Kelly + Rhys \\ Queenstown Wedding Captured by Charlotte Kiri Photography

An eclectic styled ceremony on the lake shores of Queenstown, in a magical destination for this dreamy wedding. Kelly + Rhys were teenage sweethearts, that rekindled their love at a music festival after being apart for 10 years. “Strar-crossed lovers” that would eventually find their forever.

Opting for the non-traditional and bringing a little fun to the beautifully wild raw landscapes of Central Otago, with dried wildflowers in tones of deep Burgundy, mixed with fresh reds and a soft pale blush. Kelly wanted a bridal look that would be unique and with the help of floral queen Gypsy West from The Vase, she had the most incredible dried floral crown we have ever seen! Paired with a custom-designed gown by local favourites Nemo Bridal & Couture.

Kelly + Rhys danced the night away with all their favourite things – good music, cocktails, tapas and pizza for their guests! A magical evening by the lakeside.

Capturing all the magic was photographers Charlotte & Bruno of Charlotte Kiri Photography.

“ One Lifetime with you could never be enough, together forever my equal, my love. When the day is done, I couldn’t be happier that we shall finally be one”

How did you meet and how long have you been together?

It’s a true Romeo and Juliet story. Rhys and I met when we were 16, we were each other’s first “loves” we were absolutely head over heels for each other. But forces out of our control separated what we had… we were both devastated…promising each other we were “soulmates” …fast forward 10 years later having had no contact at all. We bumped into each at a music festival…. We have been together since that day, 5.5 years ago.

How would you describe each other?

GOSH!! I would be typing all day with my list to describe my husband, I feel, we both firmly believe the same on that note…. However…. How does… ‘best friends, soulmates, star crossed lovers… we are eternally meant to be in each others world forever sound!!

Tell us a little bit about the proposal and your engagement?

We headed to Coachella about 3 years ago, adding on a trip of a lifetime around the west coast of America. His plan was to propose at the festival… but the day we touched down in the States, we found one of his best mate had proposed to his partner. So Rhys waited! He wanted the most perfect moment. He whisked me away to Hanmer Springs later that year on our 3 year anniversary and proposed there. It was magical.

Tell us about your wedding style. What influenced your planning for the day?

Rhys and I have both pretty eclectic style, in all aspects of our life. Planning a “traditional” style wedding wasn’t our cup of tea. We wanted to have cocktails, eat delicious tapas and PIZZA!! And of course dance the night away… and we did it!! Rhys is a “muso” we had incredible artists play all day and night. Friends in the entertainment industry made our special, off the grid beach ceremony possible and looking like a dreamy movie set within a couple hours, thanks team! I love fashion so i pushed the limits with my styling. I feel we made a mark on a very bespoke wedding, unlike any other! We wanted to not only have our unique and exciting day for us but equally for our guests.

Why did you choose your destination

Queenstown will always be the place we met, and the place we will end up…. It is the most magical place on earth!

What does marriage mean to you?

A promise, a commitment, an affirmation to each other.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Do what YOU want to do, you will have opinions being thrown at you from all angles stay calm But be fresh! Be different, it is YOUR day, do it YOUR way!!

Who were your stand out vendors?

I really gelled with Gypsy (the florist) from day one, it’s like we became friends instantly, she totally got my vision, she embraced all of it and we just vibed and it was amazing!!

Char and Bruno our photographers were equally as amazing! They got the boys into shape early on easy as, bringing a very special vibe that just made everything run super smooth and relaxed. I was so so incredibly nervous the morning of the wedding and I remember Char putting on my fave gangsta rap and dancing to make me laugh and calm my nerves it was actually epic!!

My make-up artist Kendyl, she blew me away… I have NEVER felt so beautiful. She is one make-up artist that can adapt to any look you want. I can not recommend her enough. She was also a guest on the day, she kept my lippy in check and made sure I was looking flawless all day! I felt so special!!

What was your favourite moment from the day?

Walking into our reception and seeing everybody that we love and respect so much, all in one room!! The energy was incredible!! They were all so genuinely over the moon to be there and cheering on the immense love we have for each other!!