Weddings

Sophie & Ben’s Tipi Wedding at Lake Tarawera

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by Bespoke Photography
July 5, 2017

It was only when they met as adults that Sophie and Ben realised they had grown up across the water from each other at Lake Tarawera in Rotorua, New Zealand. These two drew plenty of wedding inspiration from their childhood home to create a relaxed and stylish lakeside affair, captured by Bespoke Photography.

Starting off on a high note, the bride arrived to the ceremony on ‘The Colleen’ – Ben’s family vintage wooden cruiser – to the sound of bagpipes echoing across the water. Sophie’s good pal Kim of N.A.W. Events had the details covered. “We had a really simple triangle arbour made out of old wood that Kim styled with simple flax and toi toi – a typical lakeside look. Overall we wanted to keep it minimal and natural. The clear blue skies and glassy lake in the background didn’t half help!”

The celebration continued back at the reception with plenty of greenery, warm tones and statement pieces, like those amazing brass lanterns, sourced from Royal Laboratorie. Not wanting to go the white marquee route, the couple opted for Scandinavian style tipis from TopKata. “The tipis really set the tone for the wedding and I loved how we could open them up to the lakefront to make the most of the views.” We’re loving the Nordic minimalism meets tropical island feel, and getting your guests to line up for Mr Whippy is somehow cuter than queuing for cake.

lakeside weddng with minimal triangle backdrop

Tipi wedding at Lake Tarawera, Rotorua NZ

Sophie found her Houghton NYC dress in London boutique, The Lovers Bride, and knew instantly it fitted her comfortable, relaxed and ‘dance all night’ remit. So comfy in fact, she went wakeboarding in it the next day!

yellow + white two-piece bridesmaids dresses

Sophie wanted something bright and summery for her girls, while still being natural. Paired with simple white camis, we think these yellow wrap skirts by Miss Crabb are just the ticket!

modern yellow and white bridesmaid two-piece

Lake Tarawera wedding, Rotorua New Zealand

With Sophie planning the day from London, Kim from N.A.W. Events stepped in to create a relaxed and natural style with help from The Botanist on the floral front. “Kim not only helped me find amazing vendors and ideas for decorations, but she made it all come together better than I could have imagined, right down to putting together all the bouquets and floral features herself”.

Complementing the gorgeous scenery, these tents were a great alternative to the marquee and look like a whole lot of fun. “We hired the tipis from TopKata, who also supplied the beautiful wooden tables, the fire pit, our epic outdoor dance floor and festoons to light it all up!”

Ben wore a Ted Baker suit with a Liberty floral print bow tie, which fit with the colour scheme and feel of the day; yellow, white and green. The boys donned the same printed bow ties, bringing a little bit of London along to the day.

Lake Tarawera wedding, Rotorua - Bespoke Photography

Krystle of Bespoke Photography was on hand to capture the day, and came highly recommended. “I’m not the most comfortable with photos, and wanted someone who could capture our day in the most natural way possible, without too much posing. Krystle was perfect!”