Rosenvale | Cambridge | Waikato
Lucie & Johnny’s Rustic Rosenvale Wedding
Some love stories begin quietly, in unexpected places. For Lucie and Johnny, it was at a restaurant — she was a waitress, he was the dishy — and from the very beginning they connected instantly. What started as casual shifts soon turned into something lasting. Less than a year into their relationship, Lucie returned to the UK on a holiday visa, and Johnny followed her. For two years they built a life together abroad, before eventually trading city living for the calm of rural life. Now, eight years later, they chose to celebrate their wedding on the exact date of their anniversary, surrounded by family, friends, and their beloved fur baby at home.
A Wedding Day with Character
Their wedding took place at Rosenvale, a rustic and charming venue in Hamilton, Waikato. The forecast predicted rain, and by the morning it was drizzling on and off. Johnny admitted he had barely slept the night before, too excited and nervous to rest. With the weather shifting throughout the day, we adjusted the photography schedule — and thanks to Lucie and Johnny’s trust, everything came together beautifully. In fact, the rain added its own kind of magic, making this one of my favourite weddings to photograph.
A Dress with Personality
Lucie’s wedding look was unforgettable. She chose a short dress from AliExpress, altered to perfection by the talented Robyn Lee Bridal. It was a bold choice — not many brides opt for a short dress — but it was a style that showcased Lucie’s personality effortlessly.
Her entire look was tied together with one distinctive detail: bows. From her hair clip to the back of her dress and even her shoes, bows became a subtle motif. For Johnny, it was extra special — he remembers Lucie wearing bows when they first met.
Her shoes, the Loeffler Randall Camellia Knot Mules with ankle straps, were simply stunning. Despite getting a little muddy throughout the day thanks to the weather, Lucie didn’t mind at all. She and Johnny were too busy enjoying their celebration to worry about anything else — exactly how a wedding should be.
Rustic, Relaxed, and Fun
Lucie and Johnny described their day as relaxed, rustic, chill, fun, and very “us.” They poured themselves into every detail with a DIY spirit — from the styling to the games to the music — creating a day that truly reflected them. Guests were invited not just to witness a wedding, but to share in an atmosphere that felt personal, joyful, and authentic.
Everyone got ready at the same house, with the boys downstairs and the girls upstairs — a setup that added to the laid-back flow of the morning. All their photos were taken on site at Rosenvale, making it easy for guests to relax and enjoy the upper level of the venue while we explored the bottom gardens and reception area for portraits.
Capturing the Details
Based in Auckland, I travelled down to Hamilton the day before so I could be fully present for Lucie and Johnny’s wedding. Being their wedding photographer, I had the honour of documenting their rustic Rosenvale celebration — from the glow of candlelight to the laughter during the games, and even the muddy shoes that told the story of their carefree spirit.
Their rustic celebration is a reminder that weddings don’t have to be formal or perfect to be beautiful. Sometimes it’s the imperfections — like rain showers and muddy heels — that make the day all the more memorable.
It’s these kinds of celebrations that inspire me as a wedding photographer in New Zealand — where every couple creates a day that is uniquely theirs, and every wedding becomes a story worth telling for a lifetime.
Getting ready location: Airbnb, same house
Venue for ceremony and reception: Rosenvale
Makeup and hair artist: Cherie B for both
Wedding dress: Ali Express and then altered by Robyn Lee Bridal
Celebrant : Poppy Wortman / Poppedthequestion
Florist: WildBella for bouquet and button holes. Rest of flowers are from FluerEver.
Cake maker: Sweet Avenue Cakes
DJ: DJ4You
Photographer: Wanting Huang Photography
