Rose & Smith putting on another stunner of wedding

“Just a competitive rugby playing farmer lad with creepy as dance moves who enjoys KFC and his animal loving horse riding wiener holding bride.”

— Ebony and Jason

Who needs Queenstown when you have the mighty Wairarapa!

This season I’ve kept stumbling across amazing wedding after amazing wedding. Beautiful people, amazing venues and stunning scenery. And that roll didn’t change for Ebony and Jasons wedding at The Rose & Smith in Wairarapa.

Once Sink or Surface and I walked through the doors, it was full classic banter from both sides of the bridal party, stunning details and amazingness from start to finish.

So many stunning moments and here’s just a small selection from their day!

Stills + Motion Collab with Sink or Surface | Venue Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau | Dress Sally Eagle | BM Dresses Evolution | Suit Barkers | Cake Cakes by Chelsea | Rings Michael Hill + Stewart Dawson’s | Music DJ Luke + Renee Coffey | Celebrant Wendy Morrison | MUA Make up by Toi | Hair LA Cutting Crew | Florals Bloomwood

Tipi's, Clear Marquees and Sperry Tents for your wedding day

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Tipi's, Clear Marquees, Sperry Tents and Alfresco

Someone has dropped a knee and popped the question and you’ve said yes. Now you want to hold your wedding day but you don’t know where to look to book your venue.

If you’re lucky enough to have a bit of space on the farm or a section or a venue with a bit of a clearing, here’s a list of some great alternatives to creating your own unique wedding venue. From unique looking Tipi Tents, to clear marquees to Sperry Tents, take a look at the options below.

Feel free to get in touch if you’re after more info and drop me a line at hello@davidle.co.nz

Tipi Tents | Topkata

Much of the unique character and charm of the TopKåta Tipi can be put down to the poles - natural, practical, environmentally friendly and truly beautiful.  Each pole is created from 100 year old, late-maturing, chemical-free Spruce sourced from sustainable forests in Sweden.  The cold causes these trees to grow very slowly, producing exceptionally strong timber.  The TopKåta Tipi canvas are custom made, lightweight, waterproof and wind resistant, offering sustainable, eco-friendly solution to the PVC normally used in marquee structures.

Featured wedding Penelope + Mikey on Together Journal | Website Topkata Tipi Tents

Clear Marquees | Party Up

Have an amazing view and want to be able for you and your guest to enjoy them but also want some shelter from the elements? A clear marquee is the perfect option to enjoy those 360 degree views.

Featured wedding Tara + Lee featured on Wild Hearts | Website Party Up

Sperry Tents | Flagship Events

These are classic handmade ivory coloured sailcloth and Spruce pole tents that require no lining or frilly detailing.

The natural colour of the sailcloth reflects a warm and embracing light viewed from both inside and out. The high sides which can be covered or left open as required, provide for perfect sightlines and extended views whether standing or seated within the tent.

Featured wedding Nicole + Logn featured at NZ Weddings Magazine | Website Flag Ship Events

Alfresco Lounging | Flock Events

Don’t want to be boxed in by four walls. Why not forgo a marquee or tent altogether and dine and party under the stars alfresco styles. You can create beautiful spaces with the helps of Mustard Folk, Flock Events, Love Club Hire and many more by setting up lounging and cocktail areas for you and you guests to chill and mingle on your special day.

Featured wedding Kate + Hamish featured on Wild Hearts | Website Mustard Folk, Flock Events, Love Club Hire

The top 10 best Best Wedding Venues in Wellington, Wairarapa and the Manawatu

The Best Wedding Venues in Wellington, Wairarapa and the Manawatu

Looking at getting married in the lower North Island of New Zealand and don’t know where to start looking for the perfect wedding venue?

Here I’ve compiled a list of some of the best wedding venues throughout the Wellington, Wairarapa and the Manawatu.Whether you’re looking for a some minimalistic, italian inspired architecture, a beautiful winery or a place with a bit of soul and rustic charm. Check out the list below.

