For those planning their day of days amongst the epic scenery, coastal charm or vibrant city life of New Zealand, then this here post is just for you. Whether you call NZ home or are dreaming of a destination wedding across the ditch, the vendors in this red-hot round-up are all top of their trade and come 1000% recommended by us.
Chockas with super talents across all fronts, from photographer (hi Sirena Photography) to cake maker (the phenom Sophie Roseanna Cakes), fab florist (Little Botanica), venues (Kauri Bay Boomrock and Te Mata House) and even those wishing for rad elopement packages (Lost In Love is where it’s at, FYI), this feature is the perfect place to start that wedding prep.
Without further ado, let the planning begin – why not grab a copy of our Wedding Planner & Notebook to keep all your notes/thoughts/ideas in one tidy (and totally cute) spot. Happy scrolling!
This incredibly cool 500-acre venue in Auckland offers a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf – pretty damn perfect for capturing some unforgettable photos. The private property combines oodles of coastal charm with luxe touches, provides indoor and outdoor spaces to suit your style, as well as seriously good food and wine options and on-site accom so you and your guests can make a weekend of it. Hit up the dedicated team at their directory listing.
Follow: @kauribayboomrock
SIRENA PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s no understatement to say we’re OBSESSED with Sirena’s editorial style. This Christchurch-based lens lady takes pride in telling love stories with the utmost attention detail and has a special knack for film photography.”The blend of grain, colour, and nostalgic essence in film photos adds a storytelling quality that can’t be replicated digitally. It’s a medium like no other, and I’ve dedicated myself to mastering its artistry over the years,” Sirena says. If these pics above are your vibe, get in touch with this super talent here, then check out Charlotte & Matt’s Christchurch wedding for another hefty dose of inspo.
Follow: @sirenaphotography_
LITTLE BOTANICA
This Queenstown-based florist is beyond talented and we are constantly blown away by Amy and her team’s phenom handiwork. Bold, seasonal blooms are their jam, which they source from local growers, crafting bountiful bouquets and sculptural masterpieces that break the mould. Whether you’re hosting a huge party for 200-plus or an intimate elopement with just a few, this floral designer is up to make some serious magic. Shoot them an enquiry directly here.
Follow: @littlebotanica_
GODAVARI DIAMONDS
Sustainable luxury, mindful design and bespoke craftsmanship are the name of the game for the family-run New Zealand business, Godavari Diamonds. The stunning jewellery designer works with local artisans to craft beautifully iconic jewellery, with Godavari founder Jane Bell, sharing: “We love the simplicity, origin, and tradition of gifting diamonds. There is a romance, a story that talks to the loving bonds in relationships.” This, friends, is artisanal opulence imagined and brought to life in the cultural capital of Auckland. Even the jewellery cases and gift packaging are hand-crafted, taking the whole experience to a new level of yes, yes, yes. You can get in touch with the brand here.
Follow: @godavaridiamonds
PENTON & CO
This luxury Auckland-based hair and makeup team is led by the lovely Alex Penton, who has over 20 years industry experience and is known for her professionalism and meticulous attention to detail. Alex, along with her team of handpicked and trusted talents, puts the happiness of her past clients down to her ability to connect and communicate. She’s got oodles of passion and skill, plus, her kit only includes the best of the best. Catch one of Alex’s past bride’s Nicole here then get in touch here.
Follow: @penton.andco
SOPHIE ROSEANNA CAKES
If you’re in need of an incredible cake maker in New Zealand, look no further than Sophie Roseanna. Specialising in bold, bespoke designs, Sophie loves nothing more than creating delicious masterpieces to suit your vibe. Whether it’s a simple buttercream finish, fondant ruffles or lush sails you’re after, this super-talented Queenstown-based baker will make it happen and then some. You can get in touch with her via her directory listing.
