Beneath the Pines

The story of Rebe Burgess and Harry Healy began with a gentle nudge from fate, or more precisely, from Harry’s mum, Madeline. While Harry was living in London, Madeline would regularly visit Muse Boutique in Auckland, where Rebe worked (a store owned by Madeline's older son's wife). She would drop subtle hints about Harry to Rebe and then vice versa, sparking what became a running joke between colleagues and family alike. “It went on for about two years,” Rebe recalls with a smile. “Eventually, Harry moved back home, and we crossed paths a few times. But it wasn’t until his brother Nick’s wedding that we really connected — on the dance floor, of course.”

From that moment, everything moved quickly. Both knew they were all in. They moved in together, became business partners and began building a life that allowed them to travel the world. It was during a work trip to Copenhagen that Harry suggested a stop over in Greece, where he had planned a picturesque proposal overlooking Hydra’s exquisitely blue waters. “He’d secretly picked up the ring from Sophie Bille Brahe while we were in Copenhagen,” says Rebe. “He proposed on our balcony and later that night, we watched the sunset from a cliffside restaurant while fireworks went off — completely unplanned! It was so romantic.”

“He proposed on our balcony and later that night, we watched the sunset from a cliffside restaurant while fireworks went off — completely unplanned! It was so romantic.”

The couple wasted no time in deciding on a destination for their wedding, Matarangi Beach, a deeply significant spot for the pair. “Harry grew up spending holidays there,” says Rebe, “and over the years, it has become a place that is full of memories with our friends and family,” she pauses. “We always knew it was where we’d get married.”

Their vision was clear: an undone, joyful celebration rooted in natural beauty and the love they share. Harry’s mum took the reins on planning. “She’s incredibly talented and just knows,” Rebe says. “We were so grateful for her help.”

On the day, Rebe and Harry awoke to piercing blue skies, the summer sun beating down between the iconic Matarangi pine trees that littered the area around Harry’s family home. The set up was simple, chairs scattered out the front of the house, nothing but nature behind the place where Rebe and Harry would recite their vows. “Walking down the aisle with my dad by my side, my mum, brother, and sister ahead of me, and Harry waiting at the end, that was a moment I’ll never forget,” says Rebe with a smile. Harry adds, “Seeing her come out of the house with that big smile of hers… and then when her whānau presented me with a pounamu and blessed us with a haka, it was incredibly emotional.”

For Rebe, who has over a decade of experience in fashion, owns her own brand and is known for her exceptional taste, the brief for a dress was simple, chic and timeless. Ultimately, it was a vintage ’90s gown sourced through Sydney-based Olivia Lila Lahood in a two-toned silk that caught her eye, paired with a jaw-dropping, pleated Danielle Frankel veil, pearl drop earrings from Jasmin Sparrow, and a pearl stud from her Great Nanny Niwa. Emma Frances styled her hair, while Rae Sacha did her makeup, both longtime friends of Rebe’s. “It felt so special to have them with me on the day,” she says.

Harry wore a made-to-measure Wynn Hamlyn suit, a Crane Brothers shirt, and loafers from Aimé Leon Dore. Their bridal party outfits were custom creations from Rebe and her friends at Harris Tapper and Pecchenino, paired with jewellery by Jasmin Sparrow. Rebe even collaborated with her mother on a custom Mother-of-the-Bride dress in deep terracotta with a matching cape. “She looked incredible,” says Rebe. “It was a dream to create something so meaningful with her.”

Styling-wise, the couple kept things minimal to honour the natural beauty of Matarangi. No formal flowers — just local foraging and white orchids from Grace & Flora carried by the bridal party, a nod to Harry’s mum’s own wedding bouquet. And after the simple, moving ceremony, the reception was hosted in a marquee beneath the pines, with the coastal forest as a backdrop.

Music was also crucial consideration and another significant way that Rebe’s and Harry’s friends pitched in to make the day so memorable. Their friend Willy Ferrier from No Cigar sang Rebe down the aisle. “We hadn’t locked in a song and decided to leave it up to him,” says Harry. “He chose ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis, not knowing it was Rebe’s parents’ wedding song. It turned into a really special moment.” The reception was underscored by their friend and DJ Tim Lambourne, who flew in from Tokyo for the occasion and kept all the guests firmly on the dancefloor until late into the night. Looking back, neither would change a thing. “It was a really relaxed, fun day,” says Harry.

Those who know Harry and Rebe, can see how in sync these two are. Always at the heart of any social occasion (and often the driving force behind any kind of 'kick-on'), the pair bring the light because they give one another the space to shine, and they draw those around them into their sphere. They tell me how their relationship has been built on a foundation of respect. “Listening to one another,” Rebe tells me, when I ask what makes it work. “We have also learnt the art of balance, especially when it comes to running a business and maintaining a relationship." Harry continues, “we’re both so passionate about what we do, but we make a conscious effort to prioritise quality time together.”