It’s Magazine Monday — one of our last for the 2017 issue! Here’s a closer look at Dayne and Jarom’s dearly beloved and dance-filled day.
Dayne + Jarom // March 31, 2017
Dayne Lagavalelefu’a’atumua Porter and Jarom Jonathan Potae Ngakuru have a love that knows no bounds. While Dayne, an American Fork native, was serving an LDS mission in New Zealand, she met Jarom’s family. His family loved Dayne and encouraged the pair to write (Jarom was serving an LDS mission in Australia). Through months of communication, their relationship developed.
For Jarom, it was love at first sight. He later proposed at the Grand Canyon with both families looking on. Dayne thought Jarom was shaking because of a fear of heights, but in reality it was just nerves.
“Talk about being surprised!” Dayne says. “I had zero idea.”
After the breathtaking proposal, Dayne started planning her wedding with a desire to incorporate her Samoan roots and Jaroms’ Maori heritage. Dayne’s favors included Polynesian chocolates, authentic Maori kite baskets and Samoan kava bowls.
And the food, oh the food! There was chicken, pork, steak, rice and macaroni salad catered by Mo’Bettahs, a grill that both families frequent regularly.
Dayne’s favorite moment of the day? “Walking into the reception and being announced as Mr. and Mrs. Ngakuru, with all eyes on us while my brother played the guitar and sang.”
GET THE PICTURE Dayne and Jarom strived to incorporate their cultural heritage into the wedding as much as possible — including the smallest of details like folding the napkins in traditional Samoan patterns. Jarom’s groomsmen all wore pounamu stones, which represent strength, friendship and new beginnings. Jarom wore a korowai, or feather cape, which is a traditional wedding covering worn as a sign of respect and accomplishment. At the reception, Jarom’s family performed a song in their native tongue, Te Reo, and a traditional Haka dance. Dayne’s family followed suit and performed traditional wedding dances, and the bride did a special hula and presented a fresh lei to her new husband. “It was something I’ve been looking forward to doing at my own wedding ever since I can remember,” she says. Both of Dayne’s dance dresses were designed and handmade by her aunt.
Photography Cassandra Farley (a #UVBvendor!)
Venue The Vista at Cedar Hills (a #UVBvendor!)
Videography Farley Cinematography (a #UVBvendor!)
Floral Adonica Kauwe-Limon
Gown The Brides’ Shop (a #UVBvendor!)
Paper Suite Pro Digital Photos (a #UVBvendor!)
Catering Mo’ Bettahs
Hair Lauren Porter
Makeup Tatum Hosea
Groom’s Attire Mr. Mac + Brooks Brothers + Tie One On
Groomsmen Socks Custom from New Zealand
Rings Michael Hill + Kay Jewelers
Samoan Dance Outfits Kylene Purcell
