Winery Wedding // Eillish + Stan
We love photographing New Zealand winery weddings. There’s something about the rows of vines and countryside location that fits well with our laid back, rustic style of photography. When Eillish + Stan booked us to photograph their gorgeous wedding day at Vilagrad Winery we were delighted. We love an excuse to pop up to the Waikato as that’s where Andie grew up! She was once even a naughty bridesmaid at Vilagrad Winery… Oh yes, back in the 90’s. It was so fun to go back to this incredible wedding venue and the good times came flooding back. Eillish + Stan who are Auckland based couldn’t have picked a better spot to tie the knot.
As we walked into Vilagrad we were wowed by the interior grape vines and stylish table arrangements. It all looked SO immaculate and was set up perfectly for our ‘venue set up’ shots.
We always like to do a couple of drone photos of the wedding venue as it’s great to get an overview of the place our clients have chosen to get married. With bright blue skies and autumnal vines at Vilagrad we knew we were in for a cracking day on the vineyard.
Details like wedding shoes and ring shots are always important to capture. We often do something a little creative on location and use what’s available to us…
The best thing about getting married at a winery is that there’s never a shortage of wine! Eillish and her girls enjoyed a glass of bubbles in their fluffy slippers and shorty PJ’s before getting into their glam dresses.
After helping her sister get into her dress, our bride took some quiet time to read through her vows before putting on her dress.
First look hugs with dad wasn’t a tear jerker at all…
I’m not crying… you’re crying. Eillish tries to stop the tears from spilling over and rolling down her face.
It was an incredibly special moment to photograph Eillish’s dad wrapping the family korowai around her.
Our stunning bride then tied the korowai around her father as he got ready to wear it down the aisle.
Jumping out of dad’s jeep… and off to meet her future husband Stan, who was waiting for her and ready to give out the big hugs.
The ceremony at Vilagrad was conducted by the amazing celebrant and MC Nate Dunn. We were so impressed with Nate. Charming, funny and super professional. An absolute joy to work with. Nate is Auckland based but is happy to travel… so if you’re looking for an awesome NZ celebrant he might be your guy!
Vows and rings were exchanged and it was time for a first kiss!
After the ceremony and celebratory bubbles we rounded everyone up for a big group photo using the drone… it’s always a good shot to have.
The autumn sunset was calling us to head off around the grounds with Eillish + Stan and their bridal party. The light was incredible, and we made the most of it!
Red and green shouldn’t be seen? We think the autumnal vines at Vilagrad looked sensational in the golden hour light. What a perfect time of year to get married in New Zealand.
We’re always there to capture those classic candid moments during portraits.
Wedding photos with good vibes is our trademark.
After the sun went behind the hills we ended up with this gorgeous even light for a few minutes before it disappeared and Eillish took off on some farm equipment. We seem to attract brides and grooms who are up for a laugh on their wedding day! Love it.
As night began to fall, Vilagrad was twinkling with fairy lights and the fantastic food and wedding speeches were followed by the traditional cake cut by the bride and groom.
Vilagrad Winery has lots of space to twirl which is the perfect set up for first dance. These guys are first dance goals!
We always stay at least an hour after first dance to capture all of the dance floor antics. Eillish and Stan’s guests were well up for a party and even started a conga line. Whoop!
We had the best day with Eillish + Stan and their lovely friends and family who had travelled down to the Waikato from Auckland. It was great to be back at Vilagrad Winery too which is still a legendary New Zealand wedding venue after all these years.
Eillish + Stan: “Choosing Robin + Andie to be our photographers for our wedding was one of the BEST DECISIONS we made for our big day. Calm & collected these guys were there to capture every moment. Like many couples we were so worried about posing for pictures but Robin + Andie make the process so easy! Our photos have captured such special memories that we will enjoy for many years to come.”
Vilagrad Winery Wedding Photographers: Robin + Andie
• Venue: Vilagrad Winery http://www.vilagradwines.co.nz/
• Celebrant: Nate Dunn https://www.nate.nz/
• Dress: Kellylin Couture https://www.kellylincouture.com/
• Bridesmaids dresses: Evolution Bridesmaids https://evolutionbridesmaids.com/
• Make-up & Hair: Lipstick and Co https://www.lipstickandco.com/
• Shoes: Billini https://www.billini.com/
• Rings: Michael Hill https://www.michaelhill.co.nz/
• Florals: Frankie and Flora https://www.frankieandflora.co.nz/
• Cake: Sweet Avenue Cakes https://www.sweetavenuecakes.co.nz/
