8 Sep 2022The annual New Zealand Wedding Industry Awards were recently held in Rotorua. Waikato venue, Woodlands Estate, was named Outstanding Wedding Ceremony Venue for 2022. The black tie event was a chance to celebrate the rebuilding of the wedding industry post-pandemic.
Woodlands was one of five finalists in the Best Wedding Ceremony Venue Category, which had eleven entries. The judges were impressed by the Estate’s customer-centred communication and model for continuous improvement.
“Woodlands Estate has shown that they grow from strength to strength and listen to the feedback of their customers and their peers. They managed to work with their customers through COVID-19 lockdowns employing a strong customer-centric model, ensuring their valued (and often stressed nearly-weds) were well informed at every new Government setting and how the venue would navigate through to ensure their clients’ dream weddings were still magical.
“Woodlands Estate by far demonstrated they’re a one-stop-shop for all things wedding. They clearly understand their market and customers, making the whole process seamless, right down to website presence and the packages they offer. Congratulations, Woodlands Estate!”
Kirstie Alley, Manager for Woodlands Estate, says that winning was great recognition for their team for the effort they put into each client experience. Woodlands Estate received multiple nominations by past clients, which Alley says they were flattered by.
“We feel incredibly honoured to win this award and be nominated by past couples we have worked with. It is fabulous to have our team receive recognition for our work, often unseen in the background, to pull off unforgettable experiences for our clients.”
Pete Duncan, Wedding Industry Awards (NZ) organiser, said that nearly two thousand nominations were received across all categories. He is optimistic for the future of an industry that is rebuilding post-pandemic.
“The New Zealand wedding industry has taken a massive hit over the last three years. It's challenged our industry to think smarter, work harder, and forge ahead.
“Watch this space. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Aotearoa's wedding artisans will be a force to be reckoned with as we rebuild stronger, smarter, and sustainably into the future."
Woodlands Estate was also one of four finalists in the Outstanding Wedding Planner Category, represented by Estelle Payton, their in-house wedding planner. Payton takes pride in her job of working alongside clients in the lead-up to their special day.
“Four years ago, when I started wedding planning at Woodlands, I thought, ‘Wow, what a dream job’. Four years later, that sentiment hasn’t changed.
“Nothing beats what I do. The overall feeling of the day itself is rewarding; you come away feeling all loved up from seeing the incredible happiness and joy of the couple and those celebrating with them.”
The Waikato wedding industry punched above its weight at the national awards, collectively winning eight awards. Woodlands Estate would also like to congratulate their local industry partners who took home awards on the night:
• Outstanding Wedding Caterer - Kerr & Ladbrook Catering, Hamilton
• Outstanding Wedding Celebrant/Officiant - Cam Wakefield, Hamilton
• Outstanding Wedding Food Truck - Unique Food Geeks, Hamilton
• Outstanding Wedding Gown Provider - Bridal Gallery, Hamilton
• Outstanding Groom and Groomsmen Attire - Dorset Suits, Hamilton
• Outstanding Wedding Mobile Bar Provider - The Cocktail Cart, Hamilton
• Outstanding Wedding Stylist and Theme Artist - The Event Girl, Tokoroa
“We’d like to acknowledge our local industry partners' hard work and amazing accomplishments. We love working together to provide an incredible experience for each of our couples”, says Alley.
Woodlands Estate boasts beautiful gardens that are perfect for outdoor weddings and are also open to the public to visit. They would like to thank the gardening team at Waikato District Council, who are meticulous with the care they put into these picturesque spots.
Photo credit: Charlotte Pinfold