Digital News Producer, Eliza, and her web developer hubby, Josh, hadn’t always planned on eloping. In fact, they had already paid a rather hefty deposit on a venue in Victoria. Proof that it’s okay to change your mind, these two did just that and don’t regret a thang. After all, what could be better than indulging in a private feast post-nuptials with the love of your life? A formidable team of vendors ensured these legends got to experience the day of their dreams. Barefoot & Bearded was behind the lens alongside videographer Apertura Films, whilst Film and Foliage got down with the florals. Said feast was prepared by none other than The Wilderness Chef, hair and makeup provided by Chic Artistry and Oscar Hunt Tailors took care of the groom. Scroll down for some pretty wild snaps…
THE VENUE “We were holidaying in Paris when fortuitous family circumstances relieved me of the pressure of being the first on mum’s side of the family to get married. Picking New Zealand was a no-brainer, considering its sentimental meaning and our love of the outdoors. Having already booked Joel from Barefoot and Bearded and Sash from Apertura Studios, it only made sense to ask them along for the ride. The Anteloping crew scouted out our ceremony spot and didn’t tell us where until they drove us there on the day. We camped at Moke Lake on the first night of the NZ trip where Josh proposed, so it all came full circle there.”
FAVOURITE DETAILS “It was incredible watching Ash from Film and Foliage work her magic. Our ceremony florals were just stunning and complemented the natural beauty of Moke Lake beautifully. My one request was that she included flowers from our different cultural backgrounds (Singaporean and Australian) and she absolutely nailed it.”
FAVOURITE MOMENT “We pulled up to Moke Lake and saw the bridge to our ceremony spot was underwater after record levels of rainfall the previous days before. Luckily our celebrant, Charlotte, came prepared with pug gumboots in her car. After making a bit of a splash, we were off on our merry way.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “It’s easier said than done, but do what you want, not what others want you to do. Whether that’s eloping or having a big wedding, your day is about you and your spouse-to-be — no one else. There’s also a societal expectation when it comes to hetero couples, where the bride-to-be plans it all while the groom kicks back and relaxes, which is completely unfair. Trust your partner and plan it through together because the day involves them as well.”
LITTLE LOL “We had a few spontaneous witnesses at the ceremony, including an American cyclist who patiently waited for formalities to be over before jokingly quipping “I object”! Josh likes to joke that he was our best man and Joel got some great shots of us giggling at him riding past.”
Well, if this ain’t one of the smoothest operations we ever did see! Click through for more from Eliza and Josh’s amazing team including Barefoot & Bearded, Apertura Films, Film & Foliage, The Wilderness Chef, Chic Artistry and Oscar Hunt Tailors. If it’s more elopement goodness you are after click here. But before you do, best scroll down…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Barefoot and Bearded Cinematographer Apertura Films Event Planner Anteloping Florist Film and Foliage Ceremony Venue Moke Lake, Queenstown Catering The Wilderness Chef Celebrant Your Big Day Rings Uniform Black, Cerrone Jewellers, Paul Bram Transport Heliworks Enamel Mugs Sophia Victoria Joy via Etsy Ring Box Belle Box via Etsy BRIDE Dress White April via And The Veil Bridal Hair Piece Rose Red Rose White via Etsy Loungewear Posy Sleep Co via Etsy Shoes Nine West Earrings Stargems Designs via Etsy Hair & Makeup Chic Artistry GROOM Suit Oscar Hunt Tailors Pants Daniel Hechter Pocket Square Peggy and Finn Cufflinks Must Have Gift via Etsy Shoes Thursday Boot Co Barber Suedehead Barbers