Real Wedding: James & Bayleigh’s Relaxed Summer Celebration at Waipuna Estate
From the moment they arrived, James and Bayleigh knew they’d found something special.
Waipuna Estate was the very first venue they visited—and the last. “We didn’t feel the need to look anywhere else,” they said. “It felt like a hidden slice of heaven.” With multiple ceremony location options, breathtaking views, total privacy, and an all-in-one setup, the decision was easy.
They opted for Waipuna’s Exclusive Package, giving them private use of the place for two nights. That extra time allowed them to settle in, sort any details, connect with each other, and fully enjoy the lead-up to the big day. One of their most treasured memories was the evening before the wedding, when they privately exchanged vows on the lawn—just the two of them, with the mountains behind them and nothing but peace around them.
The wedding morning was filled with beautiful anticipation. Bayleigh, full of energy and excitement, found herself running up and down the hill that leads up to Waipuna just to burn some of it off - a feat not many of us would do let alone the morning of your wedding! That truly set the tone for the day.
Their vision was a laid-back, summer celebration—something that felt like a New Zealand Christmas lunch: casual, relaxed, but meaningful. The Waipuna team embraced every idea, no matter how non-traditional, and supported them in bringing it all to life with thoughtful suggestions and seamless coordination.
The florals, created by Katrin Lilla Nel, reflected their style perfectly—natural, beautiful, and effortlessly elegant. The day’s styling had a gentle, boho-inspired feel, with an 11am ceremony followed by a relaxed 2pm lunch. Moveable Feasts delivered an incredible catering experience, serving up fresh, delicious food that suited the setting and vibe perfectly.
When rain arrived and outdoor plans had to change, Waipuna’s team calmly moved the ceremony to the covered terrace, under twinkling fairy lights. It turned out to be every bit as special—intimate, romantic, and completely unforgettable.
The ceremony itself was led by the ever-warm and genuine Debbie Hawker, whose heartfelt delivery injected with the perfect amount of humour made the moment feel deeply personal for James & Bayleigh and their guests. James & Bayleigh chose a number of traditional aspects for their ceremony and Debbie helped them bring it all together perfectly.
On hand for photographing all the moments was the incredibly talented Stacey Cavalier. Her calm presence, creative eye, and ability to work with unpredictable weather meant every moment—from big emotions to tiny details—was captured. Having a photographer who can work with the elements is essential, and Stacey delivered flawlessly.
Bayleigh’s makeup was done by Stacey Banfield and her team, while Monique Cardigan from Golden Studios did a beautiful job of styling Bayleigh and the girls hair. Bayleigh's dress came from the wonderful To Cherish Bridal here in Christchurch and James' suit was from Sergios Menswear.
From start to finish, the day felt full of heart. Relaxed, genuine, and filled with the kind of calm that comes from having the right people around you.
Their advice for other couples?
“Take the jump and trust the Waipuna team. They know what they’re doing and could probably pull it off with their eyes closed! Nothing fazes them, even your wildest ideas. They’re completely on your team and will go above and beyond to make it special.”
Ready to plan a wedding that’s relaxed, beautiful, and uniquely you? Get in touch with us—we’d love to chat about how Waipuna Estate could be the perfect fit for your day.