Chris and Kellie Taylor from Moochi. Photo/Supplied
Chris and Kellie Taylor from Moochi. Photo/Supplied
Keeping the wedding of the year under wraps was "crazy hard" for Kellie Taylor, owner of Moochi, who can now finally share that she designed and made Gemma Flynn's four bridesmaid dresses for her wedding to Richie McCaw in Wanaka at the weekend.
"I was so excited. I had saidto my brand manager, Georgia, as soon as I had heard they were engaged that I would love to look after their bridesmaids," Ms Taylor said.
"Somehow, it all came together and we are very honoured to have been involved ... Keeping it under wraps was crazy hard, but in fairness it is their day and they deserved the privacy. As the date approached I had to bite my tongue more than once."
The four bridesmaids were dressed head to toe by Moochi, including shoes.
"At first glance they are pared-back camisole dresses, but if you take a second glance you will see all the beautiful details, including the draped skirt that ties into the waist sash at the front, a subtle thigh-high split on the left and the back neckline falls beautifully low while crossover strapping allows for undergarments."
The bridesmaids each wore a Moochi necklace with a "kiss" design and, because the wedding was outside, Gemma opted for wedding heels easy to wear on grass but still chic.
In additional Gemma had custom made jewellery deisgned for each bridesmaid, including a ring, earrings and necklace by designer Charmaine Williams from Grae Jewellery.
Ms Taylor, who grew up in Tauranga, started the Moochi brand in the Bay when she was in her 20s.
Now living in Auckland, Ms Taylor said she had not met Gemma before but believes the brand resonated with the hockey star.
"I believe she chose us because both her and her friends all relate well to our brand and enjoy wearing our designs.
"When the girls were in our design room it was all really easy. We like to be a low-key brand and enjoyed sharing what we do with the girls. The Moochi brand is one that seems to sit well with New Zealand sports women. We're home-grown, like them.
Gemma Flynn (centre) and her bridesmaids, from left Abigail Marshall, Lydia O'Donnell, Charlotte Harrison and Nicole Turner
"This was the first opportunity we've had to work collaboratively with Gemma, but in meeting with her we discovered she has been wearing Moochi for a while, which was awesome to learn."
Gemma had her mind set on blush pink from the get-go.
"Right from the beginning Gemma knew she was after a classic, timeless look and it had to be blush. Our job was to source just the right shade in a beautiful silk crepe de chine. We sourced a variety of shades and all loved the end selection."
As for the design, Gemma also had a vision of what she wanted, as well as what her bridesmaids liked to wear, so Ms Taylor's job was to come up with something creative that pleased everyone.
Ms Taylor said the team cut three samples before the final dress design was agreed upon and the final four gowns were cut.
