Kaimea Estate

tage onward, communication was difficult and often felt dismissive. After paying a nonrefundable deposit, we were transferred between owners, and it became apparent that key details previously discussed were not clearly communicated internally. Several inclusions we had already reviewed and agreed upon, including transportation and ceremony décor, had to be revisited and corrected, which added unnecessary stress during what should have been a straightforward planning process. On the wedding day, the experience itself was uncomfortable from the moment I arrived. Despite arriving within the agreed timeline, I was met with visible frustration rather than a greeting, which set a negative tone immediately. Interactions throughout the day felt rushed and curt, and multiple guests later shared that they felt uncomfortable with how they were spoken to. There were also multiple coordination issues that directly affected the experience. Guests were transported to the venue early and instructed to wait in a parking area for 25 minutes instead of being welcomed into the space. Music cues during the ceremony were mishandled, including the wrong recessional song being played when it had been very clearly labeled. Décor we paid extra for appeared visibly stained. Later, while we still had time remaining and guests were actively using the space, chairs were stacked and cleared, forcing guests to retrieve their belongings mid-event. It was disappointing and embarrassing to hear our guests’ feedback about their experience after the ceremony.  The ceremony coordinator, Yoko, was kind and supportive, and the property itself is undeniably beautiful. Unfortunately, the execution and service did not match the setting. The stress leading up to the wedding and the wedding itself outweighed anything the aesthetic offered to our day. Knowing what I know now, I would not have chosen this venue. I’m sharing this as an honest reflection of our experience.