November 21, 2024
Meeting Dayna and Justin a few years ago for their engagement session was one of those moments that sticks with you. As we captured their love, they shared their dream of a destination wedding in the future. Although the exact plans were yet to unfold. Fast forward to February 2023, and we found ourselves traveling across the globe to the breathtaking TreeChurch and Gardens in Ōhaupō, New Zealand to document their intimate wedding day.
This wasn’t your traditional wedding—it was personal, unique, and entirely theirs. With just the two of them and the groom’s brother and sister-in-law in attendance, the day was filled with love, laughter, and a touch of adventure as we ended the celebration exploring the iconic Hobbiton together.
Why TreeChurch and Gardens is the Perfect Wedding Venue
Nestled in the lush countryside of New Zealand, the TreeChurch and Gardens is a one-of-a-kind venue that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Designed by Barry Cox, this living chapel is crafted entirely from trees, creating an ethereal space that perfectly blends nature and artistry. The surrounding gardens provide a serene, picturesque backdrop, making it an ideal choice for couples who want an unforgettable one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
Dayna and Justin fell in love with the venue’s tranquil beauty, and it set the tone for their day—simple, heartfelt, and stunningly unique.
Overcoming Challenges: Portraits in the High Noon Sun
As photographers and videographers, we know that every wedding day comes with its own set of challenges. For Dayna and Justin’s big day, the unforgiving high noon sun of New Zealand added a layer of complexity to their portraits. Bright light and harsh shadows can be tricky to navigate. However, with years of experience in shooting in all lighting conditions, we didn’t let it phase us.
Using the venue’s natural features, we were able to create stunning portraits that truly captured the essence of their love and the beauty of the day. It’s a reminder that no matter the conditions, a skilled photographer can adapt to ensure your wedding photos are timeless and breathtaking.
Making Their Wedding Uniquely Theirs
What made Dayna and Justin’s wedding so special was how they truly made the day their own. From the intimate guest list to their post-ceremony adventure to Hobbiton, every element reflected their personalities and their story.
We had the incredible opportunity to tag along for their trip to Hobbiton, a magical experience that added an extra layer of adventure to their day. Capturing candid moments as they explored the iconic movie set was a highlight of our time together and a testament to how a wedding doesn’t have to follow traditional norms to be unforgettable.
Why Choose an Experienced Destination Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and having a photographer and videographer who can adapt to any situation—whether it’s unpredictable weather, challenging lighting, or a unique timeline—is essential.
Dayna and Justin trusted us to document their intimate celebration, and we were honored to deliver photos and videos that showcased the beauty, emotion, and adventure of their day. No matter the size or location of your wedding, we believe in creating memories that reflect your love story and stand the test of time.
TreeChurch and Gardens in Ōhaupō, New Zealand Wedding Photos
TreeChurch and Gardens Wedding Films:
Capturing Your Unique Love Story
Dayna and Justin’s wedding at TreeChurch and Gardens was an experience we’ll never forget.
If you’re planning a destination wedding and looking for a photographer and videographer who will go above and beyond to capture your unique story, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re exchanging vows in New Zealand, Texas, or anywhere in between, we’re ready to travel the world to document your unforgettable moments.
what J+D said about being a kap couple:
Justin + Dayna’s kind words about working with us on their wedding day truly touched our hearts. Here’s what they had to say:
There are two times in life where “yes” is everything you want to hear. The first is when you ask your person if they want to realllly be your person. And, the second is when you ask your photographer if they will travel across the world to New Zealand for your destination wedding. My partner and I are happy to say that we got to experience both!
Both of us can be a little camera shy, and we had never felt more comfortable being ourselves in front of a camera until we met Kyrsten for our engagement session. After experiencing the magic during that session we both knew that we had to have Kyrsten there for our wedding day. Kyrsten made our experience exceptional starting with our pre-wedding shoot at Ruapeke beach to our wedding day at the TreeChurch and Gardens; ending with a visit to Hobbiton. Her team truly goes the extra mile to personalize your session, make you feel comfortable, and accentuate the style that makes you as a couple feel unique.
The photos and video turned out excellent. Thank you so much Kyrsten and Jordan for making our day so special and capturing the little moments!
a warm and sincere thanks to the creative team that made this day possible…
Venue: TreeChurch and Gardens, Ōhaupō, New Zealand
Planner: Weddings She Wrote
Photographer: Kyrsten Ashlay Photography
Videographer: KAP Films
Hair + Makeup: 28Collective
Florist: 28Collective
Officiant: Bishop Blake Wong-Ling
Catering: Weave Catering
Shuttles: Raglan Shuttle
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