A Relaxed Summer Wedding at The McCallum Residence (Clevedon, Auckland)

There’s a reason The McCallum Residence is one of my favourite wedding venues in Auckland. Tucked into a private waterfront setting on the Clevedon coast, this heritage Scottish manor seamlessly blends historic character with expansive lawns, native trees, and a white shelly beach – all framed by wide open water and views toward Waiheke Island.

Built in the early 1900s by the McCallum family, the Homestead was originally designed for entertaining, with a gardener’s cottage and grounds to match the relaxed country-by-the-sea lifestyle. It’s been carefully restored to honour that history while feeling fresh and timeless today.

I’ve known Andrea, the bride, over the years through Little Wolf Catering, photographing their brand imagery, and working with them, so it was especially meaningful to come back here as her wedding photographer.

Waterfront Ceremony & Personal Moments

Andrea and Tom’s ceremony was set right on the lawn overlooking the bay – beautifully simple and framed with florals by Wildly Madly Deeply. The gentle sound of waves and that quiet beachfront made it feel naturally intimate, without being overly styled.

Their celebrant, Nate Dunn, brought a light-hearted tone that gave everyone a few laughs while still feeling genuine and personal. These two were focused on presence over perfection, and that priority was clear from the outset.

Cocktail Reception that Felt Like a Party

Rather than a marquee or long seated dinner, they chose a cocktail-style reception that leaned into the venue’s relaxed elegance. Little Wolf’s roaming “walk and fork” menu was a highlight across the night – guests loved the variety and flavour, and the gelato bar was a great late-afternoon touch. The open-air reception flowed effortlessly between the lawns and the boathouse.

Details were thoughtful but never fussy. Foliohire provided clean, contemporary tableware, Lucy’s Event Hire styled relaxed furniture groupings, and candles from The Sand Candles added subtle warmth as the sun dipped.

Portraits Across the Grounds

We took advantage of all the landscape options the property offers. We started with portraits around the Homestead’s heritage facade, wandered down to the water for some quieter moments, and then headed up to the hilltop for sunset – a peaceful pause in an otherwise lively day.

Andrea’s Kellylin Couture gown (via Bridal Brilliance) paired beautifully with the classic lines of the manor, and Tom’s Crane Brothers suit kept everything crisp and timeless.

Speeches, Games & A Proper Dance Floor

A few playful games woven into the speeches set a joyful tone for the evening, and once Mix It DJ kicked off the tunes, the dance floor filled quickly. Espresso martinis made their appearance, and the party maintained a buzz all night – just the way Andrea & Tom and their friends wanted it.

It was exactly the kind of wedding this venue was built for: unforced, scenic, and full of genuine moments.

A Personal Note

This was one of those wedding days I’ll always remember. From the setting to the people and the energy of the celebration, everything felt considered but completely relaxed. I absolutely loved photographing Andrea and Tom’s day and felt genuinely honoured to be part of it.

The setting at The McCallum Residence is something special – from the heritage building to the waterfront and open lawns. I always love photographing weddings here, and I’d be happy to hear from you if it’s where you’re planning to get married.

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Featured Wedding Vendors

• Venue: The McCallum Residence
• Food: Little Wolf Catering
• Florals: Wildly Madly Deeply
• Celebrant & MC: Nate Dunn Celebrant
• DJ: Mix It DJ
• Makeup: The Peach Club
• Dress: Kellylin Couture via Bridal Brilliance
• Suit: Crane Brothers
• Hire Furniture: Lucy’s Event Hire
• Tableware: Foliohire
• Candles: The Sand Candles
• Welcome Sign: In Awe Design
• Transport: Pavlovich Coachlines