to each other and who we surrounded ourselves with. You can’t beat Central Otago!

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What was your wedding day like? 

L -  So chill! We got married on the edge of Moke Lake followed by a private dinner at Eichardts. It was so us, relaxed, in nature with great company, food and wine.

V -  Amazing, best day ever? Those will keep coming, that’s why we’re together. 

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What did you wear on your wedding day? 

L -  I wore a fitted lace dress with beaded sleeves by Anna Schimmel. Anna was a dream to work with and we had the final look confirmed in the first consultation. Each Anna Schimmel wedding dress enables a girl in Togo, Africa, gain a year of education - something else that made the dress that much more special. 

V - What I believe to be a timeless, any occasion tailored suit, in browns.

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Most memorable moment/s of the day?

L -  The day was filled with so many special moments but when I look back I don't just think about the day but also the days leading up to and after. Getting my nails done with my Nana, wine tasting, day spas, four-wheel drive adventures, saying our vows, laughing with our family and friends around the table. 

V -  Our words, our view, our people. 

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Favourite thing about married life?

L -  My favourite thing about married life with Vince is the deep friendship we have. We are true life partners and support, motivate and celebrate eachother. 

V -  It’s the same as unmarried life, just as good as before. 

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Any advice for other couples?

L - Make sure your wedding day is about you. Don't get caught up in the stuff that doesn't matter. Ensure there's plenty of time for you be together, just the two of you. Remember it's just a day and you have a lifetime of other platinum days and moments ahead of you. Breathe and enjoy the moment.

V -  Do what is right for you. 

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What's next for you both as a couple?

L -We're currently planning our OE around Europe. Vincent sadly lost both of his Grandparents recently so we want to visit Holland where they (and his Dad) originated from.

V -  Keep enjoying our life together, I love the path we’ve been on and the direction our relationship is going. 

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Would you recommend a bespoke ring making service over store bought?

L - I am really passionate about supporting local and smaller businesses as much as I can so would absolutely recommend opting for a bespoke piece.

V -  100% it’s forever right? 

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Lauren + Vincent

Met 2005

Together 2008

Married at Lake Moke, Queenstown April 2021

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Lauren's jewellery - 18ct white gold and oval diamond solitaire engagement ring, 18ct white gold and diamond eternity band, 9ct white gold and pearl bracelet and 9ct white gold and pearl earrings. 

Vincent's jewellery  - 9ct yellow gold comfort curve wedding band.