Feel free to get in touch if you’re after more info and drop me a line at hello@davidle.co.nz

The Milk Station | Otaki

The Milk Station is one of my favourite venues not only in Wellington but in New Zealand. Situated a hour between Wellington and Palmerston North in the small beach town of Otaki. Italian inspired architecture, beautiful gardens and plenty of onsite accommodation and parking - it’s the total package.

Featured wedding Polly + Rhys on Together Journal | Website The Milk Station

Tarureka Estate | Featherston

After a venue with a bit more soul and that rustic charm. Tarureka Estate location in Featherston in the Wairarapa is the perfect venue. With onsite homestead and cottage for you and the family to get ready and a handful of options to hold your ceremony from out on the tennis court law or upstairs in the loft, this place is truly special.

Featured wedding Amanda + Ryan on Together Journal | Website Tarureka Estate

Poppies | Martinborough

A classy, modern and minimalistic winery found in the heart of Martinborough. The crew here run a tight ship and if you’re after a team to provide you with a structured day, the team at Poppies deliver. Concrete walls and floors and plenty of sweeping winery views are close by in the Wairarapa.

Featured wedding Ryan + Charlotte featured at Sink or Surface | Website Poppies

Orlando Country | Palmerston North

Orlando Country is one of the premiere wedding venues in the Manawatu. Situated just over hour and a half from Wellington and a couple minutes from Palmerston North city. If you’re after a venue with a great team, good food and a driving range, look no further than this gem in Palmerston North.

Featured wedding Alana + Rob featured at NZ Weddings Mag | Website Orlando Country

The Boatshed | Wellington City

Found in the heart of Wellington City. The Boatshed overlooks both the harbour and the city. With it being set just across the road from numerous laneways and city architecture, you’ll be able to get an urban look to your wedding photos.

Featured wedding Sylvana + James featured on The Wild Flower | Website Boatshed

Makoura Lodge | Apiti

Want something rural and a bit different to the norm? You’ll find Makoura Lodge in the heart of the Manawatu. Around a hours drive north of Palmerston North. Plenty of onsite accomodation, room for guest to also tent and some of the best Roast Pork Crackling and Polenta Chips around. A popular venue for farmers and people who are rural at heart.

Featured wedding Victoria + James at Makoura Lodge | Website Makoura Lodge

Sudbury | Te Horo

Sudbury is a 40 min drive up from Wellington City and around a hour from Palmerston North. A old horse stable turned into an all in one wedding venue with a ceremony area overlooking farmland of Kapiti and a beautiful rustic clean space with concrete floors give a rustic feel with a modern and minimalistic twist. The option to BYO alcohol without any corkage charge is also a big drawcard. Shoutout for the designated photographer car park too, brownie points.

Featured wedding Ben + Jessica at Sudbury | Website Sudbury NZ

Lacewood Estate | Martinborough

Another venue with rustic charm - on the same styling and feel as Tarureka Estate, Lacewood provides another option within the Wairarapa. Get married under the trees and celebrate the night away in the barn, only a few minutes drive from Wellington and Martinborough.

Featured wedding Nina + Kevin at Lacewood | Website Lacewood

Brackenridge | Martinborough

With a full suite of accommodation, a day spa and only a couple minutes from Martinborough township. Brackenridge is an all in one wedding venue. With a beautiful lawn space overlooking the Remutakas in Wellington and multi purpose reception space, it ticks plenty of boxes.

Featured wedding Sam + Maggie featured in NZ Bride and Groom | Website Brackenridge

Tironui Farm | Martinborough

Wanting sweeping landscapes of the beautiful farmland of the Wairarapa. Need space for a food truck and outdoor games. Tironui Farm is the perfect space for people after a more relaxed and casual wedding day.

Featured wedding Ankit + Mads featured on The Wild Flower | Website Tironui Farm

The top 15 best wedding venues in New Zealand

Here’s my unofficial list of the best Wedding Venues in little old New Zealand

The Best Wedding Venues in New Zealand

Having shot over 200 weddings, I’ve been to my fair share of locations and venues throughout New Zealand. Here’s my unofficial list of the best wedding venues for your wedding day.

