Plan your perfect Waiheke wedding
So you’ve spent hours agonizing over finding that perfect dress to say ‘I do’ in. The Wedding planning book is slowly getting filled up with brimming things to do and you’ve selected some bridesmaids' dresses already, but now you’re eying up the many other decisions that need to be made. But now it’s time to explore the idea of where you want everything to happen. Ah yes- the big location question! Where on earth can you find a location that is as magical as you and your electric love story are? You will discover those starry vibes and other-worldly shimmer in Waiheke. It’s the island fully fledged with awe-inspiring backdrops to gleam in with remarkable wines and cuisines to keep you floating on air. Amidst all the hazy glitter of the day, let’s face it- beforehand all those decisions can be so very daunting to think about. Let’s look into some venues, florists, and photographer options, so you can get closer to soaking in the budding excitement of the day.
Mudbrick will ignite your love story: the picturesque backdrop of dreams
Step 1- the venue. With Waiheke as your beautiful tapestry to play with, which of the numerous venues should you lock in to serve as your unforgettable backdrop? We look at three of some of the most distinctively charming spots to nab for your ceremony of love. Mudbrick is a very popular venue to whisk you off your feet and send you reeling. As with a lot of Waiheke venues, it’s all summed up in the glorious view, and why would it not be with the fabulous presence of Auckland‘s harbor bridge to overlook, as well as Mudbrick’s alluring vineyards to keep your eyes gazing. You may as well be teleported to Tuscany with all the exceptionally manicured grounds and stunning vineyards! Of course, this can be captured beautifully for your eventual wedding photo album. We will go into those all-important photographers very soon. Food wise it’s Island inspired cuisine which will have your taste buds tantalized right from the start. We know you will be eager for the logistics so rest assured that you will seat up to 126 guests. Lounge in the boutique, sophisticated accommodation and rest your head before your wedding walk music sounds.
Slip away to Tuscany with Stonyridge. Spectacular wines and views to stand in awe at
Hidden away in Onetangi’s olive groves you will find Stonyridge which was voted as ‘One of the Top Ten Must Visit Wineries in the World’ by the Guardian. You know that you can count on the grapes and caliber of this vineyard, making your wedding toast to be as effortless as falling in love. It’s worth noting that they only host a select few weddings per year, so that’s just something to keep in mind when selecting your perfect venue. After all, you do not want to miss out on securing the dates that you're eyeing for your big day! Again those all-important logistics, rest easy knowing you can seat up to 120 people on their veranda. You’ll soon discover some great photographer options and remember that Stonyridge is a stroll away from the beaches, to make those veil sweeping shots look extra glossy and special.
Te Whau Lodge will ring in your romance with style
Go small and intimate with Te Whau Lodge. Te Whau seats up to 35 guests which make for a very sweet and intimate style gathering to ring in your nuptials with. Nature lovers will find the lovely bird songs from the surrounding native bush to be enriching and tranquil. Before your extraordinary day, take a step back to relax and chill in the Te Whau Lodge luxury suites. Te Whau is there to make you truly savor your once in a lifetime experience.
What about the blooming flowers?
Flowers provide such a fresh ambience to weddings; they truly whisper romantic love in their beauty and scent. With all the choices of florists available, how does one narrow down what look, style and feel they are seeking to display? We’ve collected an array of wonderful florists so you can comfortably narrow your quest for gorgeous floral arrangements.
Cartier For Flowers
You will find a beautiful sense of timelessness in Cartier For Flowers, a Newmarket Auckland based florist that offers some incredible trimmings. Cartier For Flowers might very well be the oldest florist in Auckland. It translates this sense of beautiful experience into marvelous handpicked arrangements. They do not advertise their wedding section of the business, so one has to be in the know to unearth this flower treasure chest. In 2020 Cartier For Flowers was awarded as being in the top 5 florists by Denizen. A fun option for an arrangement could be to have dried flowers as an option, which this particular florist does extremely well. Plus you can keep the floral arrangements as a special keep safe for years and anniversaries to come.
