Married in midwinter

Sam and Victoria found that their midwinter wedding had lots of benefits – dramatic wedding photos being just one of them.

Currently managing a farm near Eketahuna, the couple first met in Christchurch when Victoria was in teacher training and Sam was working for a farm investment company. Victoria grew up in the Manawatu but Sam has returned to the Wairarapa, where his family still live.   

“We wanted our wedding to be fun, and with an old-fashioned, rural sort look that suits us and our farming lifestyle,” says Victoria. Basing the ceremony and reception at Brackenridge, but having some photos at Burnside Church at Pirinoa and at Palliser Ridge, gave them the best of both worlds. 

The couple opted for a 'first look' or pre-wedding photos in full dress at Burnside Church, Pirinoa. Choosing the church was “a no-brainer,” says Victoria.

“We had driven past it many times on the way to Sam's Dad’s house. Sam said that if he got married he would like it to be there. Unfortunately, it would not fit all our guests so getting some of our pictures taken there was the perfect compromise. I also love old-fashioned anything and knew the photos would be just the look I wanted.”

Victoria also found that having such a special time together “helped ease the nerves before the big walk down the aisle”.

The couple and bridal party went on to Palliser Ridge for photography.

“We all really enjoyed this session. It made the day more relaxed and fun - which is what it should be all about. Palliser Ridge Woolshed was the perfect venue for many reasons. We love the rural look, and with it being the middle of winter we knew we could get photos there whatever the weather. Luckily we were also able to be photographed from a hilltop on Palliser Ridge farm. These turned out beautifully – even the weather came to the party.” 

Choosing to have the reception at Brackenridge was also a happy choice.  “I initially didn’t consider it as a venue because it’s so nice I assumed it would be too expensive. I was very pleasantly surprised that it was actually well within budget! People still tell us how great it was to stay on-site in beautiful rooms. And having an events manager help co-ordinate the day took all the stress away.”

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The bridal party were able to get ready on-site at Brackenridge.  “It was perfect because they have a day spa there. We were able to get nails, tans, and make up done. The makeup artists were amazing!”

Flowers were from Tree Top Flowers, Martinborough. “I organised everything over the phone, and Beverley just delivered it all on the day and decorated the cake. It was so easy.”

The mid-winter wedding ceremony was held inside in front of the open fire. Guests could relax over drinks and canapes in the enclosed verandah while the main room was being transformed for the reception. And after dinner, guests danced the night away to an awesome band.

 “We held a casual next-day event back at Palliser Ridge Woolshed, and Sam and I stayed the night at Kaikoura Lookout on Palliser Ridge. It was the perfect get-away with just the two of us after a massive week.”