As the sun chases the wind, on these golden countryside hills of Maui Farms, Wairamarama – a destination that held a special place in the hearts of Kim + Steve and the perfect dreamscape for a countryside wedding.
Modern romantics, this love story started with an emotional hilltop video proposal at the highest point of this very location, where they would later celebrate forever with their nearest and dearest.
“Our farm holds dear to us both, it was where we met, where I proposed and where our kids will grow up so we knew from the outset it was where we would marry…”
Wooden tables adorned with a mix of dried wildflowers and white hydrangeas, organic linens, and rustic textures create a dreamy earthen palette to compliment the wildly beautiful surrounds. Gilded golden light hitting the hilltops, as Kim + Steve’s guests celebrated into the evening on Maui Farms.
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
Our love story is that of a modern romance 😉 – It was a successful ‘swipe right’ that brought us together. Some witty banter on Tinder saw Steve invite me to his farm for a date and home-cooked meal – the most delicious spaghetti and venison meatballs. From that first message, we haven’t stopped talking. We both said it felt like we had known each other forever. We have been together for 2.5 years and I still get butterflies when I come home to him.
How would you describe each other?
Kim:
Not only is he wonderfully handsome but Steven is the most hardworking and dedicated person I’ve ever met. He gives his absolute best to everything he puts his mind to which also applies to the amount of love he gives to the people in his life. He’s wickedly funny, adventurous, creative, and simply a joy to be around. I’m a very lucky lady.
Steven:
Kim is incredibly loving and caring and brings out the absolute best in me. She is so much fun to be around, steadfast, and my biggest supporter. She is beautiful both inside and out.
Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement?
Kim:
2020 was a leap year and I actually proposed to Steven. I have never been more certain of anything in my life. I was adamant that I wanted to propose on the 29th of February however Steven was actually away in Queenstown that day. The morning of the 29th I got myself dolled up, walked to the highest point on our farm which has sweeping views of the entire farm (and is a very special spot for Steven), and recorded a proposal video to send to him. The most nerve-wracking part was racing back down the hill as phone reception is a little hit and miss and he was trying to call me. It was an emotional and beautiful moment even though we weren’t physically in the same place.
Tell us about your wedding style. What influenced your planning for the day?
As well as celebrating our love with all our friends and family we wanted to showcase our slice of paradise so it was important that the styling complimented the surroundings and really allowed for the environment to shine through.
The wedding site itself was on an elevated grass runway strip on our farm. Given its elevation, it offers the most incredible views of the rocky outcrops at the back of the property. The ceremony was right at the edge of the strip and Steven built our beautiful arch himself from old wooden telephone poles. We wanted it to look like a photo frame and it proved a hit with guests for their own photos.
The styling was earthy and understated using the colour palette of our environment. There were many dried elements in our florals with pops of green and white and the long wooden trestle tables featured simple floral arrangements of white hydrangeas. Luxe outdoor lounges offered beautiful seating for guests to enjoy the view and ‘Little Doozy’ Caravan Bar was hired to provide the bar service but was equally a standout feature. Everything was outdoors and we didn’t have a wet weather contingency plan so we’re lucky the weather was fabulous!
We had the most incredible vendors who really understood our vision for the day, provided wonderful guidance, and who made the whole planning piece really enjoyable.
What was your favourite moment from the day?
I know it’s a little cliché but walking down the aisle towards Steven and seeing his face full of emotion will always be a treasured moment and memory for me.
Why did you choose your destination?
Our farm holds dear to us both, it was where we met, where I proposed and where our kids will grow up so we knew from the outset it was where we would marry… Our farm is in a rugged part of northwest Waikato so this strip being elevated allowed for a perfect backdrop for our special day.
What does marriage mean to you?
To us being married means supporting one another and being each other’s biggest cheerleader. It’s about continuing to grow and learn together and having lots of fun along the way. We love being married and are excited for our future.
Who were your stand out vendors?
Our vendors were all amazing and we will be forever grateful for everything they did to ensure our day was so special.
- Samantha Donaldson – our wonderful photographer who captured our day so perfectly and whose photos mean we can relive the day over and over.
- Little Doozy Caravan Bar (Karen Curtis) – the gorgeous vintage drinks caravan who took charge of all things beverages and meant I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Our guests absolutely adored her!!
- Silver Fern Marquees – the bulk of our furniture was hired through Silver Fern. Everything was in perfect condition and so well looked after. Nothing was ever too much trouble and they were able to take my terribly drawn diagram (scribble) and set everything up perfectly.
- Petal and Leaf – Sophie from Petal & Leaf is a master at her craft. She was a joy to work with and the floral arrangements were utterly beautiful. I was a sobbing mess when she dropped off my bouquets as we were getting ready – they were gorgeous!!
- The Great Catering Company – accommodating, professional and we simply wouldn’t have had the day we had without them. The food was fabulous and their wonderful staff ensured that the day went without a hitch.
- Flock Events – the most beautiful lounge furniture and they were so lovely and friendly to work with.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Allow plenty of time with your planning and avoid leaving things to the last minute.
Stick to your own style and don’t sweat the small stuff
On the day take any opportunity to steal a few private moments together – the day goes by at lightning speed.
|| VENDOR CREDITS ||
Photographer: Samantha Donaldson Photography / Second Shooter: Sarah Florence | Florist: Petal & Leaf | Hire: Flock Events | Venue: Family Farm – Maui Farms, Wairamarama | Bridal Gown: Made With Love from Felicity’s Bridal | Hat: Lack of Color | Bridal Shoes: Forever Soles | Bridesmaids Dresses: Blak Bridesmaids | Rings: Bride: Paul Taylor Jewellers Groom: Travis McGee Designs | Hair Stylist: | Makeup Artist: Shannon Mitchell | Groom’s Suit: Swanndri | Groom’s Shoes R.M. Williams | Groomsmen Suits: Swanndri | Stationery: Creative Philosophy Design Studio | Celebrant: Dayna Aubrey | Catering: The Great Catering Company | Entertainment: Holly Robertson | Marquee: Silver Fern Marquees | Favors: Honey supplied by Port Waikato Honey | Drinks Caravan: ‘Little Doozy’
We are excited to have Samantha Donaldson as part of our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection. Check out more of her beautiful photography here and for an insight into Sam’s work, see our chat with her here. Also, a part of our Vendor Collection is the beautiful Hire Business – Flock Events, who are our favourites for event hire with bases in both Auckland and the Hawkes Bay. You can follow the link here to see more on our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection.
