What is an elopement?
When the word elopement is mentioned as an option, most people’s thoughts are of Las Vegas, with all the over-the-top glitz and glam that’s involved. An elopement doesn’t have to mean a quickfire ceremony in a cocktail dress, mascara smudged from the night before. An Elopement is fast becoming about the adventure of heading to unique, unrivalled places of beauty to celebrate your love for one another. It’s a holiday with unforgettable meaning, a relaxed yet exciting experience, and a party upon your return home to celebrate (if you wish), with family and friends. Elopement is getting away from it and doing things your way, together.
Why Elope?
I should have eloped with my partner. When we said our ‘I do’s’ we succumbed to the pressure of the big traditional wedding, where it was more about the projection of love than our real love for one another. I remember glancing over at my cousin yawning during the ceremony and then dancing solo as my husband entertained his work buddies.
We did celebrate our love for one another, but not in the way I imagined, unfortunately. Elopement saves you from having to invite Uncle Bob you haven’t seen in five years. You can focus more on the two of you and less on the guests. Eloping gives you more of a chance to have an adventure, explore new places together and create the type of memories you do want to look back on. It’s a magical way to gain the freedom to create a wedding done your way. With this guide to elopement, I am excited to help you overcome the traditional pressures found in your typical wedding. Read on to discover creative ways to keep your elopement simple yet memorable…
Of course, eloping doesn’t always mean that you have to go it alone, well together alone – you can also invite your closest loved ones, you can truly create the wedding of your dreams and this way your Mother will still speak to you! (If you choose to have her by your side!) Have a read of this blog for more on eloping with your family and friends along for the ride.
How I can help you
Picture this, just the two of you (plus me capturing the magic), standing on top of a majestic mountain top with some of New Zealand’s largest lakes beneath you, vowing your love for one another with only a few cheeky Kea’s (mountain parrots) to provide an audience. You have all the control with no outside opinions to politely navigate, you can tailor-make an elopement package to be as simple or elaborate as you like. You may just want the simplicity of a lakeside location or be whisked away to the highest peaks where we can take in the magnificent beauty of the Southern Alps. Eloping is pretty epic, so you want the location to match. I’m here alongside you, putting you in touch with the best vendors, scouting the location of your dreams or helping you to find that romantic hotel for just the two of you. In essence, this day will be as magical as your love story, and I will be here to document each moment as your guide and photographer.
You can still share this journey with your loved ones at home, but perhaps bring them a cake to soften the blow…
So, get ready to create the day of your dreams, and turn it into a reality!
Location, Location, Location….
Being a local here in Queenstown means I know all the most stunning secret spots, perfect for that whimsical, romantic elopement you and your partner are planning.
Let me whisk you away into the mountains for a secluded photo session. Stand atop towering peaks where you can shout your love out to the world below, walk through vineyards, or frolic in a magical forest, the choices are endless. In essence, I will make it easy for you to choose a location with a selection of breathtaking secret spots.
Elopement is the opportunity to ultimately connect with one another and your surroundings, without the distraction of the waiting wedding party. Do some research before you jet off, not enough to kill the spontaneity, as that’s a big part of eloping. Look into a few locations you would like to know more about and perhaps even book a pre-wedding photography session where we can get to know one another and gather inspiration about your special day.
On Top of the World
Helicopter landings are an incredible way to create the most unforgettable wedding ceremony and the photos to remember it by. You are spoilt for choice with locations and the cost is fairly reasonable considering the experience it provides. Picture yourselves soaring high above the most incredible mountain range in New Zealand, the Southern Alps – the majestic Remarkable Range is named as such for a reason! You will feel like a rockstar as you are flown to your dream destinations in a helicopter made for two (well three including the very important pilot!) Enquire with me for a price list, you will be amazed at how possible this fantasy actually is!
Helicopter weddings can be incorporated into your wedding in a few different ways.
1.You could have a ceremony by the lake and then be flown to the top of a mountain for your photos afterwards. This is a great option if you’re planning on having some guests and they won’t all fit in a Heli.
2. You could have your ceremony and photos on the mountain if it’s just the two of you or only a few guests (under 30)
3. You can opt for a multiple “landing package” with your ceremony at one helicopter-accessed location followed by a short flight to another of New Zealand’s most amazing landing spots for more photos.
For more on incorporating your fantasy flight, check out my ‘helicopter weddings’ blog.
Whichever option you choose, you can also have a selection of “ground locations” included either before or after your flight. See the ‘Adventuring’ section below within “Timelines.”
