Allie & Ivan’s Bracu Estate Wedding: When Italian Meets Kiwi (And Rain Shows Up Uninvited)
So here’s the thing about love – it doesn’t give a damn about borders, weather forecasts, or your perfectly planned outdoor ceremony. Furthermore, Allie and Ivan proved that beautifully at their Bracu Estate wedding, where New Zealand charm met Italian passion, while Mother Nature decided to crash the party with some serious Auckland rain vibes.
Their love story? Pretty epic, actually. Initially, Ivan took Allie on what she thought was just a casual weekend trip to Queenstown. However, plot twist: he had a ring burning a hole in his pocket and a plan to propose on that iconic pier by Glenorchy’s red shed. Ultimately, smart move, Ivan. Really smart move.
Yeah, About That Weather…
Let’s be real for a hot minute – this wedding season has been absolutely bonkers with rain. In fact, I’m talking record-breaking, ark-building levels of wet. And of course, guess what showed up for Allie and Ivan’s big day? Yep, you got it.
But here’s where things get interesting. Instead of being a total buzzkill, the rain actually created this insanely moody, atmospheric vibe that honestly made me fall in love with photography all over again. Moreover, the mist rolling through those olive trees? Chef’s kiss. Sometimes the weather knows better than we do, apparently.
Bracu Estate: AKA The Place That Makes You Forget You’re in New Zealand
Forty minutes out of Auckland sits this absolute gem that’ll make you think you’ve somehow teleported to the Italian countryside. Essentially, Bracu Estate is basically what happens when someone decides to plant a Mediterranean oasis in the middle of New Zealand farmland – and somehow pulls it off perfectly.
Originally, the plan was ceremony under the olive trees (because, obviously), but then the weather had other ideas. Subsequently, enter the marquee – which honestly ended up being the perfect intimate space for these two cultures to come together. Sometimes Plan B is actually Plan A in disguise, after all.
The 4WD Adventure (Rain Edition)
One of my favorite parts about shooting at Bracu? They’ve got this vintage 4WD that’ll take you all over the property for portraits. Nevertheless, rain or shine, we were getting on that truck. And let me tell you, the shots we got looking back over the misty olive groves were absolutely unreal. Additionally, Allie and Ivan were total sports about it too – they embraced the moody weather like absolute legends.
The Dream Team (Because Nobody Does This Solo)
Obviously, shoutout to the incredible vendors who made this day happen:
Grace Loves Lace – Allie’s dress was pure perfection. Specifically, that bohemian elegance thing they do? It was made for Bracu’s vibe.
Bluebells Cakery – The cake was almost too pretty to eat and it was also used as a gender reveal cake!
The Peach Club – Hair and makeup that stayed flawless despite humidity levels that could rival a rainforest. Seriously impressive, indeed.
Wandering Willow – These florals brought warmth to a grey day and somehow made the whole misty atmosphere even more romantic.
Why Bracu Should Be on Every Couple’s Radar
Look, I’ve shot at a lot of venues around Auckland, and Bracu is just different. It’s got this authenticity that you can’t fake – probably because it actually IS a working olive grove, not just some styled photo op.
Whether you want sunshine streaming through olive branches or moody rain creating cinematic drama, this place delivers. Plus, your guests will be talking about it for years. Trust me on this one.
The Mediterranean architecture, the rolling hills, the olive groves that go on forever – it’s like stepping into a completely different world. And honestly? That’s exactly what your wedding day should feel like.
Final Thoughts
Allie and Ivan’s wedding reminded me why I love this job so much. It wasn’t about perfect weather or flawless execution – it was about two people choosing each other, rain or shine, surrounded by the people who matter most. The multicultural celebration, the unexpected beauty of a grey day, the genuine joy despite the weather – that’s the real stuff right there.
Planning something at Bracu Estate? Hit me up. I know this place inside and out, and I’m always down for an adventure – especially the 4WD kind.
