Wanaka Elopement Planners | Chelsea + Alan
Chelsea and Alan chose to elope at the ever-gorgeous Coromandel Peak, looking out to Lake Wanaka and the assorted islands and mountains that make up such an iconic view. After jetting all around Europe, Alan proposed in the south of France (could there be anywhere better?!). The two Kiwis wanted to get married at home in New Zealand but also wanted their special day to be just about the two of them. With a wedding, some adventure and a honeymoon combined into one, eloping in Wanaka was the perfect balance.
Chelsea's outfit was sleek and modern, with an extra pop of flair in her pearl-studded veil and denim bomber jacket! Similarly, a beautiful statement bouquet with white flowers and a bold dash of red completed the look to utter perfection. Meanwhile, Alan was very handsome with a polka dotted slim tie, dapper suit and, of course, pineapple socks. After a sweet First Look down by the pond, we set off for the airport to get them married!
These two found an absolutely gorgeous Air BnB well off the beaten track. Kopuwai Delta Vineyard sits in between Wanaka and Cromwell, near Lake Dunstan. The property has an incredible studio cottage with a pond shaded by willow trees and even a vintage tennis court. In other words, it was a totally dreamy location for getting ready and a First Look. Up at Coromandel Peak, we had some super beautiful lighting as the sun and clouds danced across the western horizon. We were lucky enough to see a rainbow in one direction and crepuscular rays in the other!
Congratulations again Chelsea and Alan! We absolutely loved spending the afternoon laughing and smiling with you both. We hope you are enjoying being Mr and Mrs! 😊 We wish you all the best with the newest addition to your family 💕 xx
Post-Helicopter
We knew Mother Nature was gearing up for an epic sunset, so we motored back to Kopuwai Delta. Chelsea and Alan dashed through fields of long grass, as golden light warmed the paddocks and made for some fun memories.
Afterwards, to sign off on Chelsea & Alan's sweet elopement, cake had to be involved. Who doesn't want a mouthful of delicious cake on their wedding night! Chelsea & Alan also brought along their instant film camera for some takeaway memories. This inspired us to offer our future couples a handful of Polaroid pictures with their own elopements. It is so cool being able to watch the images develop and take photos home with you right away!
PS. You may be thinking that Alan has a familiar face...He's one of the talented trio of Viva La Dirt League. Check out their content on YouTube or Facebook.
Our Team
A big shout out to our beautiful team that helped bring together Chelsea & Alan's Wanaka elopement:
Celebrant - Glennys Logan - Live Love Wed
Flowers - The Vase
Cake - Peppermint Kitchen
Helicopter - Wanaka Helicopters
Accommodation - Kopuwai Delta Vineyard
Photography by us - Williams Photography
If you like what you see, you can scroll through some more Wanaka weddings here, or contact us if you would like your own Wanaka elopement planners!
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram @mountainweddings_nz
Wanaka Wedding Planners | Seneca + Keith
Seneca and Keith enlisted us as their Wanaka Wedding Planners when they decided to book a New Zealand holiday-turned-wedding! Jumping on another aeroplane for their elopement was only natural, after so much of their relationship had already been made up of adventures around the globe. Staying at a super cosy Air BnB on Aubrey Road, we had an awesome view right out to Coromandel Peak and a sweet garden for their First Look.
Up at Coromandel Peak, we had soft lighting thanks to high cloud, but fantastic visibility out to Mt Aspiring and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Glennys had helped Seneca and Keith to organise a sweet keepsake box for their wedding ceremony, with wine from Rippon, a local (and spectacular) winery, plus notes to each other to be read on their first anniversary.
After hanging out on Coromandel Peak, we flew out to the west to Isobel Glacier. Isobel Glacier is quite high up, at about 7,200ft, so it is really special when we get up there, as the conditions have to be near perfect. The weather can often foil our plans to get up to Isobel Glacier because of it's altitude and distance from the airport. When we landed, it was pristinely quiet and jaw-droppingly stunning. In one direction we had blue skies and blanketed mountains, and the other direction was epic, towering dark clouds that created a stark contrast against the white snow.
