New Zealand Elopement

Kelly and Joe reached out to me with the most incredible opportunity, they wanted me to shoot their elopement in New Zealand! I absolutely and ecstatically agreed and we started planning their epic day. Now, I am an avid traveler and New Zealand has been at the top of my bucket list for YEARS! One thing to know about me, I will travel to anywhere on the planet to photograph your wedding. Traveling is my love language and so is photography 😉

I flew into Auckland, New Zealand to explore the North island for a few days before their elopement. New Zealand is just as incredible as I thought it would be! While growing up, my dad was a huge Lord of the Rings fan, so we watched all of the movies multiple times. It was so cool seeing where they film Hobbiton! I traveled to Queenstown to settle in 2 days before their elopement and I checked out Milford Sound and I hiked Mt. Cook which was one of the most beautiful hikes I have done in my entire life! Queenstown is breathtaking on its own, it felt like a blend of an Italian lake town and Sun Valley, Idaho.

Back to business, their elopement was absolutely breathtaking. I have linked their gallery here (https://katherinekareephotography.pixieset.com/newzealandelopement/) because there are not enough photos in the world to do their day the justice that was witnessed. Even before the views, Kelly and Joe wanted to have their intimate morning photographed at their Airbnb. They sipped coffee, wrote their vows together in/next to a little outdoor bathtub, and got dressed together before we headed out to their elopement location.

We arrived at Aspiring Helicopters in Wanaka, New Zealand and they safely transported us to the top of Coromandel Peak! The views were unbelievable. I am not sure I will see a more gorgeous view for the rest of my life. They spent their time on the mountain frolicking, dancing, sharing their heartfelt vows, eating cake, and taking in the views. It was a core memory day.