Real Wedding: A Spring Celebration Full of Heart for Janelle & Tom at Waipuna Estate
A relaxed, love-filled day with cocktails, burgers, bright florals, and one very lucky patch of sunshine.
Janelle and Tom were captivated the moment they drove up to Waipuna Estate. “The views took our breath away,” they said. But it wasn’t just the scenery—it was the feeling. “From the moment we got out of the car and met Sarah, we felt at ease. She greeted us by name, smiling at the door like she’d known us forever. We didn’t get that feeling anywhere else.”
Waipuna’s calm, all-in-one approach was a perfect match for the couple. “Sarah explained the philosophy was to keep weddings ‘simple and easy.’ Everything was included, no hidden extras, no mental maths as we walked through. Looking back, ‘simple and easy’ couldn’t have been more accurate. We’ve actually adopted it as one of our marriage mottos.”
One of their top priorities from the start was finding a dog-friendly venue so their much-loved pup could be part of the day. Waipuna made that not only possible but effortless—allowing their dog to be present from Friday afternoon through the ceremony, the reception, and overnight stays. “It removed so much stress knowing we didn’t have to coordinate extra logistics.”
The week of the wedding brought some nerves thanks to a forecast of heavy rain and a high of just 12 degrees. “It was pouring while we were getting ready,” Janelle recalled, “but the team gave us the option to shift the ceremony to the terrace. We held out—and by 11am, the skies cleared and we had sun on the ceremony lawn.” Behind the scenes, Waipuna worked directly with vendors to rearrange setup times and manage last-minute changes, ensuring the couple weren’t burdened with decisions or stress. “If anything went wrong, we didn’t know about it. It all felt seamless.”
Their first look—shared privately in the bridal suite after a few early guest arrivals—was one of the day’s most emotional moments. “It’s the only part of the day we chose to film. Just the two of us, taking it all in.” After the ceremony, they walked back up the aisle as newlyweds, greeted at the top of the hill by Sarah with celebratory drinks in hand. “The nerves were gone—we’d done it. Now it was time to party in the sunshine.”
Their wedding style reflected their personalities rather than a strict theme. They chose black bridesmaid dresses to make the bright florals by Life in Bloom pop, let colour shine through a “Spring Cocktail” dress code for guests, and styled their reception with a “less is more” approach. Décor was simple and thoughtful: Waipuna’s white linens, floral centrepieces, and acrylic photo frames as table numbers showcasing memories from their relationship.
Janelle wore a gorgeous gown from Brides of Merivale, paired with flawless makeup by Kasia Stanicich and beautiful hair styling by Nicole Drummond Hair Artistry. Tom and the guys were dressed in suits from YD, bringing a modern, polished edge to the bridal party.
They wanted the day to feel relaxed and guest-focused—prioritising comfort, fun, and great food. Bacon Bros served up crowd favourites from their food truck, with canapés circulating quickly after the ceremony and a delicious burger-and-sides dinner that reflected the couple’s laid-back style. “No one likes being stuck at the last table worried the buffet will run out—we wanted food everyone would love, served fast and with a smile.”
The ceremony was led by Georgia (Married by G), who brought warmth and personality to the occasion. Reception entertainment was in full swing thanks to Pulse Entertainment, who had everyone dancing well into the night. Sally Anne Photography captured every moment with ease—from emotional first looks to those joy-filled sunset portraits. Guests also had a blast in the Hot Shots Photo Booth, adding another layer of fun and candid memories to the evening.
Among their most cherished moments: Maddi and Amelia walking up the aisle. Cheering at the end of the ceremony. Seeing their guests fully relaxed and enjoying themselves. “It felt so true to us,” they said. “It was colourful, joyful, and full of love.”
Their advice for other couples?
If something doesn’t go to plan—don’t point it out. “People will only notice if you tell them.”
You don’t need to watch the clock. “Share the timeline with your vendors, then let go. Be present and soak it all in.”
You can’t control the weather. “Prepare, but don’t waste energy worrying. Focus on what you can control.”
If you're dreaming of a colourful, guest-focused wedding with relaxed vibes and a stunning backdrop, get in touch—we’d love to help you create something beautifully yours at Waipuna Estate.