Follow: @sophieroseannacakes
JESSICA COUTURE
We have a massive crush on the Jessica Couture Group and the reasons are aplenty, friends. Celebrating soft, feminine allure with their range of couture gowns from their three labels – Jessica Couture, Atelier Wu and Miss Chloe – these New Zealand-made dresses are as gorgeous as they come. Their collections are a delicious buffet of dreamy and romantic styles, with the focus on craftmanship, and their Mini Series (which you can see some of above) is utterly swoon-worthy. Ooft! We’re downright obsessed with Sandi. Get in touch with this talented couture designer here.
Follow: @jessicacoutures
TE MATA HOUSE
This private residence in the stunning Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island is now open for a limited number of very spesh weddings each year. You can go all out and create the garden wedding of your dreams at this luxe property – walk down an aisle lined with crabapple trees, say ‘I do’ under the wisteria pergola, make it offish in a lavender field, or get hitched in front of an historic homestead. So many D.R.E.A.M.Y options for your ceremony and reception, as well as accomodation for you and your partner to stay once the celebrations are done. Send a direct enquiry here to start planning your best day ever.
Follow: @te_mata_house
STAC WEDDINGSBased in Central Otago and Southland (but servicing New Zealand as a whole), Stac Weddings can take care of wedding planning, management, styling and hire. Reach out for a complimentary 30-minute consult and start piecing together your vision with the talented Stacey – she is super passionate, has a tonne of experience and delivers on the detail every. Damn. Time. No matter the size of your celebration, Stac Weddings are up to the task, offering up partial and full planning packages as well as bespoke hire options to suit varying budgets and style. What are you waiting for… get in touch here.
Follow: @stacweddings_hire
GATHER & GOLD
If a marquee wedding is what you’re after, then Gather & Gold are your peeps! What’s not to love – a fab aesthetic addition to your day and a place for guests to shelter, all rolled into one. Being the fabulous folk they are, Gather & Gold will even provide the styling goods by way of festoon light walkways, sheepskins and pine stumps and they make it super-easy to navigate which design and extras will best suit. They’ve been in the tipi biz for nearly 10 years and are proper pros when it comes to designing DIY dream days. Have a chat with this South Island-based team and you’ll see exactly what we mean.
Follow: @gatherandgoldtipis
LOST IN LOVE
Guys, if you are planning on eloping in New Zealand, you MUST get in touch with Kate and the team of legends behind Lost in Love. “Breathtaking Queenstown elopements with major wow-factor” is their catch-cry, and with their specialised packages, which are, “Fun. Creative. Atmospheric and oh-so emotional!”, they deliver on all fronts. Wanna get hitched just the two of you by a serene alpine lake? Not a problem. Or perhaps you’re keen to take a helicopter adventure before saying ‘I do’? Sorted! With years of experience making magic, Lost in Love will take care of every meticulous detail, and couples who have employed their services have nothing but rave reviews.
Follow: @lostinlove.nz
OH! SUCH STYLE
If we had to describe this Auckland-based stylist’s aesthetic in just a few words, it would be modern, romantic, timeless and elegant… oh, and we did we mention BEAUTIFUL! Everything this talented team touches turns to dazzling deliciousness. Plus, it’s not just their styling skills that are noteworthy… their logistical planning prowess will see your day glide from woe to go with seamless precision. If you’re in the market for a stylist/planner, you’d do well to shoot off an enquiry here.
Follow: @ohsuchstyle
THE PEACH CLUB
Serving up fresh, modern and fashion-forward looks is all in a day’s work for this ultra-talented, award-winning team of hair and makeup professionals. Located in Auckland, The Peach Club cater to brides across Tamaki Makaurau, including Waiheke Island, but are also partial to a sunny holiday so will travel on request! From your initial consultation to the big day itself, these gals will ensure the process makes you feel like the best version of yourself… no signature looks in sight! Sound like your dream team? Get in touch via their directory listing here.
Follow: @thepeach_club
PHOTOS: Kate Craig Brown, Sirena Photography, Kate Roberge, Ruby Jane, Scott Surplice, Brook Sabin, Haute Weddings, Meredith Lord, Andrei James, Black Feather Studio, Bonnie Jenkins, Kate Craig Brown, Jesse and Jessie, Amanda Thomas.
