Sophia & Josh’s Timeless Hamilton Gardens Wedding | Waikato Weddings
Some love stories span years, weaving through friendship and life’s ups and downs before circling back to where they were always meant to be. For Sophia and Josh, theirs began in high school, where they dated briefly before choosing different paths. But even as the years passed, their bond never faded — they remained best friends for nearly 15–16 years. A few years ago, their story came full circle. They rekindled their love, faced life’s hurdles together, and realised that marrying your best friend is the greatest gift of all.
A Surrealist Garden Ceremony
For their wedding day, Sophia and Josh chose the Surrealist Garden at Hamilton Gardens — a venue that feels like stepping into another world. With its striking architecture and lush design, it became the perfect setting for a ceremony that was both timeless and unique.
Their theme was modern and simple, with an elegant bridal party dressed in black. Against this chic backdrop, their vibrant florals added joyful bursts of colour, reflecting both their personalities and their celebration of love.
A Relaxed Celebration
After the ceremony, the celebrations continued at the Garden Bar at Iguanas, where friends and family gathered for a relaxed, laughter-filled reception. The atmosphere was informal yet meaningful — a reminder that weddings don’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable. Sophia and Josh described it best themselves: simple, relaxed, modern, and timeless.
Capturing the Details
Based in Auckland, I travelled down to Hamilton to document Sophia and Josh’s day. As their wedding photographer I had the privilege of capturing every moment — from the surreal beauty of their garden ceremony to the vibrant energy of their reception.
Their Hamilton Gardens wedding was not only a celebration of love but also of friendship, proving that the strongest relationships are built on laughter, trust, and time. It’s celebrations like theirs that inspire me in my work as a wedding photographer in New Zealand — where every couple’s story is unique, and every wedding is a reflection of the journey that led them there.
The Team:
Venue: Hamilton gardens
Reception: Iguanaeatery
Ceremony Decor: love club hire
Clebrant: Crystal Winter
Grazing Platter: Grazey Chick
Wedding dress: Maddison Rose Bridal in Tauranga
Florist: The Flower Patch, Hamilton
Cake maker: Flour Cakery, Cambridge
Hair and Makeup: GL face studio for make up and Karina is doing hair
Photographer: Wanting Huang Photography
