Duncan House Estate

24/08/2024

The kindest words from Priya & Himi, a couple married by our in-house Marriage Celebrant, Irene Wakefield, at Sudbury in Te Horo earlier this year 🤎

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I knew from the start that I wanted a Marriage Celebrant with a calming presence and way about them - someone able to hold space in highly emotional moments who we could both feel completely comfortable with.

It was also really important to me that our celebrant be able to confidently pronounce our Māori surnames and my husbands five Māori middle names and first name. Irene pronounced my husband’s full name more beautifully than we had ever heard it pronounced before. The look on his face was priceless, I wish I had a video of it.

Irene’s approach to our ceremony was gentle yet powerful. She effortlessly provided the safe space that we needed for us to be our most vulnerable. We both felt centred and present as she confidently established a sense of calm in the barn, a highly difficult thing to do given the fact that we got married on the stormiest weekend in February and our friends are all menaces.

If I had to choose a favourite quality of Irene’s, it would have to be that she does everything with so much thought and intention. Notice in the second photo how she deliberately moved herself out of view while we read vows, not all celebrants do that. I am a details person and I truly appreciated everything she bought to our ceremony, big & small.

How incredibly lucky were we.

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Irene is based in Foxton where her and her hubby, Pou have slowly been refurbishing the historical landmark Duncan House built in 1869. I believe Irene held her very first ceremony at Duncan House just two weeks ago and it looked beautiful, intimate and calm. Her venue is so stunning with charming gardens thoughtfully planted throughout it makes me want to do it all again but on a smaller scale.

duncanhousenz.com

22/08/2024

We had the pleasure of hosting a beautiful elopement at Duncan House a few weeks ago. What a wonderful way to start our journey in collaboration with a handful of generous businesses in the Horowhenua to koha a wedding to a deserving couple.

It was a lovely event. More to come soon 🤎✨

I love seeing other creatives at work 😍 People that have a passion for their craft, just draw me in. They ooze this vibe and it’s obvious they take pride in their work. A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of being part of the most gorgeous wedding at Duncan House Estate. I spent the morning doing flowers, and then in the afternoon, capturing memories of this most perfect day. I also had the pleasure of watching a handful of Horowhenua’s best creatives at work 😍 First up is Rebecca from . The time and level of care put into Georgia’s hair was next level, and it looked absolutely stunning!

Dried floral hair pins The Wildstyler
Photography The Wildstyler Photography
Hair Ember & Ash Hairdressing

05/08/2024

What a beautiful way to begin 🤎

On Saturday a collective of businesses pulled together to koha a wedding to a very deserving couple. It was a gorgeous day overall captured by Kristy of The Wildstyler

Ngā mihi nui to:
Loaded Mamas
Beauty & the Beach
Ember & Ash
Irene Wakefield
Christel Lee

And to the loveliest couple - Congratulations xx

On Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of supplying flowers and photography for a beautiful wedding at Duncan House Estate 🤍 I cannot wait to share some photos of this soulful space. These incredible windows made for some incredible wedding photos of the gorgeous couple 🥰

Celebrant Irene Wakefield
Floral design The Wildstyler
Wedding photography The Wildstyler Photography
Location Duncan House Estate

05/05/2024

Nau Mai, Haere Mai ki Duncan House

A home where whakapapa is honoured, and the nuances of your story are thoughtfully woven into your micro-wedding and events with sophistication and care.

Inspired by the historical formal picnics in our backyard, our dining options will offer a taste of old-world charm with a modern twist. From beautifully curated grazing tables to classic picnic-style dining and elegant canapés. All created by vendors deeply trusted by Duncan House, known for their kai that fills both puku and soul.

As we prepare to reveal our exclusive wedding packages, consider this an invitation to be the first to know. If a wedding is on the cards for you, send me a DM with your email address, and you’ll receive all the details about our upcoming packages as soon as they’re released 📜 🖋️

Image Credit: Foxton Historical Society

24/04/2024

If you’re in search of a wedding ceremony that is grounded in your values, reflects your love story authentically, and allows you to soften into the emotion of your day — you’re in safe hands.

While the restoration project is still underway within the walls of Duncan House, I have some availability as a celebrant for 2025 weddings, beyond the gates of my home.

It is worth noting that my diary is filling up fairly quickly. While my ultimate preference is to hold space for weddings within the Horowhenua - I will consider travelling beyond.

Be sure to reach out via my website 🤎 ✨

Irene Wakefield - Marriage Celebrant is based in Te Awahou (Foxton) from her historical home and micro-wedding venue, Duncan House. If you're in search of a celebrant within the Horowhenua and beyond -- be sure to explore her services.

23/04/2024

My 2024 wedding season was spent marrying some amazing couples beyond the gates of Duncan House. I’ve received some beautifully written testimonials from couples, vendors, and guests. I’m so grateful for the endorsements.

While we patiently wait for Duncan House to be ready, know that my diary as a celebrant is open and filling quickly for the 2025 season. Have a wander through my website to see if I might be the right celebrant for your day 🤎✨

irenewakefield.com/irene-wakefield-celebrant

21/04/2024

We’ve been celebrating many milestones in the restoration journey of the Duncan House Chapel 🥂

As with all buildings from the 1800s, there is much to be discovered when you embark on such an endeavour. For that reason we’ll be laying new flooring in May followed by the final installation of details for the commercial kitchen and two restrooms. This has been a labour of love, indeed!

The chapel will be complete in a few weeks time. From there, we’ll be taking some space to bless the whare and prepare ourselves for a shift in the mauri of our home. We’ll take care of these elements in time for Matariki before determining an official date of opening that feels right for our whānau.

I will be looking for couples to have some photos taken within the gardens in the new (Matariki) year. If you’re an engaged couple that might be interested in collaborating with myself and a curated listed of vendors from makeup to florist — feel free to DM me. A fun day with professional photos to take home or an opportunity to privately elope with your lover and have all the hallmarks of a wedding taken care of for you.

I trust that the right couple will find me 🤎✨

17/04/2024

We’ve had the pleasure of hosting a number of private events in the gardens of Duncan House, including this very memorable 60th birthday.

It was lovely to see this article showcasing the beautiful cake created by Loaded Mamas captured by Dinosaurtoast in our gardens. Of course, those stunning dahlias have to be acknowledged, grown and curated by none other than The Wildstyler.

To say this was a dream team to work with is certainly an understatement. One that we’re looking forward to collaborating with again soon 🥰

Take a moment to read this article on the beautiful new website of Loaded Mamas

As Beverley approached her milestone 60th birthday, she envisioned an elegant celebration filled with warmth, love, and, of course, delicious cake. Tasked with creating the centerpiece for this special occasion, Loaded Mamas took on the challenge of crafting a stunning carrot cake that perfectly enc

20/10/2023

Happy Long Weekend; Dear Lovers 🤎

The history books tell us that Lady’s Mile in Te Awahou was once the place to be on a Sunday afternoon. Locals would wear their best dress and promenade down the mile— a way to be seen by the ton and let the community know of a love story that was beginning to unfold.

Ladys Mile was home to the mayor, the bank manager, the accountant, and of course Reverend James Duncan of Duncan House. A place of influence, indeed.

Duncan House has always been a spot to visit for locals. This stunning image provided by the Te Awahou Historical Society captures members of the community enjoying a picnic in the gardens of Duncan House. We cannot help but notice the couples sat together, the high neck dresses, and top hats.

Quite the Sunday afternoon, don’t you think?