Tarureka Estate Wedding in New Zealand
Tarureka Estate Wedding
Throwback to a Brisbane fire in 2016 and a Featherston wedding in 2017
While travelling overseas and getting engaged, Anna and Geoff lost everything in a devastating house fire back home in Paddington, Brisbane. When they returned, they were rebuilding their lives from scratch.
Living in the same Paddington neighbourhood, my local barista told me about them. I donated to their fundraiser, but I felt like I could do more. So I decided to also gift them a full-day wedding photography package. To me, this felt like a way to anchor something hopeful during a season of uncertainty. I figured then at least that little part is sorted and out of their heads.
Of course I told them we need to meet and they have to see if they like my work. So we did and we hit it off right away. During that first meeting, I learnt that they were originally from New Zealand (from the North Island) and that there was a high chance that the wedding would be held there, to be close to old friends and family.
They later chose to marry at Tarureka Estate in Featherston, New Zealand, a historic butter factory venue located in the heart of the Wairarapa region near the famous Martinborough wine region.
I travelled across the Tasman to photograph their wedding. The Air BnB I stayed at had an outdoor bathtub among the vineyards and cows and I made sure I sampled my friend’s local gin Reid & Reid in the bath, with a pizza and my book. It was as good as it sounds.
Tarureka Estate - Historic Butter Factory turned Wedding Venue
Tarureka Estate is one of the most distinctive wedding venues in Featherston and the wider Wairarapa region of New Zealand.
Originally an old butter factory, the venue blends heritage architecture with open countryside surroundings. Located just outside Martinborough, it offers:
• Industrial character and rustic textures
• Expansive lawns and private estate grounds
• A relaxed yet refined atmosphere
• A truly unique setting for a New Zealand destination wedding
The venue offers depth, contrast and beautiful architectural framing in any weather. It rained on and off during the wedding day. Soft rain that grounded everything and gave perfect tones. And it was beautiful.
Anna was wearing the Windsor Gown by Anna Campbell Bridal
Anna wore The Windsor by Anna Campbell Bridal.
The day unfolded as a blend of:
• Editorial wedding portraits
• Authentic ceremony moments
• Joyful goofiness
• Real emotion, unbothered by weather
I approach destination weddings with a balance of careful composition and documentary storytelling. I feel like in this wedding here from 2017 it comes out beautifully. Sometimes I miss those days, 5-10 years ago when weddings felt calmer and more in the moment, less about the production.
What began as loss became something grounded and meaningful. Photographing this wedding at Tarureka Estate remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I would obviously shoot and edit differently today than I did in these photos taken 9 years ago, but I am sharing this collection for the memories and the story.
Anna & Geoff’s Review
“After meeting Tina from Lovelenscapes, we knew she was the person to capture our wedding, even though it was in New Zealand. She was kind, helpful, creative, fun and natural, and took the time to truly understand what was important to us. She was organised, flexible and easy to work with, taking care of details from end to end. All our family and friends raved about how lovely and helpful she was. She made the day fun and added to the excitement. We would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for someone to capture their most treasured memories. We cannot say enough good things about her.”
~ Anna & Geoff
8 hours of coverage | 2 Photographers | 750 edited images delivered
{including black and white copies of 15% of the images}
Anna & Geoff … •☾• … 25.11.2017 ~ Tarureka Estate, Featherston, New Zealand
CREDITS:
Venue @tarurekaestate
Gown @annacampbellbridal
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