Whether you’re looking for a some minimalistic, italian inspired architecture, a beautiful winery or a place with a bit of soul and rustic charm. Check out the list below.

Feel free to get in touch if you’re after more info and drop me a line at hello@davidle.co.nz

Kauri Bay Boomrock | Auckland

Set on a stunning private 500 acre Clevedon property with expansive coastal views over the Hauraki Gulf. Each venue has been specifically designed to suit unique requirements. It is one of Aucklands premiere wedding venues, with stunning views and a top class team who help run your day.

Featured wedding Chelsea + Brad featured on Together Journal | Website Kauri Bay Boomrock

Old Forest School | Tauranga

The name of the venue says it all. It’s the Old forest School. A school that has been converted into a little hipster boho wedding venue settled in the forests of the Bay of Plenty.

A school hall, a tennis court and a few wooden sheds - it’s a hipsters paradise.

Featured wedding Ash + Darcy featured on Wild Hearts | Website Old Forest School

Black Barn Vineyards | Hawke’s Bay

Set just around the corner from the spectacular Te Mata Peak. Black Barn is a multi function venue which can hold multiple weddings on the same day. With a number of different ceremony spots available and the plus side of the sunny Hawke’s Bay weather, its a great place to get hitched.

Featured wedding Rebecca + Callum featured on NZ Weddings | Website Black Barn

The Milk Station | Otaki

The Milk Station is one of my favourite venues not only in Wellington but in New Zealand. Situated a hour between Wellington and Palmerston North in the small beach town of Otaki. Italian inspired architecture, beautiful gardens and plenty of onsite accommodation and parking - it’s the total package.

Featured wedding Polly + Rhys on Together Journal | Website The Milk Station

Tarureka Estate | Featherston

After a venue with a bit more soul and that rustic charm. Tarureka Estate location in Featherston in the Wairarapa is the perfect venue. With onsite homestead and cottage for you and the family to get ready and a handful of options to hold your ceremony from out on the tennis court law or upstairs in the loft, this place is truly special.

Featured wedding Amanda + Ryan on Together Journal | Website Tarureka Estate

Poppies | Martinborough

A classy, modern and minimalistic winery found in the heart of Martinborough. The crew here run a tight ship and if you’re after a team to provide you with a structured day, the team at Poppies deliver. Concrete walls and floors and plenty of sweeping winery views are close by in the Wairarapa.

Featured wedding Ryan + Charlotte featured at Sink or Surface | Website Poppies

Orlando Country | Palmerston North

Orlando Country is one of the premiere wedding venues in the Manawatu. Situated just over hour and a half from Wellington and a couple minutes from Palmerston North city. If you’re after a venue with a great team, good food and a driving range, look no further than this gem in Palmerston North.

Featured wedding Alana + Rob featured at NZ Weddings Mag | Website Orlando Country

Cossars Wineshed | Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed has a nice relaxed feel about it. A bit of romantic French Provincial style thrown together with some Kiwi country flavour. It’s not fussy but it’s not too rustic either. A casual sophistication is what we’re going for.

Family-owned business with a professional team who are dedicated to creating wonderful experiences for you from beginning to end.  We make sure that our newlyweds are wanting for nothing, that guests feel pampered and every celebration flows beautifully. 

Featured wedding Amy + Joel featured on Christchurch Weddings | Website Cossars Wineshed

Sudbury | Te Horo

Sudbury is a 40 min drive up from Wellington City and around a hour from Palmerston North. A old horse stable turned into an all in one wedding venue with a ceremony area overlooking farmland of Kapiti and a beautiful rustic clean space with concrete floors give a rustic feel with a modern and minimalistic twist. The option to BYO alcohol without any corkage charge is also a big drawcard. Shoutout for the designated photographer car park too, brownie points.

