Auckland Wedding
Lulu & Kurt’s Winter Wedding at Kumeu Valley Estate
Love often begins in the most ordinary of places. For Lulu and Kurt, it was while studying at university in Auckland and working part-time together at Burger Burger. What started as casual shifts soon turned into a friendship, and eventually into something much deeper. Over the last eight years, they’ve travelled the world side by side, collecting memories and adventures, and now they are ready for the biggest adventure yet — marriage.
A Winter Wedding to Remember
Their wedding took place at Kumeu Valley Estate, a venue that blends rustic charm with timeless elegance. As theirs was a winter wedding, they opted for an indoor ceremony to keep everyone warm and comfortable. Annette and her team at Kumeu Valley Estate went the extra mile with styling — from candles to thoughtful details — creating an atmosphere that felt intimate and romantic.
With shorter daylight hours in winter, we carefully planned the photography schedule. Kurt wanted to honour tradition and not see Lulu before the ceremony, so we completed the groomsmen portraits and bridal party photos earlier in the day. This allowed us to capture relaxed, unhurried couple portraits later in the afternoon, without losing precious time.
Despite days of rain and wind beforehand, the weather blessed us with calm skies and a smooth celebration. Everything unfolded just as Lulu and Kurt had hoped.
A Day of Celebration
The heart of the day was simple: a celebration with their closest friends and family. Their wedding was filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of sharing memories with those who know them best. The reception became a lively party — a space for connection, storytelling, and plenty of fun.
Capturing the Details
As their wedding photographer in Auckland, I had the privilege of documenting both the beauty of their winter setting and the little moments that made the day theirs. From the glow of candlelight to the emotion on their faces as they exchanged vows, each frame told a piece of their story. Lulu and Kurt’s wedding is a reminder that winter weddings in New Zealand have their own magic — cozy ceremonies, thoughtful planning, and celebrations that feel deeply personal. It’s celebrations like theirs that inspire me in my work as a wedding photographer in New Zealand, where every couple’s journey is unique, every season brings new beauty, and every wedding is a chance to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Venue: Kumeu Valley Estate
Getting ready address: Entire house from airbnb
Celebrant:Kim Barnett
Hair stylist: Dawn Thomson
Makeup artist:Ares Artistry (Jenny and Weiting)
Cake: The Baker's Cottage (Kingsland)
Florist: Ann Cheshire (Birkenhead)
DJ: Limelight DJ Entertainment - Trevor Palupe-Grant
Lulu and Kurt had their beautiful winter wedding at Kumeu Valley Estate. To keep everyone warm, they had an indoor ceremony. Annette and her team from Kumeu Valley Estate went the extra mile to help out with the decorations and candles. The setup was beautiful.
In New Zealand, winter daylight is a lot shorter than in the summer, especially with daylight saving. So, I suggested having a first look and photos earlier before the ceremony. However, Kurt, the groom, wanted to keep the tradition and not see Lulu until the ceremony. So, we managed to have the bridal party photos and the groom and his boys' photos done in the morning, saving more time for Kurt and Lulu's photos later.
We were blessed with the weather; it was raining and windy the days before their wedding. On their wedding day, the weather was calm, and the day went so smoothly as they had planned.