Just before our fingers froze off, we headed back to ground. On the way back, we stopped to warm up in front of Twin Falls waterfall, by popping some bubbles and enjoying some snuggles.
Congratulations again Seneca and Keith! Thank you for your warm, endless miles and bountiful laughter, and for having the most epic wedding adventure! We had so much fun and wish we could do it all over again xx
Our Team
A big shout out to these Wanaka wedding suppliers who were a part of this beautiful New Zealand elopement:
Celebrant – Glennys Logan
Helicopter – Aspiring Helicopters
Hair & Makeup – Road To Beauty
Videography – Shotover Wedding Films
Photography by us – Williams Photography
If you like what you see, you can scroll through some more Coromandel Peak weddings here, or contact us if you are on the lookout for our own Wanaka wedding planners!
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz
New Zealand Elopement | Malie + Harold
Malie and Harold traded the Hawaiian Tropics for the beauty of our South Island for their beautiful New Zealand elopement. The loved-up duo celebrated both their daughter Mehana's first birthday and their long overdue wedding day in style!
Malie and Harold chose an Air BnB in Queensberry to holiday in, which made for a stunning backdrop for a First Look. Malie wore a gorgeous low-backed gown that was paired with an incredible bouquet. She also mixed up the look with a gorgeous creative bouquet using combination of fresh and dried flowers. We also organised a cute flower-crown for little Mehana to wear.
Flying to Coromandel Peak on a moody afternoon, Malie and Harold shared their vows (and baby-holding duties) on top of the world. We had rays of light peek in and out of the ceremony before heading on an adventure to capture some more epic shots. As the temperature dipped a little, Malie adorned a denim jacket with custom "wifey" detailing on the back.
On the way back from Aspiring Helicopters, we stopped along the road to check out some nearby waterfalls for a few last photos. Here, we ran into a curious flock of sheep, which made for a pretty good laugh and some awesome photobombs. We jumped out of the car again to capture some portraits in golden light and long grass.
Congratulations again Malie and Harold and thank you for letting us adventure with you! We absolutely loved the personality you brought to your special day and were so happy to help make your sweet family "official" xx
Our Team
A big shout out to these Queenstown wedding suppliers who were a part of this beautiful New Zealand elopement:
Accommodation - Hill House, Queensberry
Celebrant – George Konia
Flowers – Crimson Wedding Flowers
Helicopter – Aspiring Helicopters
Hair & Makeup – Road To Beauty
Photography by us – Williams Photography
If you like what you see, you can scroll through some more Coromandel Peak weddings here, or contact us to start planning your own New Zealand elopement!
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz
Wanaka Elopement Adventure | Mallory + Kyle
Mallory and Kyle travelled over from Canada to Wanaka for their elopement adventure on Coromandel Peak. We had a little bit of rain on the forecast, which turned out to be a misty and exciting day to get married! The cloudy day didn't stop us from having the best time because we were still able to get up to Coromandel Peak (in the rain!) to share their vows. Coromandel Peak has one of the best view points of New Zealand and we had the added bonus of some very cool misty clouds hanging in the air right around us.
Afterwards, we flew to Lookout Hill for a second landing and more adventures. The newly-married pair headed off to take in the view while we skated around to capture some jaw-dropping angles. There's an impressive rocky overhang that gave us an awesome perspective and epic shots to remember the whole experience by. We also found a cool vantage point tucked into a hill, meaning that we could shoot some images from within a cave. This made for some intriguing framing and unique perspectives; we always like aiming for some cool creative shots for our couples!
Thanks again Mallory and Kyle - we loved your sense of adventure and didn't mind a few rain drops at all! xx
Our Team
A big shout out to these Queenstown wedding suppliers who were a part of this beautiful New Zealand elopement:
Celebrant – Liz Maluschnig
Flowers – The Flower Room
Getting Ready Location - Stoneridge Estate
Helicopter – Aspiring Helicopters
Hair – Hair to Wed
Makeup – I AM Makeup
Videography - Shotover Wedding Films
Photography by us – Williams Photography
If you like what you see, you can scroll through some more Coromandel Peak weddings here, or contact us to start planning your own Wanaka elopement adventure!
