An Intimate And Majestic Middle-Earth Elopement In New Zealand (With A Rainbow!)
Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Humboldt Mountains in Glenorchy, New Zealand, Jamie Lee, an English teacher, exchanged vows with her history teacher partner Kyle on June 10, 2016. The couple’s love story was a harmonious blend of their shared passions for education and adventure.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As we prepared for our special day, a surprise package arrived at our hotel door. It was a cloak crafted by the same skilled artisans who brought Middle-earth’s iconic garments to life in the Lord of the Rings movies. With our attire ready, Kyle and I traveled to Glenorchy, New Zealand, to meet our photographer, Dawn. Unbeknownst to us, the skies had other plans.
The relentless rain that had persisted all day finally cleared, revealing a breathtaking rainbow arcing across the sky – a poignant reminder of the beauty that awaited us. We then ventured to HeliGlenorchy and boarded a helicopter to soar above Lake Wakatipu and the majestic Humboldt Mountains. This was our first time in a chopper, and the experience defied description. The landscape unfolded before us like a canvas of unparalleled magnificence.
We landed on the snowy upper reaches of the Humboldts, where we donned our wedding finery and trekked through the snow-covered terrain. As Dawn captured our moments amidst this winter wonderland, Kyle and I found ourselves standing atop a rock, surrounded by the serene silence of the mountains. It was here that we spoke our vows to one another, our words carried away on the wind as we affirmed our love to the universe.
For us, marriage is an act of devotion that resonates with the world; saying those vows in this breathtaking setting felt like communing with something greater than ourselves.
Tell us about your reception:
In lieu of a conventional reception, we opted for an informal gathering at a cozy local pub. Dressed in our finest attire, we mingled with loved ones over plates of hearty pub fare, raising glasses to toast the joyous occasion. The atmosphere was relaxed, warm, and utterly authentic – a perfect reflection of the laid-back, low-key vibe that defined our special day.
What was your most important lesson learned?
The most significant takeaway I’ve gathered is the importance of prioritizing your partner’s desires and needs for the wedding, embracing compromise, and courageously bringing your shared fantasies to life. Kyle and I may differ in various ways, which we view as a strength that complements our relationship. Our decision to combine the traditional wedding with an elopement proved to be the perfect fit for us.
Additionally, I’ve come to realize that your special day can serve as the ideal opportunity to fulfill long-held aspirations. Whether it’s walking the perilous path of Mordor or witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, consider setting up a honeymoon fund or starting a savings account to make those dreams a reality.
As you embark on this journey with the person you love, remember that your wedding can be a chance to start living your dreams.
Vendors
The creative team behind this unforgettable event consisted of a talented photographer, Dawn Thomson, who captured the special moments with precision and flair. The stunning dress worn by the bride was designed by Atelieria, while the groom’s suit was provided by Omen. The beautiful arrangements were crafted by Wild Blooms Floral Design, adding a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic. For transportation, HeliGlenorchy was relied upon to whisk away the happy couple in style.
