I first discovered Waimak Classic Cars through the North Canterbury Weddings Directory and community. When I stumbled upon the ad showcasing their stunning museum space available for weddings, I knew I had to seize the opportunity to collaborate with their dedicated team! While I primarily work as a wedding photographer, my background in Auto Electrical provides me with a unique perspective, and my lifelong passion for muscle and classic cars is something I cherish deeply.

I have fond memories of Muscle Car Madness as a child, where even if I couldn’t go to the show, I would excitedly grab a chair, positioning myself by the driveway, anticipating the magnificent cars that would zoom past. So, when I reached out via message and was given the chance to tour the venue and meet the wonderful and enthusiastic Sally, the Events manager at Waimak, I was truly ecstatic.

Entering the Waimak Classic Cars Museum feels like stepping into a beautifully curated dream. Inside, each car showcases an impressive level of love and care, and history. Jesmond and Gloria, the passionate owners, have meticulously researched the fascinating history behind every single vehicle. Many of these amazing cars have remarkable racing histories, particularly the stunning Jaguars, which only enhances the allure and charm of this unforgettable venue.

The Waimak History

For several years, the Micallef family has built a remarkable reputation within the classic car community in Canterbury, New Zealand, and beyond. At Waimak Classic Cars, They’re celebrated both nationally and internationally for curating an impressive collection of premium classic vehicles. Jesmond Micallef’s lifelong admiration for vintage cars blossomed into a thriving business in New Zealand. He sees these automobiles as cherished relics of our history, deserving of meticulous preservation.

The Micallef family, who journeyed from Malta to New Zealand, now shares their passion with an ever-expanding network of classic car aficionados across the globe. Waimak Classic Cars is dedicated to inclusivity, aiming to appeal to enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Jesmond and his family take great pride in setting industry standards and positioning ourselves as trailblazers, infusing innovations and excitement into the classic car sector.

Their unwavering passion radiates from North Canterbury, extending its reach both nationally and internationally, and they are committed to nurturing this enthusiasm for generations to come.

Mural on back wall of museum - Photograph taken by Kathryn Louise Weddings 

Elopement Styled Photoshoot

Sally and I collaborated closely with Jesmond to design a beautiful elopement space that would serve as a styled wedding photoshoot. Our goal was to showcase the venue not only as a stunning and versatile wedding location but also to provide captivating and memorable images that we could all utilize for our portfolios and advertising purposes. We aimed to capture the essence of love and celebration in a way that truly reflected the unique charm of the venue.

Working with the incredibly talented models Christina and Brad, I’m excited to share a delightful glimpse into how beautifully it all turned out…

Venue - Waimak Classic Cars

Photography - Kathryn Louise Weddings

Models - Christina Amer and Brad Carrington

Hair and Makeup - Christina

Celebrant - Sarah Henderson

Flowers - Spotlight

Watch carefully to spy the Flintstone car!

Sally’s Waimak Story…

I started my journey with Waimak Classic Cars 4 years ago. Gloria (owner) and I met at an event I hosted. Our strong views on customer service standards and creativity, together with our passion for classic cars really enabled us to hit it off!

I was heading into semi-retirement but looking for something to do, close to home, with people that were like-minded.

That’s when Gloria asked me to join the team.

We spent a few months figuring out how we wanted things to work and today it is a well oiled machine, with plenty going on.

The museum houses over 50 Classic, Exotic and Vintage cars, some motorbikes and a boat! It transforms to do photo Shoots, high teas, weddings, funerals and conferences. To the delight of our guests, we host tours to. Groups from all round NZ pop in for a ‘walk down memory lane’ - I really like that, when people’s eyes light up seeing a car their family might have owned, at some stage. They have wonderful stories.

The provenance of the cars astounds me. How well made they were, who owned them, the road trips they took, how they looked after them.

My husband is an ‘old school’ panel beater and loves to run his eyes over them. He usually needs a lie down afterwards!!

Because most cars are for sale, I tend not to get too attached to them but every now and then a special one comes in that really appeals to me. This is my favourite currently. It’s a 1958 Jaguar XK150 OTS.

Below images supplied by Waimak Classic Cars

Weddings at Waimak Classic Cars

Choosing a classic car museum as a wedding venue offers a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your special day. The vintage charm and timeless elegance of the meticulously restored cars create a stunning visual appeal that adds character to your celebration. Surrounded by the shine of these iconic vehicles, your ceremony and reception can be filled with a sense of nostalgia and sophistication.

Why Waimak Classic Cars?

The spacious layout at Waimak Classic Cars allows for creative setups, whether you prefer an intimate gathering or a grand celebration. The beautiful cars on display provide countless opportunities for captivating photographs, ensuring that each moment of your day is beautifully documented.

This venue is perfect for couples who seek a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects their passion for classic automobiles. By choosing this distinctive location, you not only celebrate your love but also create lasting memories in an environment that resonates with your individuality, making your wedding day as memorable as the love you share.

Imagine saying your vows surrounded by at least 50 vintage and classic cars, creating a unique backdrop for your special day. Waimak offers a private space where you can ‘tie the knot’ with up to 100 guests.

For a truly memorable entrance, arrangements can be made for the bride to arrive in a classic or vintage car, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration. After the ceremony, enjoy stunning photo opportunities either in the showroom, at the magical Waimak Classic Car grounds, or even down at the beach, capturing the essence of your love story. There is even the option of humorous mini-golf post wedding portraits, or the mini-golf park can be used as great entertainment for your loved ones.

To enhance the experience, Waimak provide on-site catering options that range from delightful canapés to a full buffet, including a beautiful cake cutting service. This allows the wedding party to stay together and relish the ambiance of the museum and its picturesque grounds, ensuring a seamless celebration from start to finish.

Real Wedding - S and B

S and B's journey began in the workplace, where a spark ignited between them, awaiting just a touch of courage to blossom into romance. With some encouragement, S took the leap and asked B out, marking the start of a beautiful love story. Since then, they have not only united as a couple but have seamlessly blended their two families — human and furry alike.

Their shared passion for cars has only strengthened their bond, bringing joy and adventure into their lives. It was during their intimate ceremony that these moments were beautifully captured. Explore the gallery to relive the genuine emotions and memories from their special day.

If you would like to hear more from Sally and me about weddings at Waimak Classic Cars, please get in touch! Both of us would love to discuss how we can capture the magic of your special day in such a unique and beautiful setting. Whether you're envisioning stunning car shots or candid moments, we’re here to help bring your vision to life!