There is something so utterly romantic about elopements! To me they are special, because there can be nothing on earth so intimate as being almost entirely alone exchanging vows with the one you love. And the only way I can think of, to possibly make it any more idyllic is to elope somewhere magical, surrounded by nature…..

I am sure many of you dream of having a large Pinterest-perfect affair and would never even entertain the idea of eloping. But when you peel back all the pretty layers, right there at the heart of a wedding is the promise of forever. And I think eloping is the perfect way to ensure your focus remains on that promise. Elopements are a way to celebrate your commitment without the immense social and financial pressures that often accompany weddings today; and to ensure your days stays exactly that: YOURS. It is not a matter of being selfish, or maybe it is, but after all it is your love, your wedding, the start of your marriage and it should be completely and absolutely about you. And who says your elopement can’t be just as beautiful as a big wedding?

Wanting a private and relaxed wedding, Tammy and Kevin eloped to beautiful Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand (after seeing someone else’s wedding there on a blog!), to tie the knot without the distraction of friends and family. And in so doing enjoyed such a romantic and intimate day, against the most incredible backdrop, that is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Before all the beauty though, a few words from the talented lady who captured the happy couple, their day and the majestic New Zealand scenery perfectly! Jemma Keech “Last year I photographed Tammy & Kevin’s beautiful elopement in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. It was my first time to NZ and I was absolutely in awe of it’s breathtaking beauty everywhere you turned. I was so lucky to be asked by Tammy & Kevin to come over and capture their beautiful elopement – it was a very special day.”

Can you believe the lady behind the lens, Jemma Keech prepared Tammy’s bouquet for her?! Isn’t it stunning?

Tammy’s stunning dress was by none other than CVB fave Claire Pettibone “I love the romantic and soft feeling of the dress, which I found and fell in love with on my favorite photographer’s blog. ”

Tammy completed her romantic vintage look with a silk flower crown from Erica Elizabeth Designs and beautiful natural hair & makeup by Sophie Lau from Sydney.

After getting ready in Queenstown the couple enjoyed a stunning drive to the edge of Lake Wanaka. They kept their absolutely beautiful ceremony simple and intimate, with just a few heartfelt readings suggested by the celebrant.

After their ceremony the couple planned something just a little extra special for their portraits. “We had a photography session up on the mountain which we had to fly to by helicopter. The view was amazing!” And the portraits are pretty special too!

In fact, other than becoming husband and wife, there is no surprise when it came to Tammy & Kevin’s favourite part of their elopement “The spectacular scenery in New Zealand! We absolutely fell in love with the country, we will definitely be back to celebrate our anniversary!”

After the ceremony and the photos the couple celebrated with a meal in Wanaka. Despite wanting to keep their wedding simple there was one tradition Tammy couldn’t resist “We had a little wedding cake as well for celebration!”

After 13 years together the couple planned their wedding in just a few short months. Tammy described their planning process “It didn’t take that long, as it was an elopement, and it was just fun.”

Pearls of wedding wisdom from the bride…..

“An elopement is different to typical weddings. It is truly an intimate wedding, which belongs to both of you, you have total freedom!”

For this couple there could be only one photographer, after Tammy saw some of her work, even flying Australia based Jemma, out to New Zealand to be with them. “I found Jemma from reading other blogs. I love her fine art style and most importantly for us, she took film.”

Tammy & Kevin’s day really shows that even if you’re eloping, you can cherish and celebrate the fact that it is a wedding. It doesn’t make it any less so because no one else is there. By taking the time to make it exactly what you both want and being creative, your elopement can be just as special as a wedding with the largest guest list and biggest budget, more so even!

A big thankyou to the rather talented Jemma Keech for sharing Tammy & Kevin’s beautiful day – you can see more of her work by visiting her website, and she can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

And a huge congratulations to the happy couple – and soon to be family!

Amy

x

Photography ~ Jemma Keech //Wedding Dress ~ Claire Pettibone // Headpiece ~ Erica Elizabeth Designs // Shoes ~ Badgley Mischka // Hair & Makeup ~ Sophie Lau from Sydney // Bouquet ~ Jemma Keech // Groom ~ Topman