Emma & Scott
In the heart of rural New Zealand, nestled amidst the hills of the King Country, Emma and Scott’s wedding was a story of love, tradition and family heritage that showcased the beauty of their beloved country lifestyle. Emma shares details from their romantic day…
We wanted a timeless, classic rural wedding that showed how much love we have for each other. Our goal was to highlight the beauty of rural New Zealand and showcase the uniqueness of the Taumarunui area. We also aimed to create a truly family-oriented celebration.
My bridesmaids and I got ready at our cherished family farm homestead. Surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of home, every moment felt warm and nostalgic.
The anticipation heightened as my sister chauffeured us to the ceremony site in our grandfather's beloved Valiant, a symbol of our family's legacy. We made our way to a picturesque paddock on the third-generation sheep and beef farm.
The ceremony was such a personal and heartfelt experience. We wrote our own vows, which were very emotional, and our mothers signed the register, which was a super cute touch.
We loved having my family’s Chevrolet Truck parked at the ceremony, and afterwards, we had all the Champagne poured and served off the back.
Our reception was at one of New Zealand's most stunning venues! Bradley's Garden is an NZ Garden of National Significance, and it's just magic! It's such a hidden gem that our guests were utterly amazed by the sheer beauty of this place, hidden in the heart of rural New Zealand.
For our wedding reception, we wanted create a memorable dining experience that reflected our love for New Zealand-grown food. The menu featured premium NZ Beef and Lamb, accompanied by an array of seasonal vegetables, capturing the rich flavours of the region. We’re passionate about supporting local produce, and this was our way of celebrating it with family and friends.
To make our day even more personal, my sister and mother-in-law prepared a beautiful selection of homemade slices and treats for supper. Their contributions added a heartfelt touch to the evening, providing a warm, family-made element that made our celebration all the more special.
From vendors spanning the North Island to the heartfelt touches that echoed our heritage, our wedding day was a testament to the beauty of rural New Zealand and the spirit of community that binds us together.
One of our favourite wedding details was the printed cattle tags we used as place names, which also doubled as key rings. I love seeing my friends with their cattle tags on their car keys now!
Our families played a huge role in making our day special, from my sister doing the flowers to brothers and sisters acting as MCs and giving speeches to nieces and nephews handing out rose petals and icing our cake!
Scott and I had the most amazing day celebrating our love in a place so close to our hearts.
Local Food NZ
Support local farmers and enjoy delicious New Zealand food!
EMMA IS A third-generation farmer, She and Scott Run a Free Range Eggs farm and are the Founders of Local Food NZ, which connects local farmers with community* consumers. THEY believe in the benefits of fresh, locally sourced produce for our health and the environment.
*Manawatu, Wellington, Kapiti
Photographer: Kirsty Peta Stone
Reception venue: Bradley's Garden - Taumarunui
The Grounded Artisan / Local Food / Classique Caterers / Lucy Willoughby Celebrant / Etcetera Bridal / Hera Couture / Lola Knight Jewellery / Elyse Boutique Jeweller / Rodd & Gun / RM Williams / Daniel Wellington / Peggy & Finn / DISSH / Katrina York / Tiff Spence / Bentley & Co / Willow Collective / Event Rent Taupo / Kimberley Kelly Videography / Cherry Bomb Band