Mr & mrs esler
There are weddings that feel like events, and then there are weddings that feel like home.
The Eslers’ Kuaotunu celebration was the latter, dreamy and heartfelt. The Coromandel Peninsula is such a magical place to say “I do.” and truly added to the beauty of the day.
Kuaotunu is a tiny seaside gem between Whitianga and Coromandel Town, known for its sweeping white-sand beach, its warm, laid-back community, and its famously massive scoops of ice cream. For the bride, this beach wasn’t just a stunning wedding backdrop — it was part of her childhood. She grew up visiting this coastline and lining up at the iconic local ice cream shop, home of the legendary Kuaotunu Killer. When she told me they wanted their guests to enjoy ice cream after the ceremony, it felt like a full-circle moment.
And honestly? It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Immediately after the ceremony, guests wandered across the road to the beloved local ice cream store. It’s home to some of New Zealand’s biggest scoops including the famous Kuaotunu Killer. It felt beautifully nostalgic watching the bride share this piece of her childhood with everyone she loves.
Ice cream in hand, everyone spread out under the umbrellas on the picnic tables, soaking in the sun and the easy pace of the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the bridal party and I snuck away to the shoreline for portraits. Bare feet, soft wind, salty hair, true Coromandel energy. These images always feel timeless because the beach does all the work.
Kuaotunu may be small — two shops and a hall — but The Eslers used every inch of it.
Their reception was held in the Kuaotunu Community Hall, just steps from the beach. Guests enjoyed ice-cold drinks from Coromandel Weddings and played lawn games outside as the sun began to soften.
Dinner was catered by the local icon Lukes Kitchen, serving woodfired pizzas that never disappoint, they were inhaled by the guests!
Ice cream, pizza, and the hall. The perfect Coromandel wedding trifecta.
Before speeches kicked off, we ducked away for sunset portraits further down the beach. It was one of those evenings where the sky turns soft and warm, the water flattens, and everything feels a little slower.
The Eslers took a quiet moment together, a breather between the celebrations and even practised their first dance barefoot in the sand. It was simple, sweet, and one of my favourite parts of the day.
Back at the hall, guests settled in for speeches that had the perfect mix of tears and belly laughs. The night rolled into dancing, where everyone filled the old wooden floor and the hall felt alive with joy, music, and community.
A coastal wedding, exactly as it should be — easygoing, heartfelt, and deeply connected to place.
Planning a Wedding in Kuaotunu or the Coromandel? If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, seaside celebration and want your day documented in a natural, storytelling style, I’d love to photograph it. Coromandal weddings are some of my favourites!
You can explore my wedding packages or get in touch any time to chat about your day.
