Megan and Steve’s Dreamy Garden Wedding at Villa Vie Country Estate

There’s something truly magical about a wedding at Villa Vie Country Estate, a stunning all-inclusive wedding venue nestled in Aongatete, Bay of Plenty—just 30 minutes from Tauranga CBD. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories, but this was one for the books.

A Love Story That Started with a Swipe Right

Megan and Steve’s journey began with a lucky swipe on Bumble. Their first date was at The Garden Shed in Mt Eden, where—despite Steve’s late-night antics the evening before—they hit it off instantly. A walk up Mt Eden sealed the deal, and over the next few months, their connection deepened.

Fast forward to their engagement: After six months of traveling the South Island in a van, Steve surprised Megan on Boxing Day at her family farm in Tauranga. In the middle of a bustling family lunch, he dropped to one knee—a moment filled with love, laughter, and a little chaos (just the way they like it!).

Why Villa Vie Was the Perfect Wedding Venue

When it came to choosing their venue, Megan and Steve wanted a relaxed, garden-inspired celebration surrounded by nature—and Villa Vie delivered exactly that.

Venue Highlights:

• All-inclusive packages for intimate weddings or larger gatherings (up to 120 guests)
•  Park-like gardens bursting with flowers—ideal for outdoor ceremonies
• Backup options like the villa patio or marquee in case of rain
• A 100m² garden marquee for dining, followed by dancing in the elegant glass reception marquee

The team at Villa Vie worked closely with Megan and Steve to tailor their day, ensuring every detail—from the floral arrangements to the reception layout—was perfect.

A Chill Wedding Day

Megan and Steve’s wedding was all about good vibes, great company, and a killer dance floor. Their garden-inspired theme blended effortlessly with Villa Vie’s natural beauty, creating a romantic and relaxed atmosphere.

Their Favorite Moments:

Steve: Seeing Megan in her wedding dress for the first time during their first look
Megan: Having all their favorite people in one place—plus, an epic dance party!

Top Tips from Megan & Steve

As seasoned wedding pros (thanks to their epic engagement and wedding planning), they shared some golden advice:

• Do an engagement shoot—it’s great practice and you’ll love the photos!
• Book key vendors early—popular ones get snapped up fast. 
• Don’t sweat the small stuff—focus on enjoying the day

Why Villa Vie Country Estate is a Wedding Photographer’s Dream

As a wedding photographer, I can confidently say that Villa Vie Country Estate is one of the most photogenic venues in the Bay of Plenty. The lush gardens, elegant marquees, and golden-hour lighting make every shot breathtaking. Megan and Steve’s wedding was a perfect blend of love, laughter, and stunning scenery—everything a photographer (and couple!) could ask for.

If you’re dreaming of a romantic, stress-free wedding in a picture-perfect setting, Villa Vie Country Estate should be at the top of your list.

Ready to plan your own wedding at Villa Vie Country Estate? Let’s chat—I’d love to capture your love story at this incredible venue!

Vendors that helped this day come together

Fluro Grey – Bay of Plenty Wedding Photographer