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Stef & Fraser’s Tipi Marquee Wedding | Canterbury Family Farm

Updated: Sep 9, 2025


An outdoor South Island celebration with a tipi, hay bales, Mr Whippy, and a dance-all-night reception.


romantic wedding dip Tai tapu Christchurch new Zealand
Stef + Fraser with a romantic dip kiss on their wedding day in Tai Tapu, Christchurch, by Koru Photography


The Love Story


Stef and Fraser first met on the Gold Coast back in 2012 and have been adventuring together ever since. You can read more about their story and see their engagement session here



A Relaxed Morning


The girls kept things cruisy with a champagne breakfast and hair and makeup, and were ready early (a rare wedding-day flex!). Family friends chauffeured them in classic cars.


The boys rallied after a big night and made it to the farm by bus, while Fraser scored the most memorable ride — arriving with Stef's dad in the ‘Rattler’ V8 Supercar.



Festival-Style Wedding Atmosphere


Guests arrived to a festival-style setup on the family farm, where a tipi marquee stood as the centrepiece of the celebration. Hay bales and wooden crates created casual seating, and rustic arrangements of dried flowers lined the spaces with warm, earthy tones. It felt relaxed, welcoming, and perfectly in step with Stef and Fraser’s vision of a laid-back party on the land that meant so much to them.




Tipi Ceremony on the Family Farm


Set on a Canterbury family farm, the ceremony felt equal parts heartfelt and fun. Guests took their seats on hay bales, The Porter Duo played live, and “beer boys” danced their way down the aisle handing out cold ones. The aisle was lined with flowers put together the day before — simple, personal, perfect. They read their own vows, laughed hard, cried a little, and soaked in that “we’re finally doing this” feeling.



Photos, Tipi Reception & All the Moments


We wandered the grounds for bridal party photos (high spirits, a few cheeky drinks, plenty of memorable frames), then headed into the reception beneath the tipi marquee. Each member of the wedding party danced their own entrance; the cake was cut on arrival; and a powerful haka from friends set the tone for the night. Their MC kept the banter flowing between speeches and dinner, and just when everyone thought they couldn’t love this day more… Mr Whippy rolled in, music and lights blazing. Soft-serve for all.




A Quiet Moment at Sunset


Stef and Fraser slipped away with me for a quick shoot up the hill. By then the last golden light had faded into blue hour, but it was the perfect chance to slow down together and soak in the day. These few “alone time” portraits gave them a breather before heading back into the tipi for dances and more celebrating.



The father–daughter dance was delightfully un-rehearsed (the best kind), followed by a first dance that felt like the world narrowed to just the two of them. As evening turned cool, a fire was lit, and everyone kept dancing, laughing, and celebrating under the stars.




Favourite Bits


Stef had always dreamed of a farm wedding with a tipi and Mr Whippy — seeing that vision come to life on her aunt and uncle’s property felt magical. Walking down the aisle to see Fraser for the first time was the moment that landed deepest. And for a man of few words, his vows were spot on.



Tips from the Couple (for fellow DIY lovers)


  • Write your wish list, then split it into non-negotiables vs negotiables.

  • Book the big things first (venue, food, photographer, hair and makeup).

  • Let people help — it really does take a village.

If you’re on a budget, Canva is brilliant for stationery, and shopping around pays off.


Stef & Fraser’s Tipi Marquee Wedding in Canterbury #HayBalesAndChampagne



Vendor Credits



If you’re dreaming of a relaxed Canterbury wedding with a tipi, rustic farm details, and a big party atmosphere, I’d love to capture your day as your Christchurch wedding photographer! Contact me here


Stef & Fraser’s wedding was also featured on Christchurch Weddings a local platform that shares real wedding stories and connects couples with trusted vendors. It was exciting to see their day highlighted there and shared with other couples planning their Christchurch weddings.


You can also view Stef and Fraser's Engagement photoshoot here.













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