Martinborough Tree Church Wedding Photos - Grace and Jarrod

Mr & Mrs Watson! 🤍 It was such an honour to photograph Grace and Jarrod’s engagement in 2022 and more recently their wedding at Martinborough Tree Church.

There are a few things from their day that I look back on as a highlight! Grace got ready at her family’s farm in the Wairarapa which felt really sentimental for me as I grew up in a rural area also. She found her dress while visiting family in Australia (with the help of her Grandma) from @luvbridal. Their bridesmaid Emma made their wedding cake, big shout out to @rainbirdscakes! Grace’s cousin designed their invites and save the date cards, her page is @dolly.and.moo and she also sang their first dance song (a very talented lady). All of their wedding signage was designed by Grace herself. Every little detail was curated perfectly as Grace loves designing and has a background working in events. There were so many amazing people within their family who helped make their day happen with all these special touches.

Vendors IG pages:
Venue - @martinboroughtreechurch
Live singing - Aisley Allen
Flowers - Jill Havill
Celebrant - Felicity Warren
DJ - Partya DJ (Ben)
Makeup - @charmakeupnz
Dress - @luvbridal
Signage - Designed by the bride
Wedding invites - @dolly.and.moo
Cake - @rainbirdscakes
Second phptographer - @jessdewsnap

Planning your Wedding - Wairarapa Wedding Venues

Picking a venue is usually one of the first things to check off your wedding planning list. We are so spoilt for choice here in New Zealand, especially if you are wanting an outdoor wedding!

The Wairarapa is a popular wedding destination for couples. It’s only a short trip over the hill if you live in Wellington, it usually feels a bit warmer and often gets better weather! If you’re a lover of wine, even better because there are a number of vineyards in Martinborough.

Here are a few of my most popular venues that I often photograph. This is only a small handful of what the Wairarapa has to offer. If you want to know more about my experiences at each venue, get in touch, I’d love to help you find the perfect venue.

POPPIES VINEYARD MARTINBOROUGH

Located in Martinborough is a venue called Poppies. This venue is surrounded by vineyards and offers two spaces for your wedding - an outdoor courtyard for your ceremony as well as an indoor space for your reception. The grounds are well kept and very picturesque!

THE LANDING AT HOMEBUSH

If you’re needing a venue wth accomodation for your morning preparations make sure you check out The Landing at Homebush located 5 minutes from Masterton. There are a number of spots for you to choose from for your ceremony such as the chapel vineyard, ivy archway or the gazebo.

MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH

I recently discovered Martinborough Tree Church. If you want to get married in a chapel but also dream of an outdoor wedding then this is a venue worth checking out. The Church walls are made of hedging and large glassless gothic windows.

TARUREKA ESTATE FEATHERSTON - BARN WEDDING VENUE

If you’re looking for a barn wedding venue check out Tarureka Estate in Featherston. There are a number of different spots at this venue including gardens, a historic homestead, cottage and barn which is made up of two levels.

LACEWOOD AT TUHITARATA ESTATE

Lacewood is located in South Wairarapa and is surrounded by rural scenery. This venue is elegant and has a lot of history dating back to the 1840s. There are a number of different buildings consisting of a homestead, cottages and a large restored barn.

Martinborough Tree Church Wedding - Rachel and Edward

Rachel and Edward travelled from Auckland to Martinborough to tie the knot. I spent the morning with the girls at Rachel’s family farm. I always love being out in the country since I grew up on a farm and instantly felt inspired by my surroundings. Rach and her bridesmaid’s looked amazing! The forest green bridesmaid dresses were a great colour, earthy tones are always good.

While I was with the girls, my second shooter Ana from Moonflower Photography caught up with the guys before heading off to Martinborough Tree Church for their ceremony. Thanks for spending the day with us Ana! This was my first wedding at Martinborough Tree Church, I always enjoy being at a new venue. 

Ata Rangi vineyard was the perfect venue for guests to chill out and play some games. Another detail which caught my eye were the flowers used for the reception decor. Rachel hand picked these from Holbrook forest Garden in Carterton. This added a personal touch!

Thanks to all the wonderful vendors involved, it is always a pleasure working with you and bringing the day together.

Flowers: Beverly from Tree Top Flowers Martinborough 
Flowers on the tables were picked by Rachel from Holbrook forest Garden in Carterton 
Make up: Emily Bertram from Masterton 
Dress: The Kate Moss designed and made by Jane Yeh Auckland 
Mens Suits: Barkers 
Food: Salt street food
Celebrant: Reverend Steve Thomson
Band: The Relatives and Uncle Monkey Wellington 
Ceremony venue: Tree church Martinborough 
Reception: Ata rangi vineyard