Jess & Sam’s Heartfelt Home Wedding in Carterton | A Dreamy Lavender Abbey Photoshoot

Lavender Abbey, Carterton, New Zealand

Bride and groom walking hand in hand as guests throw confetti at their Carterton home wedding celebration. — Jess & Sam's joyful wedding exit at their Carterton home, surrounded by family, friends, and heartfelt moments

Bride and groom in a romantic wedding photoshoot at Lavender Abbey, Carterton, surrounded by scenic lavender fields — Jess & Sam share a heartfelt moment in the lavender fields of Carterton, beautifully captured by A Wedding Story

Some weddings are big and extravagant, while others are intimate, deeply personal, and just as breathtaking. Jess and Sam’s home wedding in Carterton, New Zealand, was a true reflection of their love—warm, meaningful, and filled with the people (and pets!) that matter most.

Getting Ready: A Morning Filled with Love and Excitement

Bride sharing a heartfelt moment with her mother before the wedding at their Carterton home — A beautiful mother-daughter moment before the wedding, filled with love and joy

The day began with the perfect mix of excitement and emotion as Jess and Sam got ready, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The conversations, the nervous smiles, and the heartfelt moments of support set the tone for a truly unforgettable day. Jess shared precious moments with her loved ones while getting into her dress, while Sam had a relaxed morning with his closest mates. The getting-ready moments were a blend of anticipation, joy, and the kind of love that makes weddings so special.

A Cozy Celebration with Loved Ones (Including the Fur Babies!)

The bride walks down the aisle, holding a rustic bouquet, surrounded by family and friends — A radiant bride takes her first steps down the aisle, filled with joy and anticipation

Jess and Sam knew from the start that they wanted their wedding to feel like home—because it quite literally was. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they exchanged vows in a setting that felt effortlessly beautiful and deeply sentimental. Adding to the heartfelt atmosphere, their beloved dogs were an important part of the day, making the celebration even more special.

There’s something truly magical about home weddings. The familiarity, the personal touches, and the relaxed atmosphere all combine to create an experience that’s as unique as the couple themselves. Jess and Sam’s wedding was no exception.

A Picture-Perfect Photoshoot at Lavender Abbey

The bride and groom share a loving gaze as their wedding party raises bouquets in celebration with mountains in the background — Surrounded by love and laughter—cheers to a lifetime of happiness

After their heartfelt ceremony, we took a short trip to Lavender Abbey, one of Wairarapa’s most breathtaking locations. The vibrant purple fields provided a dreamy, romantic setting that perfectly complemented the couple’s love story.

With golden sunlight filtering through the lavender blooms, Jess and Sam shared quiet moments together, soaking in the joy of their new journey. The stunning contrast of the lush green surroundings and the purple hues created some of the most unforgettable images of the day.