Ash & Josh’s special day

It was a sunny day with just a few clouds in the sky. Certainly a perfect combination for positive vibes and stunning photographs. As it should be! Before I share more on this beautiful celebration of love, I would love to say a few words about the venue. The Red Barn is a historic barn that was transformed into a premium wedding and events venue. It is family owned with family core values that in my opinion are incredibly important when it comes to big family gatherings and celebrations. A 500-acre beautiful property including forests, grottos and famous treelined driveway. I will share more about every aspect of this place as the story unfolds.

Getting ready at The Red Barn

I would normally start my day with a groom as it takes less time for the boys to get ready. Then they can relax while I’m working with the bride before we head to the ceremony.

There is a picture perfect spot at The Red Barn where groom and groomsmen can get ready for the day. Rustic set up, a few leather couches and hunting trophies to complete the look. I truly believe that this upstairs area is perfect for a male energy and sets the mood just right.

It was obvious that all the details were very well thought through which made the whole process smooth without rush. Ash & Josh decided to write each other letters and opt out from saying their vows at the ceremony. It is a perfect way of sharing very important and intimate words with someone you love and keeping it private. We then went out for a little walk and candid photographs. Can’t skip those!

Since we are at the venue, it is worth mentioning that all the flowers were carefully prepared and arranged by the Mother of the Groom, Brenda. She did such an amazing job! While we were getting the photos done upstairs, the whole set up of the reception area came together nicely. The cake was a stunner featuring Ash’s passion for horses and Josh’s love for bikes.

The Groom’s and Groomsmen’s suits are from Tarocash.

Bridal preparations with a view of the lake Karapiro

Ash picked a great spot to get ready for the day! Overlooking the lake Karapiro, this accommodation ticked all the boxes. My main advice when it comes to choosing a place for all the bridal preparations is to find a spacious place with big windows and if possible, avoid orange / wooden walls. I started with details followed by candid moments in between. Yes, of course we do some posing and I guide everyone to make sure that we have a good variety of shots done. It is a good mix of planned and unplanned moments that will tell the story.

Make up was done by Kayleigh Christine.

The first looks

And then there was my favourite moment! Ashleigh was putting her dress on. This is when everyone holds their breath and waits for the very special reveal. There were two first looks – with Avon, the Father of the Bride and with the bridesmaids. I will leave you to these moments and emotions.

The dress from Astra Bridal Hamilton.

The timing was perfect! After all the hugs, laughs and a bit of tears that naturally happen during the first look, there was a moment of silence. Behind the closed door Ash was reading the letter that Josh wrote to her. I was allowed in to capture it. Without knowing what’s in there, I knew it was very intimate, wholesome and beautiful. As the tears were making their appearance on Ashleigh’s face, I stopped taking photographs and gave her some privacy.

It was time for me to head to the venue and get ready for the Bride’s arrival.

Wedding ceremony at The Red Barn

As we were lucky with the weather, the ceremony was set outdoor by a beautiful big tree. And what I like about this venue is they also offer a barn for a rainy day celebrations. Another big tick when it comes to choosing a place for your wedding.

The whole set up was so beautiful! Perfect aisle (yes, it is important!), flowers that work great with the theme, rich greenery and just enough sunshine to bring it all together. Josh was waiting for the arrival of his Bride. And what can possibly beat a family owned Mustang in stunning blue? Avon, the Father of the Bride drove it to the venue and it made a bit of a noise.

As I mentioned earlier, Ash & Josh exchanged their very special words privately going with hand written letters. What a way to turn them into keepsakes for many years to come! This made the ceremony a bit shorter, but well organised by celebrant Crystal Winter.

Apart from traditional “I do” and exchanging of the rings, Ashleigh and Josh decided to incorporate a very unique detail – stopping the watch at the time they were pronounced as a Husband and Wife.

After the ceremony

Walking back the aisle straight after the ceremony is one of my absolute favourite parts of any wedding day. There are so many happy smiles, overwhelming emotions and sometimes even tears! All of this excitement followed by hugs and cheers from the people you love the most! Those moments are the most precious and definitely very emotional. This is where all your guests and most importantly, parents come to share your happiness and celebrate with you. Absolutely unplanned and always candid.

We timed it well and did a big group photo once everyone had their chance to say a few words to the newly weds. Then, there were plenty of small group photos to make sure no one got missed. Having a list of those compulsory photographs is a must and makes the whole process much easier. I recommend to dedicate someone to help out with gathering people for photos. Someone who is familiar with the majority of the guests.

The Red Barn grotto

After a short break while I got all the gear ready for the photos of newly weds, together with the main couple, bridesmaids and groomsmen we head to the grotto. So here’s the thing – if you would like to utilise this location (trust me, you would!), you will need to book it through the team at the venue. They arrange delicious canapes and drinks, so it is not only a great place for the photographs, but also a nice spot for a breather before the reception. Just 2 minutes drive from the main venue, it offers such a variety of beautiful little spots as well as a paddock to use as a backdrop.

We then headed to the famous treelined driveway for more photographs and a bit of fun with the team. I definitely recommend spending good 20-30 minutes there to capture all the beauty of this spot. Check it out!

Last but not least, a compulsory shot on a family truck.

And my favourite candid moment with the bridal party.

Wedding reception

It is the end of a big day where everyone gets a seat at a table to share food, exchange laughter and listen to the speeches. I personally find speeches one of the best moments of the whole day – there’s so much fun, thoughtfulness and so many jokes… Good speeches will always elevate the whole day to the next level. Make it count!

There was the right moment during the reception where I just had to get Ash & Josh to the paddock for a few sunset shots. These are not compulsory, and I prefer to play it by air. But if the right light is there, go for it! It takes only 20 minutes and so worth it!

Dance floor is open!

First there was a shoe game. It is always fun and definitely brings a lot to the surface – who did the first move? Who said the first “I love you”?

Then there was the first dance followed by well practised routine from Father and The Bride. Later on all the guests joined in for a few moves to country music. The Red Barn offers a cosy backyard dance floor and with fire on it makes cooler evenings a touch warmer.

If you are looking for a similar rustic style venue along the coast, check this wedding at Whangamata Farm Weddings on East Coast of Coromandel.

You booked The Red Barn as your wedding venue and looking for a photographer? I would love to hear from you! Get in touch and let’s start planning how we can bring your vision to life.