A couple from New Zealand recently made headlines for their unconventional approach to their wedding day attire, rejecting traditional dress codes and embracing their own unique style. Alisha and Arthur Mandisodza decided to break multiple fashion rules and create their own traditions when they tied the knot on October 18th at the Duke of Marlborough, the oldest hotel in the town of Russell.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Alisha shared details about the unconventional elements of their ceremony, from allowing loved ones to dress casually for the rehearsal to unique choices in wedding attire. Alisha, 23, and Arthur, 26, wanted to make their special day truly reflective of their personalities and relationship.
Alisha always dreamed of planning an unconventional wedding, although she admitted she hadn’t spent much time imagining her big day growing up. Meeting Arthur changed everything, as they bonded over their shared love for doing things in their own way. From the engagement ring, featuring a custom design with a tourmaline gemstone, to the wedding band crafted from Alisha’s mother’s old gold bangles, the couple incorporated personal touches into every aspect of their day.
Prior to the ceremony, Alisha and Arthur hosted a relaxed rehearsal barbecue with a “comfy” dress code, allowing guests to wear T-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans. This laid-back approach continued with the wedding party, where Alisha gave her bridesmaids freedom to choose their own looks within assigned colors. Arthur’s groomsmen also had creative freedom, with one even choosing to rewear his red wedding suit.
While Alisha mostly adhered to tradition by wearing a white wedding dress, she did make some alterations to make it unique. She cut off the gown’s train and used the excess fabric to create pocket squares for Arthur and his groomsmen. Guests were encouraged to embrace bold colors and accessories, adding to the vibrant and unconventional atmosphere of the celebration.
Despite their departure from traditional dress codes, Alisha and Arthur did not face any backlash from their guests, as they are surrounded by open-minded individuals who appreciated the couple’s authenticity. Alisha encourages other couples to stay true to themselves when planning their weddings, emphasizing that the day should be a reflection of their unique bond and style.
The couple’s story serves as a reminder that weddings are about celebrating love and individuality, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tying the knot. By breaking fashion traditions and embracing their own unconventional style, Alisha and Arthur created a memorable and meaningful experience for themselves and their loved ones on their special day.