Framed by the rolling vines and sweeping lake views, Tamara and Jason’s intimate wedding at Rippon Wanaka was the perfect mix of moody romance and playful vibrance. It was the kind of celebration that felt effortlessly personal and deeply connected to place.
Tamara & Jason travelled from Sydney with twenty-five of their closest family and friends. Their Golden Retriever, Rupert, stayed home but was never far from their thoughts. As a teacher and a nurse, their lives are built on care and connection. Therefore, their wedding day naturally reflected that same warmth and heart.
A Story Rooted in Friendship and Adventure
Tamara and Jason first met while working behind a bar. Their circles overlapped, and they soon discovered that even their mums already knew each other. Fate clearly had a sense of humour. Their friendship grew stronger over time — including a six-month stretch apart while Tamara lived in Canada. Even with distance between them, they stayed close. Over ten years later, they’ve built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and family brunches by the beach.
The Vision: Moody, Romantic, and Intimately Theirs
From the beginning, the couple envisioned a micro wedding that felt like an elegant dinner party. They wanted it to be moody and romantic, yet full of fun and bursts of colour. Rippon’s natural beauty set the tone. One long table overlooked the lake, glowing with candlelight and draped in soft linens.
The florals by Asta from Flore Studios added artistic flair and personality. Each arrangement was full of texture, fruit, and beautifully unexpected detail. As a result, the entire space came alive with creative warmth and modern energy — the perfect setting for their intimate wedding at Rippon Wanaka.
Effortless Style Meets Personal Touches
Jason turned tradition on its head with a chocolate-brown Peter Jackson suit and paisley bow tie — a look that won Tamara over instantly. Meanwhile, Tamara’s silky pearl gown by Olivia Rose the Label (now One Addington) paired beautifully with vibrant florals. She added a Lack of Colour hat and pearl drop earrings, creating a look that was both timeless and fashion-forward.
Keeping things small allowed every detail to feel intentional. It also gave them the space to truly be present. With Kirsty Ussher managing the setup and timing, Tamara and Jason could simply relax, laugh with loved ones, and soak in the magic of their surroundings.
From a niece calling out mid-ceremony to a champagne-spray mishap during photos, their intimate wedding at Rippon Wanaka was joyfully imperfect, and that’s exactly what made it unforgettable.
BRIDE @tamaragleeson LOCATION Rippon Hall, @ripponhall PHOTOGRAPHER Splendour Visuals, @splendourvisuals ON THE DAY SET UP Kirsty Ussher, @kirstyussher FLORIST Flore Studios, @flore.studios CELEBRANT Wed by Fi, @wed_by_fi ENTERTAINMENT Robert Glen, @robertglenmusic LIGHTING Entertainment Solutions, @entertainmentsolutions.nz FURNITURE Major & Minor, @majorandminorhire GLASS SLEEVES Tablelook, @tablelook CANDLES Heuseeka, @hueseeka TABLECLOTHS & NAPKINS Olive Linen, @olivelinen_nz CATERING The Platter Share, @theplattershare CAKE White Rabbit Cakes, @whiterabbitcakesnz STATIONERY Placecards by Love And A Little More, @loveandalittlemoredesigns ; DIY Menu SIGNAGE Stand/Frame from Hayley the Hirer, @hayleythehirer; DIY Welcome Sign ENGAGEMENT RING Sarah Gardner Jewellery, @sarahgardnerjewellery BRIDE’S MAIN OUTFIT Olivia Rose The Label now called One Addington, @oneaddington BRIDE’S SHOES Meshki Boutique,@meshki EARRINGS Amelie George Bridal, @ameliegeorgebridal BRIDE’S HAT Lack of Color, @lackofcoloraus HAIR & MAKEUP Alarna Taylor, @alarnataylor_hair_mua GROOM’S MAIN OUTFIT Peter Jackson, @peterjacksonau GROOM’S BOOTS Windsor Smith, @windsorsmith BOW TIE John Henric, @johnhenric
