Maddi and Dean first contacted me when they were planning their wedding to be held in Wellington. Their plans evolved with the arrival of Covid-19, and they made the decision (with the blessing of their families) to elope to Queenstown instead. I was absolutely honoured to be invited to photograph their Queenstown elopement, and as you can see by the photos below – it was incredible.
The morning of their wedding day was spent video calling all their loved ones, as they wanted them to be involved in their special day. The couple booked their elopement package through Stoneridge Estate and stayed in the charming stone cottage (check out the spectacular view Maddi enjoyed as she was getting her hair and makeup done)
The couple got ready together up until the point that it was time for Maddi to dress, and then had the sweetest ‘first look’ when Dean came back to see his bride for the first time. Then we popped out into the beautiful grounds of the estate to take some portraits.
It was pretty windy during their portrait session, which caused lots of giggles! Luckily the wind didn’t prevent us from being able to take our scheduled heli flight up to the Ledge on Cecil’s Peak with Heli Glenorchy.
There is something so peaceful about the landscape of Queenstown and it provided such an incredible backdrop for Maddi and Dean’s intimate ceremony. Luckily, their wedding planner was on hand and was able to video the ceremony so that their closest friends and family could watch it later that day.
I’ve always wanted to photograph a Queenstown elopement, I love being in the mountains (they’re what brought me to New Zealand 15 years ago). I’m so glad that I got to capture Maddi and Dean’s elopement- they’re perfect for one another and it was a joyous occasion.
I hope you enjoy this wee highlight of their magical day <3
x Em
If you’re considering Stoneridge Estate or Queenstown for an elopement or wedding and looking for a photographer for your special day, I’d love to chat. Drop me a line using my contact form 🙂 I specialise in timeless, documentary style wedding photography, capturing real and authentic moments. I believe photography should capture your day, rather than ruling it 🙂