Destination do, garden party, evening soiree – Cara and Jay considered them all, with the bride admitting she changed her “mind heaps and planned multiple versions” of what the day could look like. But when this couple of five years landed on a Queenstown elopement, the planets aligned and they’re rightfully stoked with how it all went down.
Half a dozen besties, “zero stress”, and one unbelievable and iconic New Zealand view – I think we can all agree it was meant to be. Exhibit A: the wedding album by photographer/elopement coordinator/total legend Kate Craig-Brown, AKA Lost In Love. Go on, take a peek below!
THE VENUE “I wasn’t enjoying the planning at all. We were focusing on trying to please our guests rather than ourselves. Our (well, mine!) ideas went from overseas wedding, to evening wedding, to garden wedding. We lost a few deposits along the way. Oops!”
FAVE DETAILS “Oh, this one is hard! But considering that I didn’t have any flowers until the day before the wedding, I’d have to say they became a star of the show. I wasn’t really bothered [and] had even considered not having any. However, one last look the day before and StudioBB had these gorgeous arrangements in the window—that was that! Also, the cake. YUM. We asked for the most chocolatey chocolate cake from The Cake Cartel [and] planned on keeping a slice to eat on our 1st anniversary. We pulled it out of the freezer 2 weeks later.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Walking down the aisle was such a significant moment for us. Like, ‘We finally made it. This is us’. The old wife’s tale goes that rain on the wedding day is good luck, and it absolutely did [rain]! We had a plan B, to marry at the House, but the weather held until I stepped out of the car at the top of the mountain, and I just thought, ‘This is how it’s meant to be’. It really is true that once it’s happening, nothing else matters other than the person you’re looking at. I could not stop smiling. Not to mention, the backdrop of Deer Park Heights was breathtaking!!”
THE DRESS “I found my FIRST dress four months before the wedding [at a local boutique]. It was long and mermaid style: very classic and chic. And I was sure [it] was the one. One month before the big day, I realised I wasn’t ‘classic and chic’ and needed ‘short and fun’. I found UK designer Rebecca Tembo. Nothing like a last-minute purchase!”
LITTLE LOL “We had a couple watching the ceremony at the top of Deer Park Heights. They had been talking to Jay before I arrived and said they’d love to stay; it was no problem for us. Two days later, we checked into a hotel, and this lovely couple must’ve remembered where we stayed and left us a wedding gift: our first cast iron pan! We couldn’t believe how thoughtful these complete strangers had been. We still don’t know their name!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Kate (Lost in Love) was incredible! She was such a beautiful presence for the photos. Jay isn’t a fan of pictures or posing, and I have never seen him so relaxed. We wanted candid and fun. The result blew us away. Andrew (Celebrant) helped us a lot with our vows. Making sure they complimented each other and had just the best communication throughout. Alarna (Hair and Makeup) picked up on our getting-ready vibe immediately! We had a ball [and] my hair and make-up was exquisite.”
If the thought of an intimate elopement in Queenstown has got you excited, get in contact with Lost in Love here. We’re big fans of these A+ South Island vendors, or for more inspo, dive into more real New Zealand weddings on the blog.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Kate Craig-Brown Photography via Lost In Love Event Planner Lost In Love Florist STUDIOBB Ceremony Venue Deer Park Heights Reception Venue Blue Kanu Restaurant & ‘The Gucci House’ Wedding Eve & Breakfast Catering Lauren Muntz, Ellie Roderique Trask, Emma Kilbride, Barry Muntz, Eddie Brill & Dan Sharp (Friends) Cake Maker The Cake Cartel Signage Jakalah Jacob (Friend) Entertainment Dan Sharp (Friend) Celebrant Andrew Bell Rings Stewart Dawsons (Jay) & Mayo Jewellery (Cara) Transport Budget THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Rebecca Tembo Veil White Silk Bridal Robes Fashion Nova Shoes House of CB Accessories Lovisa Hair & Makeup Alarna Taylor Fragrance/Perfume Dior THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Waistcoat, Shirt, Pants, Shoes & Tie / Bow Tie Bond and Co Barber / Grooming Barber Bros