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz
New Zealand Elopement | Jessica + Grant
Jessica and Grant travelled across the ditch for their epic New Zealand elopement. They chose to elope on Coromandel Peak, with a flight from Queenstown across some stunning mountains, valleys and winding rivers. The longer flight definitely makes you appreciate the incredible landscapes and how much of the area is completely un-touched. Moody conditions treated us to a few rainbows - at the base of the Remarkables when we were capturing a few sweet moments before the ceremony and then during our flight across to Wanaka. We do love that with rain or shine...or wind and rainbows, we can still bring together absolutely amazing moments and help create an unforgettable experience.
When we first got to know Jessica and Grant, we found out that they live on a farm in Australia with their two beautiful border collies. They just happen to be our favourite sort of dogs - so clever, hard-working and sweet-natured (just check our pup Willow, on Instagram!). Grant actually jokingly proposed to Jessica the very first night they met, after a few bevvies, with a drinking straw wrapped around into a pretend ring! Clearly it was a testament to what their future together would look like, and their special day was filled with similar impromptu, funny and emotional moments.
We had so much fun and it was fantastic to see the changeable weather fully embraced by the pair; the moody weather wasn't going to get in the way of their love or celebrations.
Jessica wore a gorgeous long-sleeved lace gown, golden boots and an amazing furry gilet to help keep the cooler temperatures at bay - plus a stunning dried floral bouquet created by The Vase.
Congratulations again Jessica and Grant, we loved being a part of your mountain adventure xx
After we delivered Jessica & Grant's beautiful photos, they also ordered a stunning Queensberry 14x10" Duo for their first Christmas as husband and wife, which can be seen here.
A big shout out to these Queenstown wedding suppliers who helped on the day:
Celebrant – Philippa Thomas
Flowers – The Vase
Helicopter – Heliworks
Hair – Beautiful Bridal Hair
Makeup – Eve Makeup Artistry
Videography - Shotover Wedding Films
Photography by us – Williams Photography
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz
Wanaka Coromandel Peak Wedding | Jessie + Andrew
Jessie & Andrew eloped in mid September on a picture perfect evening. Jessie wore an amazing two piece dress from Calèche Bridal House plus some awesome Old Gringo cowboy boots from Texas! As it was early spring, our late-afternoon flight was ideal timing for an incredible golden hour up on Coromandel Peak. There was some wind around, which stirred up Lake Wanaka and showed off some nice textures in the background. Mid ceremony during the vows, a gust of wind came through and blew Jessie's veil away. Luckily for us, we managed to rescue Jessie's veil. Jessie and Andrew also brought up their good friends, who helped drink some Fireball whisky in sweet customised mugs for their elopement.
Congrats again to Jessie and Andrew and thanks for having us on your mountain adventure xxx
A big shout to some of our favourite wedding suppliers in Wanaka:
Celebrant - George Konia
Helicopter - Wanaka Helicopters
Flowers - Wanaka Wedding Flowers
Makeup - Eve Makeup Artistry
Hair - Jessie
Dress - Calèche Bridal House
Boots - Old Gringo Boots, purchased from Allen's Boots in Texas
Videography - Shotover Wedding Films
And Photography by us - Williams Photography
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz xx
Wanaka Roys Peak Wedding | Cass + Adam
Cass and Adam travelled over from Australia to elope on a beautiful spring evening. We started with a First Look, to capture some of the sweet anticipation traditional weddings have, in seeing your other half for the first time before committing to spending a lifetime together. Adventuring down to the Matukituki River, Cass and Adam were bathed in stunning, soft light that was just coming over the crest of the surrounding hills.
The ceremony was on Roy's Pea, aka Coromandel Peak. We've been there a few times over the years, but this evening was sublime. Late evening sunlight filled the air, as Lake Wanaka was dead calm below...the perfect place to elope in New Zealand. On the return to Aspiring Helicopters base, we made a quick snow landing on Twin Falls as I discovered the pair had never seen snow before - and what a special end to such a cherished day.
