Sooo incredibly special, Lindsay and Tom not only came all the way from the US for their special day but were also the first wedding at the glorious Te Kano Estate Vineyard.

The architecture of this unique building with balcony views over the Kawerau River and vineyards are enough to make Te Kano a stunning choice.  Add to that the intimacy, stylish design, golden landscape and of course the delicious Te Kano wine, makes it a no brainer.

Lindsay and Tom chose an intimate gathering with close family and friends, for which Te Kano is absolutely perfect.

The whole day was perfect and absolutely personal to Lindsay and Tom.  And even with the special inclusions to their day, it felt unrushed and intimate because they had thought carefully about what they wanted, what reflected who they are and planned the time so as to enjoy each precious moment of the day.

I love days like these, where you can savour the moments, look into each other eyes, spend time with all your special people AND look at the view. 

Making the very most of a big journey, Lindsay and Tom also took a heli flight to stunning Coromandel Peak for mountain photos before their wedding.  Yes, we took off right from Te Kano vineyard and flew over the Pisa Range to golden Coromandel Peak, above Wānaka.

On arrival back at Te Kano they were welcomed with a Mihi Whakatau (formal Māori welcome ceremony) to honour the whenua / land and people they had chosen for their wedding. 

Yes there were many butterflies of excitement as the wero (challenge) was laid down and they accepted it in peace and tears of joy on their emotion filled day.  

From the Mihi Whakatau, Lindsay and Tom were lead onto Te Kano balcony for their beautifully intimate ceremony.  A special part of their ceremony, they chose also to include Hongi and share Pounamu (precious New Zealand greenstone) with their whanau / nearest and dearest, honouring the customs of the whenua / land they had chosen for their wedding.

I love a wedding party that doesn't take themselves too seriously when it comes to the family and friends photos.  Dance like no one's watching makes for some of the best photo memories.

And then there are the quiet moments together, when we slip away as the sun reaches that golden hour for some precious romantic and funcouple photos.

You don't have to go far in the grounds at Te Kano for stunning landscape and architectural backdrops and intimate spots.

Dinner was a stylishly, beautiful affair accompanied by sumptuous Te Kano wines and followed by much dancing and merriment on the terrace overlooking the vineyard.

Could it have been more perfect?  No, it was the most perfect day in every way and a reflection of these two perfectly matched people who chose to start their married life here in Aotearoa, New Zealand.  

Venue: Te Kano Estate Vineyard

Celebrant: Fiona Syndey 

Photography: Celia from @stageboxphotography

Heli flight: @overthetophelicopters

Mihi Whakatau: Joe from @wanahaka

The Feast: @moreishkitchen

The Sounds: Derek from @theexecsnz

"Celia is amazing! She spent the entire day with us at our wedding at our family vineyard in Bannockburn! She took the most incredible photos of us including the getting ready, helicopter photos at the top of Coromandel peak, the ceremony, reception and dancing, and even group and individual photos. The photos turned out so amazing and I'm still blown away at how well she captured our day. We can't wait to have printed photos in our home to relive the best day over and over again. We cannot thank Celia enough! She's so professional, fun and very personable. Would recommend her in a heart beat to everyone! Thanks again Celia!"

o Kia hora te marino;

kia whakapapa pounamu te moana;

kia tere te karohirohi imua i tou huarahi.

May the calm be widespread;

may the surface of the ocean glisten like the greenstone;

and may the shimmer of summer dance across your path forever.

Māori blessing for wedding.