The Botanist
Everyone in attendance at your wedding will be asking for The Botanist's details when they see all the incredible styles and colors that this florist weaves together. The botanist has flowers of true quality and with a huge variety. As a florist, they tailor their creations to what you are looking for so it fully compliments the layout and style of your magical day. They understand the importance of securing the flowers as a role that should truly complement all areas of the wedding’s atmosphere. Included within their wedding package are bridal boutiques, cake flowers, arrangement corsages, blooms for pets, hair garments, and table decorations. To make sure that they secure the tailored floral result for you there is a planning session that you can attend to have your ideas and vision explored fully. Book an appointment to see what flower tapestry you can envisage for your sparkling day.
WildFlower Waiheke
A florist that takes the cake for vibrancy and unforgettable beauty is WildFlower Waiheke. If you are set on going local for your wedding then this is a great option to tick off your list. No matter the flower, be it a timeless hydrangea or a regal, romantic rose- WildFlower Waiheke has you sorted. After all, flowers should reflect how you want to be seen and remembered for years to come. WildFlower has great relationships with all Waiheke venues so this makes things quite effortless with organization and logistics. They offer Bridal bouquets, floral crowns, buttonholes, corsages & centerpieces, but can cater to your needs as well. Being a popular florist option, it pays to nab this florist quickly as bookings continue to increase.
Photographers are there to be candid and compliment your day, they move with you in tandem.
It’s years from now, you’re happily married and looking back on that day which has been one of the beautiful cornerstones of your life-long romance. How do you want to crystallize that feeling? You want to remember it all, don't you? Every tiny detail, every flower petal, all the chuffed faces as you walk down that unforgettable aisle of your future. You want to capture it all. You want the perfect photographer.
Wildfolk Photography
You want to capture the day in true style and flair by memorializing it with the right photographer of course! Wildfolk is home to Waiheke resident and lovely photographer, Lauren. She describes her style as one to “document true love for what it really is: flawed, but flawless”. Lauren aims to capture the adventurousness within her work of romance, so expect to get pictures of big and small moments to immortalize the day with. A big thing you want from your photographer is a need to feel completely comfortable and at ease so your big day is captured as being a breezy and love-infused joyous occasion. That is exactly what you will find in Lauren’s snaps and it’s important for her that you develop a friendship beforehand, so you can look as effortlessly glam as possible. Lauren also specializes in elopements as well. Be it a sunset or sunrise shoot or even an adventurous hike, she’s there to customize your experience, to give you the full package of joy that photos should hold.
Woolie Weddings
Find some seriously stunning work in Woolie Weddings. Get this; Woolie Weddings has clicked for over 100 different weddings across the years- that’s a lot of snaps! This photographer is Auckland based and is available for all sorts of styles, including elopements as well as weddings big and small- whatever your heart is singing for. Will, the photographer, describes his style as being extremely relaxed and documentary style, for gently guided stories to unfold in front of the camera. Philosophy wise, although Will understands the importance of capturing the day, Woolie Weddings know that the main reason you are there is for the love shared between the two stars of the wedding. Photos clicked on the day should enhance and not hinder the day.
Trilby and Lace
I you want to capture your day with a confidant, who is also a Waiheke resident, then consider Trilby and Lace. You will find a super supportive and talented photographer in Sonja. Sonja aims to capture the candidness of your guests as well as the shared love between the to be weds. It’s her keen eye for an editorial pick as well as her casual candidness that brings out some effortless, but jaw dropping, marvelous snaps. Never fear logistics, Sonja also has relationships with a lot of the venues on the island so you can rest on some decision making.
This selection of potential ideas is for you to get inspiration from and maybe help you with a few vital decisions along the way. A wedding should be unforgettable and brilliant no matter the florist, photographer, or venue. We send you the most marvelous of wishes for your very special day.