CHICAGO + SAM: A wildly bright and beautiful day
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Time to read 4 min
This wedding was the kind that just felt like a party from the moment you arrived—full of bold, happy flowers, playful little details (yes, fruit and bows on the tables!), and that unbeatable buzz of having all your favourite people in one of the most beautiful spots on earth.
Wānaka was the obvious choice for this Kiwi-Aussie duo, and it didn’t disappoint.
From emotional surprises to a helicopter adventure that took the newlyweds to a dreamy private peninsula, this day was packed with colour, fun, and so much love.
What made you choose to get married in Central Otago?
We chose to get married in Wanaka because it's somewhere where I spent a lot of time growing up, and I have the best memories there! I'm a born and bred Kiwi, and my husband Sam is a true blue Aussie - and every time we have been to NZ together, we have squeezed in some time down in Wanaka. It's our favourite place to holiday and just brings back all the feel-good mems for us both.
We also wanted our Aussie friends and family to experience it too - it's SO much different to where we live in South Australia, and a lot of them had never made the 3-hour flight over, so it was a lot of their first time experiencing Central Otago and NZ too, and there truly is no better place to experience your first time in NZ!
Any favourite or outstanding details?
The most memorable part of the day/leading up to it, was having a lot of our Australian friends and family travel to be there with us and witnessing their reactions to how epic NZ is.
It was also really special to have many of my NZ family be there since I live away and don't get to see them as often as I'd like. Although, as special as it was having so many of our nearest and dearest be there with us, two special people couldn't make it (Sam's Gran & Grandpa), so we secretly got together before the wedding, and they recorded a special voice memo that was played as a surprise before I walked down the aisle. Apparently, there weren't very many dry eyes after it was played! And then of course, the helicopter! This was by far one of the best decisions we made, and we're so glad we did it - and what an unreal day for it!
We couldn't have asked for better weather and being whisked away to the Peninsula was a highlight we'll remember forever - and it was so special to spend some time together in amongst the chaos and finally realise that we're HUSBAND AND WIFE!
Can you share any special details about your dress, ring or shoes?
My dress was by Eva Lendel, and Sam's Aunty Di made my scarf, which was really special. I wore Mi Piaci heels in a baby blue shade as my 'something blue', and I love them so much! I also had a second party dress, which was by Odd Muse.
Our wedding bands are by Linden Cook, and they have our fingerprint impressions engraved on them, so mine has Sam's fingerprint, and he has my fingerprint. They're different, and we are obsessed with them!
Any stand-out vendors?
All of our vendors were INCREDIBLE!!!
Venue - Lookout Lodge - Nancy was amazing to work with and we had so many compliments on the view and everything about the place. We absolutely loved the little cabin we got to stay in the night of the wedding with the view, spa and outdoor shower, sooo cool!
Caterer - Moreish Kitchen - We still get so many compliments on how amazing the food was and the service! And their Espresso Martinis were next-level amazing!
Cake - White Rabbit Cakes - Best cake we've ever had, delicious!
Florals - The Green Room Flower Company - OMG you guys!!!! Are just the best! I still look at photos of our nest, bouquets, table arrangements etc, every day and fall in love more and more. We have had so many comments on how phenomenal they looked and how bright and beautiful they were. You guys were the best hype girls and it paid off! And the styling of the tables, bar etc was just perfect - no notes, just perfection.
Signage - Spearmint Signage - Tash was epic and created absolute magic on a short time-frame! I was obsessed with what she created and am so stoked to have been able to bring most of it home with us!
Band - LA Social - These guys nailed it, absolutely read the dancefloor and provided tune after tune.
Photographer - Alpine Image Co - We had Jen working with us, and she was just phenomenal, made us feel so comfortable and captured the day beautifully!
Videographer - Wild in White - Scott was also such a joy to have around on our day, he and Jen together made such a dream team, and we can't wait to see what magic he produces!
Dress & Suit Steaming - Wanaka Pristine Steaming - Neda is beautiful and did such an amazing job at my dress and all of the suits.
Celebrant - Caitlin Shannon - She is actually one of my university besties, so to have her marry us was truly so special!
Vendor list:
Venue: Lookout Lodge
Florals: The Green Room Flower Co
Photographer: Alpine Image Co
Videographer: Wild in White
Celebrant: Caitlin Shannon
Catering: Moreish Kitchen
Music: LA Social
Cake: White Rabbit Cakes
Signage: Spearmint Signage
Wedding Bands: Linden Cook
Dresses: Eva Lendel + Odd Muse
