An intimate, breathtaking elopement for two soulful hearts, exquisitely curated in Queenstown by The Lovers Elopement Co. Underneath the Remarkables with a heady, teal Lake Wakatipu marvelling below, Holly and Josh wed in panoramic tussock gold in front of twenty three of their most momentous people.
Suspended over the vast, immense scenery, the lovers shared a stirring moment alone atop Mt Creighton, timeless and intimately connected. Polished against the wild landscape; the mineral white, silken asymmetry of Holly’s dress, her pendulous Made With Love cathedral veil, and the clean black & white of Josh’s suit was the archetype of glowing modern couple.
After dismounting the ceremonious peaks, a modern-luxe reception followed at the Glenfiddich Lodge, combining the flaxen foothills with effortless opulence. A chic tablescape greeted guests; fresh flora stationed between buff and rose ash linen with pared back yet sumptuous consumables: luscious grazing platters and Veuve Clicquot. Creamed pearl florals with touches of greenery adorned the lodge and complemented Holly’s sleek bouquet of premium, long stemmed, open roses by the masterful Gypsy at The Vase.
Fervent details shared below. Desirous love captured by Dawn Thompson.
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
We crossed paths a year before officially meeting – Josh walked past me one day at work and I remember wondering if I would marry someone like him. Officially, we met for the first time in a champagne bar on a Friday night. I was out with girlfriends for pizza and bubbles, for a friend’s birthday. At dinner that night I told my girlfriends that I needed to go home and freshen up, before we headed out for champagne and celebrations because it would be the night that I “would meet my husband”. Dancing away and bubbles in hand I turned around and immediately locked eyes with Josh. We have inseparable since and will have been together for three years come June.
How would you describe each other?
Soulmates.
Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement?
Josh took me away to Martinborough for what I thought was nothing more than a quick romantic getaway. We would often head down to the wine region whenever our work schedules lined up and we had a free weekend together. It was a beautiful day in the late summer, and we had planned to visit our frequented favourite, Poppies. After completing a wine tasting on arrival we took to the grounds for a stroll around the vineyard before settling in for lunch. We meandered around to the back courtyard to find a wine barrel setup complete with an ice bucket, a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Oblivious, I turned around to see Josh on one knee… It was such an intimate and beautifully set up proposal. We celebrated over the most heavenly charcuterie board and wine for rest of the day. The day was made even more memorable when we received the news several hours later, that out that our house had sold!
Tell us about your wedding style. What influenced your planning for the day?
Our vision from the outset was simple – an intimate, relaxed ceremony followed by a small stylish soiree. It was imperative that our day was a true reflection of us – refined in a nonconventional way. Our ceremony was short and sweet and immediately followed by champagne and celebrations. Our laid back ‘reception’ was spent in the company of our guests (comprising exclusively of only our closest family) indulging in the most divine spread by the Lavish Grazing Co, Veuve Clicquot and gourmet NY style pizza from a local pizzeria. Having the Lovers Elopement Co curate and plan our special day ensured that every aspect and detail was thoughtfully considered. All we had to do was show up and celebrate our day of love.
Why did you choose your destination?
We have always had a love affair with the bounty and beauty of the rugged South Island landscape. Jacks Point made for the dreamiest of locations – the majestic Remarkable mountain range towering over us, the idyllic blue waters of Lake Wakatipu and quite simply the most spectacular panoramic views of Queenstown all the way down to Kingston.
What was your favourite detail from the day?
Seeing the set up for both the ceremony and reception. Our style brief was minimal, elegant and chic and The Lover Elopement Co most certainly delivered.
What was your favourite moment from the day?
Stealing a moment of quiet all to ourselves, standing atop of Mt Creighton.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage is the privilege and commitment to create and share a life together.
Who were your stand-out vendors?
We enlisted the services of ‘our dream team’ – The Lovers Elopement Co merely weeks after getting engaged. We both knew we wanted to get married within the year (we did it with one day to spare) and we wanted to truly enjoy the entire experience without the stress of organising and planning ourselves – especially from abroad. The team worked tireless to curate and deliver the most memorable and magical day ever.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Planning a wedding is undoubtedly the biggest task you’ll take on in your lifetime. Enlist the help of a planner/coordinator and stylist – their knowledge and expertise are invaluable.
|| CREDITS ||
Photographer: Dawn Thomson | Elopement Planner: The Lovers Elopement Co | Florist: The Vase Flora & Foliage | Stylist: Colour Me Happy | Ceremony: Private section at Jacks Point | Reception: The Glenfiddich Lodge | Prop or Furniture Hire: Organised by The Lovers Elopement Co | Stationery: Bespoken Prints | Celebrant: Hamish McPherson of Your Big Day | Rings: Holly Ryan | Transport: Heliworks Queenstown | Catering: Lavish Grazing Co | Bridal Gown: Natalie Rolt | Makeup: Eve Makeup Artistry | Hair: Tina at Hair To Wed | Veil/Headpiece: Made With Love Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Rachel Zoe | Brides Jewellery: Holly Ryan | Groom’s Suit: MJ Bale | Tie/Bow tie: MJ Bale | Groom’s Shoes: Ted Baker
