Sam & Michael | Lake Wanaka Mountain Elopement

Sam & Michael held their intimate mountain elopement at this beautiful local Wanaka spot. Nestled on the shores of the lake in the heart of Lake Wanaka. With Samantha’s family living back home in the United States, and no sign of the pesky C-word easing up any time soon, it was an obvious choice to elope.

These two wanted something simple and casual, but it was so much more than that. Sam had got in touch a few months prior to their wedding date to see if I could shoot their Wanaka elopement in this cute little mountain town, as it was the 2nd of January which can be a tricky time of year to lock in vendors in. It goes to show that it’s absolutely achievable to plan a simple yet beautiful elopement in the space of a couple of months when you’re in the right hands.

We had planned for a mid-evening hour to get these two hitched and catch some golden light, as January in Wanaka we don’t say goodbye to the sun until around 9.30pm! We watched the weather forecast leading up to the day and sure enough we arose to rain, lightening & thunderstorms! In true adventure style, we rolled with it, shuffled around the ceremony timing to match the forecasted clearing in the middle of the storm- and boy did we nail it! Mother nature turned on the moody Wanaka mountain elopement goodness up at this stunning clearing that over looks the lake. It made for the most beautiful celebration ever for these two lovers. Congrats Sam & Michael ✨

Vendors who made this day beautiful ❤️

Hair & Make up by Deidree at Road To Beauty
Florals by Tracey at Crimson Wedding Flowers
Bridal Dress Set from Fame and Partners
Photography Kate Alexandra Photography
Celebrant Sophia Shortcliffe