Rustic, outdoor Wairarapa wedding at Tarureka Estate - Lucalia Photography

Updated: Oct 3, 2023

Dayna and Aaron are the sweetest couple who mindfully created their rustic, outdoor Wairarapa wedding at Tarureka Estate. They had planned on a November wedding, but brought their date forward to April due to Dayna's dad's ill health. He thoroughly enjoyed the day and was proud as punch seeing his daughter be married; and to welcome his son-in-law into the family. Sadly he passed away in August.

I was honoured to capture his love for his daughter, family and friends.

How they met

Dayna says ""The first time we saw one another, was when we were working in the Police Emergency Comms Centre. I remember glancing over at Aaron and thinking, Oh, wow, he’s handsome. Aaron thinking, she's gorgeous! When we were on a lunch break later that week, both went into the break room and what do you know, it was just us two in the room."

About their wedding venue Tarureka Estate, Featherston

"We chose Tarureka Estate as it was on the top of our list of venues to view, as soon as we saw it, we knew it was the place. We loved the rustic vibe and beautiful outdoor areas. We especially loved that accommodation was on site for our families and that the reception and ceremony were all in one place.".

First look and photos

The couple chose to have a first look in a private section of the gardens. Dayna looked like she was floating on clouds as she walked towards her soon-to-be-husband in her Forget me Knot dress. Most of the family formal photos were taken prior to the ceremony. This was a great idea as it allowed Dayna and Aaron to spend more time with their guests afterwards.

Wairarapa wedding ceremony

They chose the effervescent and lovely Jody McCartney as their Wairarapa wedding celebrant. I've had the pleasure of document Jody at work at previous weddings and always have a chuckle during her ceremonies. There also wasn't a dry eye in the wedding grove as their love story was told.

Rustic reception in the barn

Dayna and Aaron's reception started with drinks, a grazing table and CHAMPAGNE TOWER (yesss!!) downstairs; spilling outside in the gorgeous afternoon sunshine. They had some super unique touches like a retro old-school telephone voice recorder. Dinner was served upstairs with dancing and partying following again downstairs.

Thank you so much guys for choosing me to capture your wedding day. You're such a lovely couple with an amazing family at one of my very favourite venues.

Amazing Wairarapa wedding businesses

Photography Lucalia Photography

Venue Tarureka Estate
Celebrant Jody McCartney

Wedding dress Astra Bridal

Bridesmaids dresses Billy J Boutique

Catering Crescendo Cuisine

Bride's Pearl necklace (something borrowed) Aunties family heirloom

Bride's Saphire ring (something old & something blue): Mum's first anniversary ring from Dad

Flowers Flowers By Megan

Hairdresser Lee Ann

Make up Charlotte Wilson Beauty

I provide outdoorsy couples who hate awkward poses with documentary wedding photography in the Wairarapa. If you would like to see more of my Lucalia Photography documentary wedding photography, please feel free to check out my website.

Lots of love, Sarah xx