After four years together, Charlotte and Wayne admit they didn’t even officially get engaged! “We just felt it was time to make things official in our own simple way.”And that’s exactly what they did when they eloped and got married- just the two of them. Thanks to The Elopement Collective, their day was “truly special and carefree,” and send a special shout out to their photographer and videographer from Bulb Creative (you don’t want to miss the film below, guys- and see more of their work here). “Harley and Ainsley are absolute legends.” True that!
THE VIBE When we found The Elopement Collective, we first noticed their tag line, ‘simple, but significant’ which we loved. It really resonated with everything that we wanted for our day. They did everything for us – we gave them full creative control- and the outcome was magical. It felt like we were on one big adventure. They drove us to and from, so that made things so much more exiting, too. We broke onto someone’s property to use their hill for our ceremony and finished up down by the water in Wanaka, away from the crowds and somewhere The EC had scouted. It was perfect.
FAVOURITE DETAILS It’s corny, but everything was our favourite. Because we didn’t fill the day to the brim with stuff that we didn’t need, we were able to spend so much time together just soaking everything in. From my jewellery and dress to the flowers and the sunset- it was a very love-filled day. Our photographers, Bulb Creative, sent us a few photos that night which was so exciting to see- it was the icing on the cake.
THE DRESS It was Yolan Cris from Novia Brides. I think I tried on ten before choosing this one, but the ladies made the whole day fun- there was even some champagne.
REFERENCES We first found The Elopement Collective on Instagram. They made everything fall into place. Every single person they recommended, makeup, florist, photographers and celebrant, made that day truly special and carefree. I couldn’t imagine the day not using them!
MARRIAGE MEANS… I want your last name. Your Sunday mornings and daily commutes. I want your phone calls and your quirks. Your sick days and your hair in my shower drain. I want your laugh. Your arms around my waist when I walk by and you can’t let me by. Your eye contact. Your smile. I want to find your lost keys. Do your laundry. Make your coffee the way you like it. I want the other side of the bed to be yours, our fingers intertwined. I want your silliness. Your internet history and your electricity bills. I want your twisted past, and your convoluted future.
A WORD OF ADVICE Be selfish. If you want a wedding, deep down, then do, but if you don’t, do whatever feels right to the both of you and your relationship. In twenty years time, what are you going to remember?! We are beyond happy that we eloped! We wish that we could talk everyone into doing the same thing! Pay the experts to do their thing! I really didn’t want to stress about anything and just fully enjoy the real meaning of our marriage. And that’s exactly what happened.
STANDOUT VENDORS Every single one was incredible! Seriously, we were not disappointed with any part of our day from my makeup by The Makeup Loft, to the AMAZING bouquet by Crimson Wedding Flowers. Harley and Ainsley of Bulb Creative made us both feel so comfortable and at ease. They incorporated themselves and their photography so flawlessly into our day that we almost forgot they were there, except for hearing a giggle or two. And Brittany from The Elopement Collective – what can we say, she and Josh (our celebrant) are those types of people who make you feel as if they’ve known you for years. She anticipated our every need, and handled every detail that day.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer & Cinematographer Bulb Creative Event Planner The Elopement Collective Florist Crimson Wedding Flowers Ceremony Lake Wanaka, New Zealand Celebrant Married by Josh THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Yolan Cris Bridal Boutique Novia Brides Ring & Earrings Zoe and Morgan Makeup The Makeup Loft THE GROOM Suit & Bow Tie Structure For Men Grooming AliBarbers.
