Old-World Charm Meets Modern Love: A Styled Shoot at Thurlby Domain
Set beneath the golden canopy of autumn trees, we leaned into the richness of the season, pairing bold, contemporary florals with a whimsical, open-air tablescape designed to feel both grounded and magical.
We wanted to embrace the vibrant, fleeting beauty of Queenstown in autumn. Inspired by the warm hues of falling leaves, the concept focused on bold colour and soft movement, bringing modern energy to a classically romantic setting. Every element was chosen to feel fresh, textural, and unexpected, all while honouring the natural beauty of the domain.
The florals were our anchor—lush, vibrant, and intentionally sculptural. Bright reds, deep oranges, and pinks popped against the mossy green and warm wood tones of the outdoor tablescape. The reception setup was nestled among trees, with delicate details like coloured taper candles, layered glassware, and whimsical place settings that felt effortless and organic.
Our couple’s styling added a modern edge to the romance of the location—think clean silhouettes with soft detailing and movement. The overall mood was editorial but emotional: intimate, expressive, and visually rich without ever feeling overly styled.
This shoot is a celebration of contrast, of boldness within softness, structure within nature, and classic romance told in a vibrant, contemporary language.
Venue/Vendors used
Planner/Stylist: Kirsty Ussher
Photographer: Emmaline Photographer
Venue + Car: Thurlby Domain
Flowers: Flore Studios
Cake: Sophie Roseanna Cakes
His Style: Nemo
Makeup: Paige Shipstone Makeup
Tableware: Royal Lab
Signage + Stationery: Spearmint Signage Studio
Plants: b.leaf
Her Style: Vinka Design
Hair Stylist: Hair To Wed by Tina
Furniture: Flock Events
Linen: Olive Linen
Bar: Beveragino
Keep reading
Because your wedding shouldn’t just look iconic — it should smell amazing and sound like the best day ever. Let’s...
Big weddings are beautiful, but more and more Kiwi couples are saying “that’s not us.” They’re craving something smaller, more...
If you love a sleek, design-led wedding aesthetic, this minimalist warehouse elopement is your new mood board. Captured by the...
