Being immersed in one of the world’s most gorgeous natural habitats, this week’s White Lily bride Kate and husband Simon took our breath away with their stunning wedding images by Kiwicaptures. Their helicopter ride to the top of Peninsula Peak allowed the couple to catch the most beautiful sunset; not only were they surrounded by magical scenery and unbelievable views of New Zealand’s Wanaka, but it was also a beautiful epilogue to their mountain top engagement in 2017.
Tell us how the question got popped!
“Simon proposed in June 2017 on our first day skiing at Coronet Peak. He made me walk to the top of Coronet Peak- I wasn't really appreciating this request at the time as I had to walk in my ski boots (which were bloody heavy). When we got to the top, I thought wow this is so unreal I can't wait to show my siblings the photo. Having turned away from Simon to take in the glorious view, I then turned around to see him on the ground. I initially thought he had dropped something and it wasn't until he pulled out the shiny ring box I clicked. I of course said yes and after a good twenty minutes coming to terms with what had happened, we then we skied down the mountain and met up with my brother and sister who were over skiing from Aussie also at the time.”
Wedding Styling
Their styling was minimal yet beautiful with a focus on all the important things: A stunning location, great company and food, and lots of booze! “We really wanted a venue where we could supply our own booze- being the big booze heads we are (jokes). Thankfully we found that in Lookout Lodge. We didn't really have a style in mind but once we picked our venue, we knew we wanted something which would suit the venue- we ended up going quite minimalistic with styling. I also knew I wanted a family banquet platter style delivered to the table as strongly believe food is what brings people together.” Cheers to that!
The Gown
Just like Kate and Simon’s location choice, our White Lily bride’s dream dress was inspired by nature. The floral lace appliqués on ELARA by Pronovias complimented the NZ couple’s wedding in every way. When first trying it on she loved how light and comfortable it felt: “I didn't want to feel restricted on the day or have to go on a crazy diet regime just to fit the dress.” Kate also added some custom bows to her straps to make the gown even more unique and add an ‘extra touch of NZ’. We are obsessed!
An Overseas Wedding in Times of Covid
Anyone who has family overseas knows how hard and devastating it can be to watch Covid change your plans over, and over, and over again. As Kate is originally from Australia, our global pandemic was pure devastation. Originally, their wedding was planned for April 2020 and soon postponed to January 2021. Despite their hopes of being able to spend their big day with their loved ones from Australia, borders remained shut: “After much deliberation, heartache and uncertainty we set a new date for Jan 12th 2021 with high hopes that a NZ-Australian bubble would be in operation by then. Unfortunately, that was not the case and it meant getting married without 47 Aussies that had originally booked to come over for our wedding (including my four bridesmaids). Thankfully I had two good NZ friends' step in as bridesmaids for me on the day- which helped tremendously as I felt less alone and they went above and beyond to make up for the fact my family and friends couldn't make it.” Despite their heartbreak and devastation, Kate and Simon made the most out of their day by FaceTiming their loved ones and life streaming their ceremony thanks to Wanaka Video. Their Aussie guests even made a surprise video: “Simon organised this with the help of sister Brooke who is a video whiz- it was a real tear jerker and a complete surprise to me.”
Kate’s Advice
Upon asking Kate what valuable advice she has for other future White Lily brides, she appeals to everyone who is on the fence about getting their photos done prior to their ceremony: “…just do it. It makes for a way more relaxed ceremony and you get to spend more time with your guests after the ceremony. Also, when you first see each other, it is just you two- no one else which is pretty special.”
Just The Beginning of Eternity
“My favourite thing about being married is that there is no more wedding organisation- jokes- all that aside, it is pretty cool knowing that the person I love the most in the world is now my husband and despite a world-wide pandemic and family living overseas we made our wedding work.”
Complete the sentence: Being married means you still have to work at your relationship - just because you are married doesn't mean that you should not go on date nights or do the things you did before you were married.
Bridesmaid dresses: Tania Olsen
