Michelle & Kevin | Abel Estate | Kumeu Wedding Venue
A Paradise Wedding at Abel Estates
The Awesome Wedding Vendors that made it happen!
Wedding Makeup and Hair - Serenity Makeup
Celebrant - Gary Pointon
Wedding Photographer & Videographer - Dear White
There’s something so special about a destination wedding, and when it’s in a stunning location like New Zealand, it becomes a dream come true. For Michelle and Kevin, their wedding at the picturesque Abel Estates was everything they could have imagined and more. As an Auckland wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing many beautiful moments, but Michelle and Kevin’s day stood out as an unforgettable celebration of love, joy, and shared passions.
Michelle and Kevin brought a little bit of the United States to New Zealand, flying in their closest friends and family to celebrate this incredible milestone. The love and energy that filled Abel Estates was palpable as everyone gathered to witness the couple’s vows in one of the most scenic spots imaginable.
The setting itself was perfect — lush greens, winding paths, and towering willow trees (the same type under which Kevin proposed!). The natural beauty of the venue was truly enchanting and provided the ideal backdrop for their wedding day.
Although Michelle and Kevin had already rehearsed their first dance and spent time together before the ceremony, there was still a magical moment when Kevin saw Michelle in her full wedding gown for the first time. The excitement and surprise on Kevin’s face were priceless, and they even had a "I'm so surprised" expression ready for the big reveal! It was such a genuine moment — one of those timeless memories that will stay with them forever.
The ceremony couldn’t have been timed more perfectly. The sun beamed down, casting a soft glow over the couple and their loved ones. Kevin made his way down the aisle with his parents, and then Michelle walked down the aisle with her father — it was a moment filled with emotion and excitement. The atmosphere was calm, joyful, and intimate, making it the perfect setting for this beautiful couple to say their vows.
Being anime lovers and being part of the university anime club was what connected them, we had to go with an anime club pose!
One of the most touching parts of the reception was the speeches given by the sisters of both the bride and groom. As they reminisced about childhood memories and growing up together, the room was filled with laughter and a few happy tears. It was clear that Michelle and Kevin’s bond with their families was incredibly strong, and everyone was so happy to be part of their special day.
As the reception continued, we were lucky enough to catch the stunning sunset at Abel Estates. The golden light danced on Michelle and Kevin’s faces, creating some of the most beautiful photos of the day. We also took the opportunity to capture some epic silhouette shots, with the iconic willow trees in the background, making for a truly magical moment.
No wedding day is complete without a great meal and a party to remember — and Abel Estates did not disappoint! The dinner service was exceptional, as always, and the guests were ready to hit the dance floor. The night was only just beginning when DJ (and celebrant!) Gary the Marry took over, lighting up the reception with great tunes and an electric vibe.
Michelle and Kevin’s first dance was something out of a fairytale. After months of preparation and practice, they wowed the crowd with one of the most intricate and flawlessly executed first dances I’ve ever seen. It was clear that every step had been carefully planned, and it paid off with a performance that had everyone on their feet.
Of course, no wedding day is complete without some stunning night photos. As the festivities continued, we snuck Michelle and Kevin away for a few last shots under the starry sky. The soft lighting and the serene backdrop of Abel Estates made for a perfect end to an already perfect day.
Michelle and Kevin’s wedding was one for the books — a celebration of love, family, and shared passions. From the heartfelt vows to the unique touches that made their day their own, it was a pleasure to capture every single moment. If you’re planning a destination wedding in New Zealand, Abel Estates is an absolute dream venue that will give you memories to last a lifetime.
And as always, I’m so thankful to have been part of such a special day as an Auckland wedding photographer. Here's to many more beautiful weddings, unique stories, and unforgettable moments!
