Deanna & Craig’s Magical Forest Meets Beach Wedding at Opoutere Farmhouse
There are some wedding locations that are pretty special, and then there's Opoutere. Tucked away on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Opoutere is one of those magical places where the forest meets the ocean, creating an incredible setting for a wedding. Add a full moon, beautiful early autumn weather and two people completely in love, and you've got yourself one seriously memorable wedding day!
Deanna and Craig chose Opoutere Farmhouse for their wedding, surrounded by nature, beautiful scenery and a whole lot of love. From the moment the day started, there was something special about this one. A relaxed atmosphere, plenty of laughs, and those little moments that make documentary wedding photography so rewarding.
Quick shoutout to all the vendors who contributed to this day:
Photography - @justin.aitken
Venue - Opoutere Farmhouse
Catering - @_sugarfish_
Celebrant - @idowithnikaylajane
Hair & Makeup - @rougebeautynz
Wedding Dress - @dellamorebridal
Bridesmaids Dresses - @modelchicau
Suits - @hallensteinbrothers
Rings - @therefinery.gold and @pascoes_
DJ - Scott Eicher
Cake - @olivejaycakes
Furniture Hire - @peninsula_party_hire and Whangamata Party Hire
A Wedding Surrounded by Nature at Opoutere
If you're looking for a unique wedding venue in the Coromandel, Opoutere offers something quite different. The combination of native forest, coastal scenery and beautiful beach surroundings creates an incredible backdrop for wedding photography.
SUPER 8MM HIGHLIGHT FILM
Deanna + Craig added a Super 8 Highlight Film to their package. Checkout their video:
Rich visuals, nostalgic and timeless vibes.
Candid slices of goodness from your day.
Super 8 style films can be added to all photo packages. Checkout more info on these nostalgic and vintage style films here
There's something about being surrounded by nature that brings a different energy to a wedding day. No overly complicated backdrops needed here. Just beautiful natural surroundings, gorgeous light and plenty of opportunities to create something a little different.
As a Tauranga wedding photographer, I love travelling to places like Opoutere. Exploring new locations, finding interesting pockets of light and making the most of whatever the landscape (and day) throws our way is all part of the fun. And this location certainly delivered!
GETTING READY
Emotional First Looks, Ocean Adventures & Plenty of Laughs
One of the standout parts of Deanna and Craig's wedding was the emotional first looks with both Mum and Dad. These are the moments that really get me. There's something incredibly special about seeing a bride share that quiet moment with her parents before the celebrations begin. No big production, no complicated posing, just genuine emotion and connection.
CEREMONY
BRIDAL PARTY & PHOTOS
Of course, it wasn't all happy tears and sentimental moments!
We also managed to squeeze in a cheeky bikini-and-surfboard photo by the ocean. Because why not? Your wedding day should reflect who you are, and I'm always keen to embrace a little personality and humour along the way.
RECEPTION
And then came the cake smashing. Let's just say Craig and Deanna weren't particularly interested in keeping things tidy when it came to the cake cutting! A little cake-to-the-face action is always a good way to keep things entertaining.
Of course what reception is complete without a mandatory shoe game:
Golden Light, A Full Moon & A Sparkler-Filled First Dance
Early autumn really is a beautiful time of year for a New Zealand wedding. The weather was absolutely on our side, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of the natural light.
The forest and coastline around Opoutere provided plenty of variety for wedding portraits, while the changing afternoon light added another dimension to the photographs. And with a full moon making an appearance, the atmosphere was something else.
As the evening rolled around, the celebrations continued with a first dance surrounded by sparklers. A pretty spectacular way to round off a day that already had more than its fair share of memorable moments.
DANCE + PARTY
This is what I love about wedding photography. It's not just about creating beautiful portraits. It's about documenting the entire experience, from the emotional moments and family connections to the ridiculous, hilarious and wonderfully unexpected things that happen along the way.
Documentary Wedding Photography That Tells Your Story
My approach to wedding photography is a blend of documentary, candid and creative photography. I want you to enjoy your wedding day rather than spend it constantly worrying about photographs.
I'll offer guidance when it's needed, find the best light and help create some beautiful portraits, but I'll also give you plenty of space to enjoy the day with your family and friends.
Whether you're getting married in Tauranga, the Coromandel, Whangamata, Auckland or somewhere further afield in New Zealand, my goal is always the same: to capture the genuine moments, personalities and connections that make your wedding uniquely yours.
Deanna and Craig, thanks for having me along for the ride. What a location, what a day and what a brilliant collection of memories!
Pro Tip for Engaged Couples
When choosing your wedding venue, don't just think about the ceremony and reception spaces. Look at what surrounds the venue too!
A location like Opoutere, where forest, coastline and beach all come together, gives your wedding photographer so many different environments to work with. It means more variety in your wedding photographs without needing to travel between multiple locations.
Also, don't underestimate early autumn weddings in New Zealand. The weather can be fantastic, the light can be beautiful, and depending on your wedding date, you might even get a full moon making an appearance. Chat with your photographer about the best timing for portraits, sunset and any special lighting opportunities.
Planning Your Wedding in New Zealand?
Whether you're dreaming of a beautiful coastal wedding, a relaxed forest celebration or something completely different, I'd love to hear about it.
I'm Justin Aitken, a Tauranga-based New Zealand wedding photographer specialising in natural, candid and creative wedding photography. I photograph weddings throughout the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and across New Zealand, capturing all the big moments and the little in-between ones that often mean the most.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer who'll capture the real atmosphere of your day, with a relaxed approach and a creative eye, let's chat!
Get in touch through justinaitken.com and let's create something worth remembering.
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