Congrats again, Cass and Adam xx
Thanks to these amazing Wanaka wedding suppliers who came together for Cass & Adam's day:
Celebrant – Hannah Lind
Helicopter – Aspiring Helicopters
Hair & Makeup - Road to Beauty
Accommodation - Wanaka Haven
Photography by us – Williams Photography
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz
Queenstown Mountain Wedding | Lisa + Philip
Introducing Lisa and Philip - two wonderful people who didn't let wildfires back home in the USA spoil their wedding plans...instead travelling here to Queenstown and adventuring with us in the best possible way.
We put together an epic itinerary with five helicopter landings; mixing the best of New Zealand's stunning views, glacial valleys, crystal clear lakes and a wild beach landing just out of Milford Sound. Starting with their ceremony on Coromandel Peak and an additional helicopter for Philip's mum and Charlotte, our celebrant, we then made our way to Lochnagar, Earnslaw Burn, Madagascar Beach and finally sunset on Mt Crichton. For the six-hour adventure, we pulled together an A-star team of local suppliers, including a collaboration with Shotover Wedding Films whose incredible film we will share soon.
Lisa's breath-taking dress was created by international designer Galia Lahav and paired with Dolce & Gabbana heels that survived the mountains but were switched out for trusty sneakers on the wet beach.
Lisa and Philip were smiling from ear-to-ear all day long and had the best time laughing, running and jumping across New Zealand's wild but beautiful landscape. We had such an incredible experience and can't thank the happy couple enough for allowing us to be a part of their day and craft this once-in-a-lifetime experience alongside them. Congratulations! xx
Thanks to these amazing Queenstown wedding suppliers who came together for Lisa & Philip's day.
Celebrant – Charlotte Winkel
Flowers – The Flower Room
Helicopter – Heliworks
Hair – Beautiful Bridal Hair
Dress - Galia Lahav
Videography – Shotover Wedding Films
Photography by us – Williams Photography
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz
Coromandel Peak Wanaka Elopement | Kate + Nedzad
Kate & Nedzad travelled over from the USA to get married on the ever impressive Coromandel Peak. With an approaching cold front, we decided to bring their wedding forward a day to make the most of the warmer weather. It was the best decision, as the next two days were pretty wild with wind and snow down to low levels.
Congrats again Kate & Nedzad xx
Here's a little clip from the cold snap, after I walked up Roys Peak two days later, just to highlight how quick mountain weather can change, even in early autumn: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17873638291203873
Thanks to the Wanaka wedding suppliers who helped bring Kate & Nedzad's day together:
Helicopter - Aspiring Helicopters
Celebrant - Liz Maluschnig
Hair & Makeup - Road to Beauty
Flowers - Crimson Wedding Flowers
Dress & Suit Steaming - Pristine Steaming of Wanaka
Videography - Shotover Wedding Films
Photography by us - Williams Photography
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz
Coromandel Peak Wanaka Wedding | Valeriya + Dmitry
Valeriya and Dmitry travelled to New Zealand from Russia, to elope on the ever gorgeous, Coromandel Peak during summer. The day was more like autumn, with fresh snow on the higher peaks, and cool conditions. We also arranged with Alpine Helicopters to fly the videographer - Olya, with the door open, to capture some aerial video. It made for some dramatic photos with the Squirrel helicopter making a few circuits around Valeriya and Dmitry. There was also one amazing first dance, that had been perfectly choreographed.
Congrats again Valeriya & Dmitry, and well done in dealing with the summer chill xx
Thanks to our Queenstown & Wanaka wedding suppliers for helping:
Celebrant - George Konia
Helicopter – Alpine Helicopters
Flowers - The Flower Room
Hair - Hair to Wed
Makeup - I AM Makeup
Videography - Chaplin Focus
Photography by us – Williams Photography
If you want to stay up to date with more of our work, like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram – @mountainweddings_nz