Alysia & Shane's Wedding at Cossars Wineshed | Christchurch Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Some wedding days simply feel effortless from the moment they begin, and Alysia & Shane's wedding at Cossars Wineshed was one of those days.
Set amongst the beautiful vineyards of Tai Tapu, just a short drive from Christchurch, Cossars Wineshed provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and elegant Canterbury wedding. From heartfelt vows to sunset portraits among the vines, every part of the day reflected who Alysia & Shane are as a couple – genuine, warm, and surrounded by the people they love most.
As a Christchurch wedding photographer, venues like Cossars Wineshed are always a joy to photograph. With stunning scenery, beautiful natural light, and multiple locations for portraits all within walking distance, it offers everything needed for a seamless wedding day.
Why Alysia & Shane Chose Cossars Wineshed
When planning their wedding, Alysia & Shane wanted a venue that felt both elegant and relaxed. They wanted their guests to feel comfortable, enjoy the countryside atmosphere, and experience a celebration that felt personal rather than formal.
Cossars Wineshed delivered exactly that.
Located in Tai Tapu, the venue combines rustic charm with modern amenities. The vineyards, mature trees, historic buildings, and beautiful reception spaces create an atmosphere that feels intimate and welcoming from the moment guests arrive.
One of the biggest advantages of hosting a wedding at Cossars Wineshed is that everything can happen in one location. From getting ready through to the reception and dancing, couples can spend more time celebrating and less time travelling between venues.
Make it stand out
Getting Ready
The morning began with excitement, anticipation, and plenty of happy emotions.
One of my favourite parts of every wedding day is documenting those quiet moments before the ceremony. The final touches, the laughter between friends, the supportive words from family members, and the excitement building throughout the morning all help tell the complete story of the day.
As everyone prepared for the celebrations ahead, there was a wonderful sense of calm mixed with excitement. These moments often become some of the most meaningful photographs years later because they capture emotions that can't be recreated.
The beautiful surroundings of Cossars Wineshed also provide fantastic opportunities for natural getting-ready photographs, allowing the story of the day to begin before the ceremony even starts.
A Beautiful Outdoor Ceremony
As guests gathered for the ceremony, the atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and filled with anticipation.
Surrounded by family and friends, Alysia & Shane exchanged their vows against the stunning backdrop of the Canterbury countryside. The vineyard setting created a romantic and timeless atmosphere that perfectly complemented the style of their wedding.
One of the things I love most about outdoor ceremonies at Cossars Wineshed is the way the landscape naturally frames the moment. The scenery enhances the experience without distracting from what truly matters – the couple and the promises they are making to one another.
There were plenty of smiles, a few happy tears, and countless genuine moments that made the ceremony incredibly special to witness and photograph.
Celebrating with Family and Friends
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks, canapés, and time together while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
This part of the wedding day is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important. Couples finally have a chance to relax, speak with guests, and enjoy the atmosphere they have spent months planning.
For photographers, cocktail hour is also the perfect opportunity to capture candid moments. Conversations, laughter, hugs, and interactions between family and friends help tell the story of the day in a natural and authentic way.
These photographs often become some of the most treasured images because they capture people exactly as they were – enjoying the celebration and being fully present in the moment.
Wedding Portraits Around Cossars Wineshed
One of the reasons I love photographing weddings at Cossars Wineshed is the incredible variety of portrait locations available throughout the property.
Without needing to travel anywhere else, couples have access to:
Beautiful vineyard rows
Rustic architecture
Historic buildings
Mature trees
Open countryside views
Beautiful sunset locations
Romantic pathways and gardens
This variety allows us to create a gallery that feels diverse while still maintaining a consistent style throughout the day.
Alysia & Shane were wonderful to photograph because they focused on each other rather than the camera. My approach to wedding photography is always centred around creating genuine interactions rather than stiff poses.
Most couples tell me they are nervous about being photographed, but within a few minutes they realise that the session is simply an opportunity to spend some quiet time together while I document those moments naturally.
The result is a collection of photographs that feels authentic and timeless.
Golden Hour at Cossars Wineshed
Golden hour is always one of my favourite parts of a wedding day.
Just before sunset, the light becomes softer, warmer, and more flattering. The vineyards surrounding Cossars Wineshed seem to glow, creating a beautiful atmosphere for romantic portraits.
We stepped away for a short period during the evening to capture some sunset photographs, and it was absolutely worth it.
These quiet moments often become some of the only times couples spend alone together throughout the entire wedding day. Away from the excitement and celebrations, they have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and enjoy the fact that they are finally married.
The resulting photographs feel natural, emotional, and beautifully connected to the location.
An Evening Full of Laughter and Celebration
As the sun set and guests gathered inside, the celebrations continued with heartfelt speeches, delicious food, and plenty of laughter.
The reception space at Cossars Wineshed creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and enjoy themselves.
Throughout the evening, there were countless memorable moments – stories shared by family members, laughter during speeches, emotional reactions, and a dance floor full of energy once the formalities were complete.
These moments are a huge part of every wedding story and help complete the narrative of the day.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Cossars Wineshed
Having photographed weddings throughout Canterbury, Cossars Wineshed remains one of my favourite venues for several reasons.
Firstly, everything is conveniently located within one property. This means couples spend less time travelling and more time celebrating.
Secondly, the variety of photographic opportunities is incredible. From vineyard portraits to countryside views and elegant reception spaces, there is no shortage of beautiful locations.
Finally, the atmosphere of the venue strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and relaxation. It feels elegant without being overly formal, making it suitable for a wide variety of wedding styles.
Whether you're planning a large celebration or a more intimate gathering, Cossars Wineshed provides an unforgettable setting for your wedding day
Planning Your Own Wedding at Cossars Wineshed?
If you're considering Cossars Wineshed for your wedding, here are a few tips:
Allow time for sunset portraits.
Consider having both your ceremony and reception at the venue.
Plan at least 15–20 minutes for couple portraits.
Take advantage of the vineyard locations throughout the property.
Build some flexibility into your timeline so you can enjoy the day without feeling rushed.
Most importantly, focus on being present and enjoying every moment. Your wedding day goes incredibly fast, and the best photographs happen when you're genuinely enjoying yourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cossars Wineshed Weddings
Is Cossars Wineshed a good wedding venue?
Absolutely. It offers beautiful scenery, excellent facilities, and multiple photography locations all within one property.
How far is Cossars Wineshed from Christchurch?
Cossars Wineshed is located in Tai Tapu, approximately 20–30 minutes from central Christchurch.
Is Cossars Wineshed suitable for outdoor ceremonies?
Yes. The venue is particularly well known for its beautiful outdoor ceremony locations surrounded by vineyards and countryside views.
What is the best time for wedding photos at Cossars Wineshed?
Golden hour, approximately one hour before sunset, provides the most flattering and romantic light.
Can you photograph weddings in all seasons at Cossars Wineshed?
Absolutely. Every season offers something unique, from lush summer vineyards to beautiful autumn colours and dramatic winter skies.
Looking for a Cossars Wineshed Wedding Photographer?
If you're planning a wedding at Cossars Wineshed and are looking for relaxed, natural wedding photography, I'd love to hear about your plans.
Based in Christchurch and available throughout Canterbury and New Zealand, I specialise in capturing genuine moments and creating timeless photographs that tell the story of your wedding day.
Get in touch to check availability and receive my Wedding Experience Guide.
