Wairarapa wedding: Waimeha Camping Village, Ngawi

Barb and Simon are a super relaxed, bubbly couple, whose special place is Ngawi. Which is where they chose to get married, in the Wairarapa.

I was absolutely delighted to receive Barb's email enquiry when she was planning her and Simon's wedding. I've wanted to photograph at Ngawi for ages and was really excited about the opportunity.

Barb very kindly said:

"Sarah is friendly up beat and passionate about photography. It is her excitement leading up to your day and keeping in contact that makes you feel at ease. On the day Sarah felt like family which made it a lot easier being in front of the camera the added engagement shoot is a bonus and truly does help in creating the best wedding photos ever."

Barb describes Simon as "a local lad and we met as most people do from small towns down at the local pub during an end of year work function. Simon has two beautiful daughters Claudia aged 11 and Genevieve is nine. So two very excited junior bridesmaids. We have been together for seven years and on Christmas Eve Simon got on one knee and proposed in our lounge."

Of their choice of wedding venue " We both were born in the Wairarapa coming from farming backgrounds. Ngawi is a special place for me where I spent the school holidays with my siblings and grandparents. We continue to spend our free time at the family batch hence it was a no-brainer to be married out there.".

It was at the batch that Barb, her friends and family got ready. Hair and make up was already completed by Blushing Beauty Boutique before I arrived and everyone looked fantastic. The view out to sea from the deck was fabulous. Barb shared some special moments before the ceremony with mum, dad and soon-to-be step-daughters. Genevieve loved keeping watch for the wedding car arriving over the verandah railing.

Simon got ready at the wedding venue Waimeha Camping Village. “The Gathering” are three separate units made from shipping containers, positioned to take best advantage of the breathtaking views to Cape Palliser and out to sea. On their wedding day, the weather was perfect with moody clouds preventing sunburn. You could still see the south island on the horizon.

Instead of a wedding ring, Simon chose to have a wedding watch, which I loved. Why do something just because it's traditional or expected?

Barb explained: "Our ceremony is about the four of us becoming a family so the girls are very much involved in the process. Simon and I have opted for no formal bridal party instead our besties will act as our witnesses.". This personal touch really added to the intimacy of the day. The girls led Barb and her dad across the lawn, to the waiting Simon. He was super relaxed and greeted his bride with a grin like a Cheshire cat. Wedding celebrant Emma Ayling crafted a beautiful ceremony. Barb and Simon exchanged vows which included Claudia and Genevieve receiving meaningful bracelets to make the time they all became family. There were tears from everyone!

After the ceremony, we captured family portraits on the lawn, before whisking the couple away to a favourite beach with spectacular black sand and yellow lupins. Backtracking along the coast, the next stop was with dad's boat and tractor at Ngawi and finally the driveway and grounds of the villiage. When I showed Genevieve the portrait of Barb with the tractor on the back of the camera afterwards, she said "Barb looks like a model!". And that she certainly did. Barb very kindly said:

"Like most people I don't really like photos of myself. I didn't really have any fears as long as I looked good and Sarah captured so many amazing shots. I truly looked beautiful in every one."

When we had finished hitching dresses, hiking hills and holding flowers; we headed into the reception. A marquee was set up extending the space at the bar. Tables and chairs were beautifully set up ready for guests to help themselves to the ham and seafood buffet that was to come. The centrepiece was the delicious-looking cake by Carmen's Cakes sitting atop a wine barrel. Drinks, laughs and good times flowed. Entertainment was curated by DJ Gravy. The girls kept busy with personalised colouring in books and a polaroid camera. Actually the guests quite enjoyed the camera, props and writing messages to the newly married couple in a keepsake book too!

Thank you so much Barb and Simon for inviting me to capture your special day. I feel truly honoured to have been present, you are clearly perfect for each other.

"Sarah is a hidden gem she has an eye for capturing every special moment which aren't the posed pictures. The giggles, the tears, the cuddles, and the love that is shared with family and friends."

I'm Sarah: Lucalia Photography. I provide outdoorsy couples who hate awkward poses, getting married in the Wairarapa and Tararua regions, with documentary-style photography by a new best friend, so you will feel relaxed, and your photos will be an authentic memory of your day.

If you love Barb and Simon's wedding photos, you may like to discover other Wairarapa weddings I have photographed in more blogs below.

Amazing Wairarapa Wedding Businesses

Photographer Lucalia Photography

Ceremony venue Waimeha Camping Village

Reception venue Waimeha Camping Village

Celebrant Emma After (Emma Ayling)

Wedding dress Astra Bridal

Bridal accessories Hera Couture

Hair Blushing Beauty Boutique

Make up Blushing Beauty Boutique

Flowers Flower girl

Rings (Barb) Michael Hill