A French girl and an Englishman walked into a bar… and they fell in love in Queenstown

Love Story:

All it took was a smile for Lorene and Calum to know they were meant for each other…

Lorene and Calum may have swiped right on a dating app, but their love story is nothing short of romantic. When they first met each other in person, Lorene thought Calum looked very English (he is English), and Calum thought that Lorene was very French (she is indeed, French).

After hanging out and having a few drinks at Sundeck, the couple became best friends, laughing at each other’s jokes, admiring each other’s beautiful smiles and of course, dancing to The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights. 

Every day was always a new adventure for Lorene and Calum, and on the month of love, they decided to start a whole new life together.

Accommodation: The Sicilian Airbnb, Gibbston Valley Lodge

Ceremony Location: Cargo Cellar Door

Couples Portraits: Lake Erskine

On the Day:

Both Lorene and Calum’s family flew in from Europe to join them for their gorgeous wedding at Cargo Brewery in Gibbston Valley. We first met with Calum at the Airbnb they rented for some getting-ready photos with the boys. It was a gorgeous spot, overlooking Lake Hayes so we took advantage of the amazing views. After that, we headed straight to Lorene, where she was staying with her mum and bridesmaids. Everyone was having a nice time, celebrating with wine and cheese and relaxing at the Giibston Valley Lodge (a great spot to have a relaxing getting ready before your big day!)

We then went to Cargo and met with Andrew Bell, their celebrant, and the couple said their vows outside on top of the church steps, with everyone enjoying the sunshine and the warm summer breeze. We also had a beautiful arch arranged, which added such a nice touch to the overall setup. 

After the I do’s and congratulations, we whisked the couple away in a heli ride to Lake Erskine for couple photos. They each brought along one friend, and we had such an amazing time drinking champagne and capturing romantic moments for the newlyweds, with the glittering lake in the background. 

Heading back to the Reception, Cargo catered a lovely spread for everyone to enjoy while listening to the speeches, before we ended the day with some dancing in the old church with some flashing disco lights.

Vendors:

Celebrant: Andrew Bell

Venue: Cargo at Gibbston Valley

MUA:  Page Shipstone

Hair: Charlotte Dempsey 

Flowers: Annabel Bruce 

Dj: DJ4you 

Dress: Donna Rae from Invercargill

Suit: Next UK 

Wedding Rings: Vu Jewellery

Engagement Ring: Debra Fallowfield