Featured wedding Ben + Jessica at Sudbury | Website Sudbury NZ

Dekens Barn | Taranaki

Dekens Barn is a rustic farm located in the Oakura township, with views of the Taranaki coastline and the Timaru Stream. If you’re after a rustic feel to your wedding day and a beautiful blank canvas to work from, Dekens Barn is the perfect venue.

Featured wedding Mark + Ellen at Dekens Barn

St George’s Restaurant | Hawke’s Bay

Catering from 30 guests up to 300, With its multipurpose, beautiful spaces exchange your vows in their secluded grape vine patio, mingle around the outdoor bar, utilise natural foliage and settings for keepsake photographs of those special to you.

Seat your guests for a formal meal, walk and fork, or graze and sip before the arrival of your wedding band.

Featured wedding St George's Restaurant featured on Wild Hearts | Website St George's Restaurant

Nocton Woolshed | Clevedon

This rustic event venue - it is a converted sheep shearing shed (woolshed), with an amazing view and beautiful bush surrounds. Nocton Woolshed is designed for events up to 120 people and provides a great space for special occasions - in particular weddings.

Featured wedding Lisa + John at Nocton Woolshed | Website Nocton Woolshed

The Red Barn | Waikato

The Red Barn was originally built in the 1860’s as a livery stable. stagecoaches & traders would exchange their horses for the long journeys across the Waikato that today we take for granted.

Now converted into a modern rustic wedding venue in the heart of the Waikato.

Featured wedding Emily + Rhys featured on Paper & Lace | Website The Red Barn

Meadowood House | Hawke’s Bay

Meadowood is ideally situated off State Highway 50, between Napier and Hastings, and only 15 minutes from Hawke’s Bay airport. The wonderful wineries of Hawke’s Bay are on our doorstep, as are cycle trails, golf courses, markets, galleries, and so many more recreational options. Or simply stay on site and ramble across to Zeffer Cidery and sample some of their award-winning ciders on a typical hot Hawke’s Bay day. 

Featured Wedding Sarah + Kieran at Meadowood House | Website Meadowood House

Top wedding venues in the Wairarapa

The Best Wedding Venues in the Wairarapa

Looking at getting married in the lower North Island of New Zealand and don’t know where to start looking for the perfect wedding venue? Here I’ve compiled a list of some of the best wedding venues throughout the Wairarapa

Whether you’re looking for a some minimalistic, a beautiful winery or a place with a bit of soul and rustic charm. Check out the list below.

Feel free to get in touch if you’re after more info and drop me a line at hello@davidle.co.nz

Tarureka Estate | Featherston

After a venue with a bit more soul and that rustic charm. Tarureka Estate location in Featherston in the Wairarapa is the perfect venue. With onsite homestead and cottage for you and the family to get ready and a handful of options to hold your ceremony from out on the tennis court law or upstairs in the loft, this place is truly special.

Featured wedding Amanda + Ryan on Together Journal | Website Tarureka Estate

Poppies | Martinborough

A classy, modern and minimalistic winery found in the heart of Martinborough. The crew here run a tight ship and if you’re after a team to provide you with a structured day, the team at Poppies deliver. Concrete walls and floors and plenty of sweeping winery views are close by in the Wairarapa.

Featured wedding Ryan + Charlotte featured at Sink or Surface | Website Poppies

Lacewood Estate | Martinborough

Another venue with rustic charm - on the same styling and feel as Tarureka Estate, Lacewood provides another option within the Wairarapa. Get married under the trees and celebrate the night away in the barn, only a few minutes drive from Wellington and Martinborough.

Featured wedding Nina + Kevin at Lacewood | Website Lacewood

Brackenridge | Martinborough

With a full suite of accommodation, a day spa and only a couple minutes from Martinborough township. Brackenridge is an all in one wedding venue. With a beautiful lawn space overlooking the Remutakas in Wellington and multi purpose reception space, it ticks plenty of boxes.

Featured wedding Sam + Maggie featured in NZ Bride and Groom | Website Brackenridge

Tironui Farm | Martinborough

Wanting sweeping landscapes of the beautiful farmland of the Wairarapa. Need space for a food truck and outdoor games. Tironui Farm is the perfect space for people after a more relaxed and casual wedding day.

