I cannot stop thinking back to this romantic outdoor wedding between Evelyn & Kurtis at the Waterlily Gardens in Waihi earlier this month! Tucked away amongst rolling paddocks, the Waterlily Garden venues offers a beautiful little oasis just a few minutes drive from Waihi and Karangahake Gorge. The setting is absolutely idyllic with an array of picturesque backdrops, beautifully maintained gardens, an assortment of waterlily-laden ponds, and charming footpaths meandering throughout the property. There are lawn games, a covered reception area, and even a couple of cottages on-site that can be used for bridal party getting ready.
December can be a gamble when it comes to our fickle spring weather, and the morning of Kurtis & Evelyn’s wedding was no exception. Everyone kept a close eye on the rain radar and remained hopeful that the worst of the wet weather would pass by the time the ceremony was scheduled to begin. Evelyn and her bridesmaids greeted me warmly in their matching robes as I arrived to capture the bridal preparations in one of the cottages on-site. The cottage was filled with an abundance of love, laughter, and support as the girls got ready. Evelyn was surrounded by family and friends alike as her brother did her hair, her sister-in-law saw to her makeup, and the bridesmaids helped her into her dress and shoes. Everyone in the room held their breath with anticipation during the sweetest moment as the Father of the Bride saw his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time. When the rain cleared, we ventured outside for a few family photos pre-ceremony while still keeping Evelyn hidden away from arriving guests.
Kurtis had his three brothers by his side as groomsmen. The boys got ready together at their family home and showed up in style, arriving in pair of classy vintage cars. Grey clouds lingered on the hills, but the wedding day schedule went ahead as planned. Guests made their way down to the ceremony spot with umbrellas in hand and excitement on their faces. You couldn’t help but notice how Kurtis beamed with joy as Evelyn came down the aisle, or how her Father gently squeezed her hand before giving her away. When you look back, its the little moments like these that mean so much!
Despite a little rain mid-ceremony and during group photos, the rest of the afternoon was absolutely perfect! Waterlily Gardens is one of those places that looks simply magical, rain or shine! Once the afternoon showers passed, we whisked the bridal party away to a little waterfall nearby for some more epic wedding party photos and another spin in the vintage cars! Evelyn and Kurtis snuck away for few moments to themselves, soaking up all the emotion from the day and exploring the gardens together before heading back to the reception.
Evelyn and Kurtis are two of the kindest and most generous people, and it’s no wonder why, seeing how much love poured out from their family and friends on their wedding day! From all the sentimental little details and thoughtful ceremony to a wedding cake made with love, Kurtis and Evelyn’s wedding day was perfect and warmed my heart so much!
Your Narrative blog will appear here, click preview to see it live.Evelyn & Kurtis- thank you both for trusting me to capture this new chapter of your love story! It was such an honour! I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a lifetime of love and happiness! Wishing you many more chapters filled with joy, dedication, and adventures together! xx
Want to see more of these two lovebirds? See their Waihi Beach engagement session HERE
~Vendors~
Photographer: Olive & Sage Photography
Venue: Waterlily Gardens
Catering: Waterlily Gardens
Flowers: Bethlehem Floral Studio
Menswear: Harry’s Menswear Morrinsville
Bridesmaids Dresses: Pagani
Celebrant: Scott McCulloch
Cake: Grace Bruce
Rings: Michael Hill Jewellers
Hair: Michael Smith
Makeup: Maria Smith