Elegant Lake Wanaka Wedding at Rippon Hall

After meeting way back in high school and spending 13 years together, Misha and Aaron got engaged in New Zealand’s picturesque Waiheke Island. The Melbourne-based pair wasted no time planning their destination ‘I do’s’. In fact, they immediately started venue shopping that very same trip! “Once we had arrived at Rippon Hall and saw the breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, we just knew it was the right venue for us,” they shared.

Seriously, this incredible natural backdrop is one you need to see to believe. Luckily, photographer Kate Roberge was on the scene, and you can see all the happy snaps below. But first, our chat with the newlyweds, discussing tradition, florals (courtesy of The Green Room Flower Co, of course), and why they recommend hiring a wedding planner.

THE VIBE

“We were inspired by the setting of Rippon Hall already, and did not think that much decor was needed. The scenery did all the talking. We had a whole week with our bridal party, holidaying in Queenstown, so every day was a blast! Aaron and I made T-shirts with our funnily-expressed faces on them for our respective bridal party to wear during a day of activities, which included an escape room, jet ski, etc.”

MEMORABLE MOMENT

“Dancing – all of our guests met us on the dancefloor after our first dance and lion dancing, and we had such a blast dancing with everyone to our favourite songs!”

TALK ABOUT TRADITION

“We had a separate Chinese Tea Ceremony days leading up to the wedding day, held in Queenstown. We dressed in our traditional Cheongsams and played the games that the groomsmen needed to complete prior to gaining access to the bride. On the day of the wedding, we incorporated traditional lion dancing that was performed by the New Zealand Chinese Association, which travelled all the way from Dunedin. This performance symbolises the blessing of the lions to a newly wedded couple for a long and happy marriage.”

LITTLE LOL

“My childhood friends recorded one of my friends rolling down the Rippon Hall hill whilst congratulating us, I watch the video back from time to time and still laugh just as hard.”

A WORD OF ADVICE

“Get yourselves an amazing wedding planner like we did. Sam (Tregold Weddings) was invaluable and gave us so much insight and guidance throughout the lead-up to the wedding to ensure everything was thought about and organised. With her taking over 30 days before the wedding and on the day, it really made us feel at ease, so all we had to do was enjoy the big day.”

FAVE DETAILS

“The flowers; seeing the flower arrangement come to life was so special in making our setting perfect! Blue skies/weather; with rain and grey clouds leading up to the wedding day, the blue skies really came through for us on the big day! Lastly, everyone’s attire; our beautiful bridal party and guests were dressed in colours and black tie, which really enhanced the theme of the day.”

Getting hitched in NZ? Say no more – head to the directory to get acquainted with our favourite local vendors from the South Island and North Island. And you can bet you’re going to find The Green Room Flower Company on there (again, did they not NAIL these light and airy florals?) Then open your Pinterest board, because we’ve got a bunch more NZ nuptials to get inspired by here.