Featured wedding Ankit + Mads featured on The Wild Flower | Website Tironui Farm

The best wedding venues in the Manawatu and Kapiti

The Best Wedding Venues in the Manawatu

Looking at getting married in the lower North Island of New Zealand and don’t know where to start looking for the perfect wedding venue? Here I’ve compiled a list of some of the best wedding venues throughout the Manawatu.

Whether you’re looking for a classic italian style venue, a beautiful winery or a place with a bit of soul and rustic charm. Check out the list below.

Feel free to get in touch if you’re after more info and drop me a line at hello@davidle.co.nz

The Milk Station | Otaki

The Milk Station is one of my favourite venues not only in Wellington but in New Zealand. Situated a hour between Wellington and Palmerston North in the small beach town of Otaki. Italian inspired architecture, beautiful gardens and plenty of onsite accommodation and parking - it’s the total package.

Featured wedding Polly + Rhys on Together Journal | Website The Milk Station

The Chalet | Palmerston North

The Chalet situated lakeside in Palmerston North run by the team at The Boatshed Catering. Providing a unique space for your wedding day and high quality food. BYO is another strong drawcard. Also across the lake from Caccia Birch house.

Featured wedding Josie + Leigh on Together Journal | Website The Chalet

Orlando Country | Palmerston North

Orlando Country is one of the premiere wedding venues in the Manawatu. Situated just over hour and a half from Wellington and a couple minutes from Palmerston North city. If you’re after a venue with a great team, good food and a driving range, look no further than this gem in Palmerston North.

Featured wedding Alana + Rob featured at NZ Weddings Mag | Website Orlando Country

Makoura Lodge | Apiti

Want something rural and a bit different to the norm? You’ll find Makoura Lodge in the heart of the Manawatu. Around a hours drive north of Palmerston North. Plenty of onsite accomodation, room for guest to also tent and some of the best Roast Pork Crackling and Polenta Chips around. A popular venue for farmers and people who are rural at heart.

Featured wedding Victoria + James at Makoura Lodge | Website Makoura Lodge

Sudbury | Te Horo

Sudbury is a 40 min drive up from Wellington City and around a hour from Palmerston North. A old horse stable turned into an all in one wedding venue with a ceremony area overlooking farmland of Kapiti and a beautiful rustic clean space with concrete floors give a rustic feel with a modern and minimalistic twist. The option to BYO alcohol without any corkage charge is also a big drawcard. Shoutout for the designated photographer car park too, brownie points.

Featured wedding Ben + Jessica at Sudbury | Website Sudbury NZ

Wharerata | Palmerston North

Wanting sweeping landscapes of the beautiful farmland of the Wairarapa. Need space for a food truck and outdoor games. Tironui Farm is the perfect space for people after a more relaxed and casual wedding day.

Website Wharerata

Newbury Hall | Palmerston North

Newbury Hall is a 5 minute drive from Palmerston North City. Part of Newbury School, it has onsite kitchen facilities and the ability to BYO drinks. You can dine alfresco styles on the lawn or set up inside the hall with a blank canvas.

Featured wedding Maylie + Ezra featured on Hera Couture | Website Newbury Hall

Roseburn Park | Palmerston North

Roseburn Park located near the beginning of the Pahiatua Track, Summer Hill end. Has a large garden and lake area, a homestead and a large marquee onsite situated on top of the old tennis court grounds.

Featured wedding Lizzie + Sam by Sink or Surface | Website Roseburn Park

Pohangina Heights | Pohangina

Tucked away in the heart of the Pohangina Valley. Don’t let google maps fool you. It is a hidden gem, with a couple of cottages on site to get ready and a beautiful new barn to hold your reception overlooking the Manawatu. Around a 45 minute drive from Palmerston North city.

Featured wedding Amy + Jono featured in the 100th issue of NZ Bride and Groom | Website Pohangina Heights