Like almost anyone who’s been to New Zealand, Charis and Daniel felt it would be the perfect place to tie the knot. £We travel to Queenstown, New Zealand every year for a holiday in the ski season. Whilst over there we found our dream church and dream location for the reception and decided that it was meant to be. Queenstown is our happy place! Charis, one of our beautiful brides from issue nine tells us.
They hoped that, with enough liquid, their guests would be happy too. Cocktails, cognac, beautiful wines and champagne flowed throughout the evening and, as always, New Zealand impressed everyone with her insanely good looks and Fiona Andersen was there to capture it all.
£We wanted to have a relaxed affair, non traditional. The main reason for the location and vibe was to take in the beauty of Queenstown, and really feel like you are somewhere special. My favourite part of the day apart from the service in Arrowtown was watching the amazing traditional Maori performance as the sun was setting over the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the glorious mountain ranges of The Remarkables. You truly felt a spiritual connection to the land and the people. It was very moving.
Matakauri Lodge, where their wedding took place, delivered on every level, not only with its million-dollar view but with its exceptional service and mouthwatering canapû?s. £One of the most amazing experiences of exceptional service we have ever received, says Charis who was equally impressed with Jane Hill – the woman who created her wedding dress.
£I decided to go to Jane Hill in Melbourne as I knew she always created beautiful dresses. I took my inspirations to Jane and she was very excited. The biggest task for Jane and myself was sourcing the right lace for the dress. After five to six months we found the right lace, a lace from Prada, and the dressmaking began. I couldn’t have been happier with the process.
The joys however, didn’t end there. Later that night, Charis and Daniel raced back to their room (the same room mind you, where Prince William and Princess Kate once stayed) to work out which side of the bed they should sleep on. £Thinking I wonder what side Prince William slept on. Sick I know! But trust me, Daniel wasn’t complaining with the prospect of sleeping where the gorgeous Kate Princess of Wales had slept.
From what Charis tells us, it seems those sorts of situations aren’t uncommon. £Daniel would say that marriage to him is an empty bank account and sore ears. And no doubt a lifetime of love and adventure too (see Dan, we’ve got your back).
Thinking about tying the knot in New Zealand? Check out these other mind blow real weddings here, here and here. You can also discover a bunch of rad NZ wedding vendors via our online directory. Missed out on issue nine? Grab your copy via our online store. Postage within in Australia is FREE!
CREDITS Photos Fiona Andersen Photography // Bridal gown Jane Hill Bridal // Lingerie Pleasure State // Shoes Scanlan Theodore // Accessories Samantha Wills // Ring Kozminsky // Hair and makeup Collective Hair & Makeup Professionals // Grooms suit, jacket, pants and shoes Dolce & Gabbana // Grooms shirt and tie / bow tie Tom Ford // Cufflinks and ring Sarah & Sebastian // Socks Happy Socks // Watch Rolex // Florist The Flower Room //Event planner and stylist Rachel Nossack // Ceremony venue Wakatipu Anglican Parish, NZ // Reception venue and catering Matakauri Lodge, NZ // Stationery Paperless Post // Entertainment Ned Webster and DJ Jules Fitzgerald // Transport Johnston’s Coachline Busses and Limousine Line Queenstown.