Lucy and Hamish's Wedding at Welder Events: A Perfect Autumn Celebration

Perfect Autumn Weddign Day at Welder Events

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Lucy and Hamish’s wedding at Welder Events, and it was nothing short of magical. From a love story that blossomed through shared experiences to a stunning autumn-themed wedding, this couple’s journey is filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories. We sat down with Lucy and Hamish to learn more about their journey, engagement, and how they brought their vision to life at Welder Events.

How did you both meet, and what’s the story behind your engagement?

We first met when two different people, both clients of mine who knew Hamish, tried to set us up. Funny enough, we crossed paths on a night out, but nothing came of it at the time, and we ended up seeing other people. When those relationships didn’t work out, we started hanging out in the same circles, became good friends, and eventually realized we had so much in common—including trying to buy houses during the post-Covid housing frenzy! We spent a lot of time going to open homes together, and that’s where our relationship really grew.

Hamish proposed in Queenstown during a trip to babysit our baby niece. There was a state of emergency due to flooding and a boil water notice, but on the day he planned to propose, the sun finally came out! We went for a walk at Bob’s Cove, which is where we had our first trip together before we officially started dating. Hamish was acting nervous, so my suspicions were definitely up. It was a perfect, low-key proposal—exactly what I wanted!

What drew you to Welder Events to host your wedding day?

We were looking for a venue that felt modern and fun, not the typical rustic garden vibe. We wanted something central for our guests and intimate enough for our guest list, while still having a cool party atmosphere. The Welder was a perfect fit! The venue’s autumn colours matched our vision, and the plants already in the space meant we didn’t need to do much in terms of decorations. The option to have both the ceremony and reception indoors was ideal for the colder autumn day. Sophie, our event coordinator, was amazing and made us feel confident everything would run smoothly.

How did you choose the vendors for your wedding?

We mostly chose vendors based on recommendations from friends who had recently gotten married. Instagram and online research were also really helpful, and some vendors had great suggestions for others. We prioritized photography (Nicole Gourley) and having a DJ for the entire day (DJ Arcade from Pulse Entertainment). Sticking to our budget was important, so we tried to be mindful of that while booking vendors.

What was your favourite moment from the day?

It’s so hard to pick just one! We loved the entire day from start to finish. Highlights include, of course, the moment we got married, enjoying cocktails from Bareno while mingling with our guests, and taking photos with our bridal party at Milbrook Reserve. When we returned, walking into the beautifully set reception was such a thrill—the Welder team exceeded our expectations. Another favourite was how everyone got into the party spirit and hit the dance floor. I think the way the dance floor was set up, along with the cocktails, definitely helped with that!

Did you have a theme or style for your wedding, and how did you incorporate it into the space at Welder Events?

Our theme was inspired by the season. We leaned into earthy, soft autumn tones that matched the existing colours of the Welder and its courtyard. We brought those tones into our florals, signage, napkin choices, and used lots of candles to create a warm, cosy atmosphere. The bright coral colour of the Welder building and the green curtain inside worked perfectly with our theme.

You held both your ceremony and reception in the Welder Events space during the autumn months, and used Bareno for your cocktail hour. Can you tell us more about that decision?

Using Bareno for our cocktail hour was a great choice, especially considering the possibility of rain or cold weather. It provided a warm, indoor space for our guests to relax, and we had six unique cocktail options served in quirky mugs and tea cups, which our guests loved! Bareno has such a fun, quirky vibe that added to the day, and it created some fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the bright pink wall inside the bar.

What are your top two pieces of advice for other couples planning their special day at Welder Events?

First, don’t sweat the small stuff. We spent so much time overthinking little details, but on the day, everything flows, and if something minor happens, you probably won’t even notice or care! Trust Sophie and her team—they are fantastic.

Secondly, consider having an autumn or winter wedding at Welder Events. The space felt so warm and cosy, and hiring Bareno worked perfectly. We loved having something special to look forward to in the quieter months, and we didn’t have to worry about typical summer wedding stresses, like unpredictable weather.

Q: What advice would you give to others planning a launch event at Welder Events?

We highly recommend it! Sophie and her team were just fantastic. She’s incredibly well-connected and made sure everything ran smoothly, linking us up with the right people for everything we needed. If you're planning a launch, Welder Events is definitely the place to do it.

Lucy and Hamish’s wedding was a beautiful, intimate celebration full of love and laughter. With their carefully chosen vendors, unique autumnal theme, and the cosy atmosphere of Welder Events and Bareno, it’s a day they—and their guests—will never forget!

Vendor List

Venue Welder Events / @thewelder_events

Catering Country Feasts / @countryfeasts

Photography Nicole Gourley Photography / @nicolegourleyphotography

Celebrant Maddy Lloyd / Studio Alchemy / @studio.alchemy_

Florals Bourbon Rose / @bourbonroseflorals

Cake Cakes by Anna / @cakesbyanna.nz

Music Pulse Entertainment (DJ Arcade) / @pulseentertainmentnz

Furniture Hire Little Hire Company / @thelittlehirecompany