Real Wedding: A Magical Elopement for Dannielle & Matt at Waipuna Estate
Just the two of them. Three nights. One breathtaking elopement full of meaning, beauty, and peace.
When Dannielle & Matt began planning their wedding from Auckland, they knew they wanted something deeply personal, effortless, and intentional. A traditional wedding didn’t feel quite right. They imagined something simpler, more peaceful—and when they found Waipuna Estate online, something clicked.
From their first contact, they could sense something different. The photos were stunning, the reviews glowing, and the views unmatched. But it was what people said about the Waipuna team that stood out most—people who genuinely care about your wedding as much as you do.
They booked three nights at the estate and chose to elope—just the two of them—with every detail carefully crafted to reflect their love.
“It wasn’t just the location,” they shared. “It was the feeling. From our very first conversation, Sarah made us feel understood and wholeheartedly supported. We didn’t need to explain or justify our decision to elope—she simply shared in our excitement and helped us shape the most beautiful, authentic day.”
A Wedding That Felt Like Them
They wanted a celebration that was fun, stress-free, and full of love—a “weekend getaway”-style elopement with just the essentials and a whole lot of heart. And that’s exactly what it became.
The couple stayed onsite for three nights: one to relax before the big day, one to celebrate, and one to unwind as newlyweds. “It was perfect,” they said. “To have the whole place to ourselves, to explore, to be together, and just be—that was so special.”
The ceremony itself was led by the ever-lovely Debbie Hawker, whose warm, genuine energy set the perfect tone. Every moment was captured beautifully by Robin & Andie, who managed to quietly and tenderly document the day from the first look to golden evening portraits.
Katrin Lilla Nel created stunning florals that felt so romantic, pairing beautifully with the landscape and the couple’s relaxed vibe. After the ceremony, the couple took off on a breathtaking helicopter ride with Main Divide Helicopters, soaking in the South Island’s incredible scenery together.
Back at Waipuna, they were treated to an exquisite five-course degustation dinner by Crisp & Vale, one of the couple’s personal highlights. Every dish was carefully prepared and served with intention. “It was such a beautiful way to end the day—just the two of us, in this magical setting, eating the most incredible food. It honestly felt surreal.”
Getting ready during the day was effortless, thanks to the calming presence of Pearl Babington on makeup and Stacey from For The Love of Hair doing Dannielle’s hair. The morning was calm, smooth, and full of anticipation—just as they had hoped.
Calm, Connection, and So Much Joy
They experienced no stress on the day—not because nothing came up, but because the Waipuna team and their vendors had every detail covered. “We knew that if anything happened, there were calm, capable people around us who would take care of Plan B—or C—without hesitation. That trust was everything.”
Even little touches, like a custom margarita moment or thoughtful gifts in their room, made the couple feel truly seen and celebrated.
Favourite Moments
They shared so many highlights—quiet mornings, walking the grounds together, laughter over dinner, heartfelt stories from vendors they met, and the sheer joy of being so present.
“The entire celebration felt like it had been created just for us,” they said. “We’ll never forget the feeling of peace, of being held and cared for, and of having space to soak it all in. That was the greatest gift.”
Words of Advice for Other Couples
“Have the wedding you want.”
Not the one your mum wants, or your cousin’s version of perfect—yours.
“This is one of the rare moments in life where it’s okay to be a little selfish, and we’re so glad we were. Celebrate your love in a way that’s meaningful to you. Everything else falls into place when you do.”
Looking to elope in a way that feels magical, intimate, and effortlessly yours?
Let’s create something unforgettable together. Reach out to learn more about our custom elopement packages at Waipuna Estate.