What is an elopement?
When elopement is mentioned as an option, most people’s minds head straight to Las Vegas with all the over-the-top glitz and glam that entails. For some, that is their dream, for others, it feels cheap and unromantic. An elopement doesn’t have to mean a quickfire ceremony in a cocktail dress, mascara smudged from the night before – elopement is fast becoming about the adventure – heading to unmatched places of beauty, a holiday with unforgettable meaning, a relaxed affair and a party at home to celebrate (if you wish). 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 then 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 is a magical way to gain the freedom to create a wedding done your way; the right way. With this guide to elopement, I am excited to overcome the traditional pressures found in your usual wedding, alongside you. Read on to discover creative ways to keep your elopement simple yet memorable…
How I can help you
Picture this; just the two of you (plus me capturing the magic), a majestic mountain top, the lake spread beneath you, Queenstown shimmering in the backdrop – the two of you a vowing your love for one another with only some 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 to dip your toes in the lake when you say ‘I do’ or be whisked away to the highest peaks to capture all that glory. The beauty of Queenstown is that wherever you are, the landscape stuns. How does a Lothlorian-esque enchanted forest sound? Lunch served with moss-covered trees in the backdrop, a hike to a secret spot, or a short road trip to a remote location? 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 you the location of your dreams or helping you to find that romantic hotel for just the two of you – this day will be as magical as your love story and I will be here to document each moment as your wedding photographer. You can still share this journey with your loved ones at home, but perhaps bring them cake to soften the blow… So, get ready to create a day that (for now) you can only imagine, this dream is ready to become reality!
Location, Location….
Being a local here in Queenstown means I have all the stunning secret spots up my sleeve, perfect for that whimsical, romantic elopement you and your partner are planning for. Let me whisk you away into the mountains for a secluded shoot. Atop mountains where you can shout your love out to the world below, running through stunning vineyards or frolicking in a magical forest, the choices are endless – I will make it easy for you to choose with the selection of locations I have specially hunted out for wedding shoots. Elopement means the opportunity to completely 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 off the spontaneity, as that’s a big part of eloping – but also keep in mind your not planning a wedding. Look into a few locations you would like to know more about and we can visit them together a day or two before your shoot. This makes for a fantastic opportunity to have a pre-wedding photography session, we can get to know one another and get creative.
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. Enquire with me for a price list.
A Helicopter wedding 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 afterward. 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.
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.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll also have a selection of “ground locations” included either before or after your flight.