Sarah & Sam’s Nelson Backyard Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a Nelson backyard wedding filled with personality, meaning, and relaxed summer magic, Sarah and Sam’s celebration at Oaklands Homestead is the perfect inspiration.
Sarah (originally from Essex, UK) and Sam, a Nelson local, first met while working together at a restaurant during Sarah’s backpacking adventure around New Zealand. What followed was a love story built on travel, from backpacking across Europe and WWOOFing in the south of France to navigating Covid while living with Sarah’s parents in the UK. Sam proposed during Matariki weekend in Hanmer Springs, and the couple eventually settled back in Nelson to begin their next chapter.
Choosing Oaklands Homestead - Sam’s family property with generations of history - made their Nelson backyard wedding deeply personal. The homestead has hosted multiple family weddings, including Sam’s parents, and it was so cool that these two got to add another layer of family history to the property.
Their summer Saturday wedding was everything a backyard celebration should be: sunny, relaxed, and full of laughter. Celebrant Rosey Holland led a ceremony that was both hilarious and heartfelt. It was made even better by the presence of their beloved dogs Shadow and Finn, who are extremely good boys. I am never mad about the addition of pets to a wedding!
Styling leaned into fun, quirky details that reflected the couple’s personality. Bright sunflowers filled the space with colour, while Sarah wore Converse sneakers hand-stitched with their names and wedding date. We also need a special mention for her SPARKLY shoelaces. Where can I get a pair?!
One of the standout features of this Nelson backyard wedding was the lovely little lake, which provided an idyllic backdrop for both the ceremony and some sunset portraits As golden hour arrived, guests gathered on the lawn where Sarah and Sam shared their first dance beneath the fading summer light. They twirled and giggled before everyone else joined in for a boogie!
The relaxed reception featured catering by River Kitchen, with a gorgeous spread for everyone to help themselves to. Sarah and Sam also hired a real fruit ice cream truck in place of traditional canapes. More of that please! With speeches, lawn dancing, and plenty of laughter, the day felt intimate yet joy-filled.
Backyard weddings in Nelson hold a special kind of magic. These are spaces already rich with history, personality, and meaning that simply can’t be replicated at traditional venues. Sarah and Sam’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that when you choose a location rooted in family and memory, every moment becomes even more significant.
Location: Oaklands Homestead // HMUA Makeup by Meghan // Celebrant Rosey Holland // Catering River Kitchen // Ice Cream Blush Creamery // Videography Luke Marshall
