A romantic wedding amongst the rolling hills of Kapiti Coast

Tucked away 40 minutes north of Wellington on the Kapiti Coast, Sudbury offer a stunning backdrop for a dream wedding with its 50 acres of lush greenery, breathtaking views, and charming horses. For Stephanie and Tobias, this idyllic venue was the ideal setting for their rustic chic celebration which was captured by the amazing duo at Patina Photo. From a romantic proposal in Bali to a beautifully curated wedding day, their love story made their special day truly unforgettable.

How did you meet and how long have you been together?

We initially met in Kindergarten, which is a pretty cute origin story, though we didn’t become close until later on in life. Fast forward to when we were 17, we met again and became good friends. It took Tobias about 5 years of friendship to realise what was in front of him, as we went from friends to dating. It’s safe to say it was the best decision of his life!

Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement.

The proposal happened in Bali, and it was straight out of a romantic movie… at least, that was the plan! Tobias had organised a Love Island-esque private date at a resort, complete with a private island, petals, candles, a private waiter, and a five-course meal. Everything was going perfectly until the weather decided to add a bit of drama with a sudden thunderstorm. Tobias, ever the optimist, thought a thin mosquito net might hold off the monsoon—it didn’t. But not even a storm could stop him. As soon as the rain calmed, Tobias took Steph by the hand, walked back to the private island, dropped to one knee, and asked the question. And of course, Steph said yes!

Why did you choose your venue?

Sudbury stole our hearts from the moment we visited. The open space, the breathtaking views of the hills and farmland, and the rustic chic vibe—it was exactly what we wanted. It just felt right, like the perfect place to celebrate our special day.

Tell us about your wedding style. What influenced your planning for the day?

We were completely inspired by the rustic chic style that Sudbury had to offer. We decided to embrace that theme throughout our wedding. The altar was beautifully decorated with drapes and flowers, giving it a soft, romantic feel. The bridesmaids wore stunning rust-colored dresses, and the groomsmen looked sharp in tan linen attire. The stables at Sudbury were perfect for our reception, and with some creative touches from our florist, Yvette Edwards, the entire setting felt both cozy and elegant. It was everything we imagined and more.

What was your favourite detail from the day?

Honestly, everything was amazing! From the ceremony to the reception, it all came together so perfectly. The standout moments were Stephanie walking down the aisle and saying our vows to each other —those were truly special, unforgettable moments. We also cherished our first dance (which we nailed), and our live performance from New Zealand musician ABRZY. The whole day felt like a dream, and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Did you have a standout vendor from your wedding?

Our photographers, Patina, were absolutely fantastic. They captured every moment with such creativity and energy. The photos are simply magical and really reflect the joy and love of the day. They were amazing to work with and helped bring out the best in everyone throughout the day and evening.

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage means spending the rest of your life with that special someone who you can’t imagine living without. It’s about sticking together through the highs and lows, growing together, and building a life filled with love, support, and endless adventures.

Any advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Start planning as early as possible! The more you get done upfront, the less stressful it will be as the big day approaches. Luckily, we both love organizing, so we found the process enjoyable. Also, make sure you set a budget and stick to it—weddings can easily get out of control if you’re not careful. Prioritise what matters most to you as a couple and stay focused on making your day uniquely yours.