Surrounded by the stunning peaks of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and the golden colors of fall, Kiah and Adam celebrated their love in a truly intimate and elegant way. Their day at Manata Lodge featured organic decor, seasonal florals, and cozy touches, all enhanced by the natural beauty of the setting. A highlight was their helicopter ride to snow-dusted mountains, where the photographer Kate Roberge beautifully captured breathtaking moments against the dramatic landscape.
Location: Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
Style: Organic, intimate, minimalistic
Time of planning: 18 months
Number of guests: 40
Setting: Garden
Season: Fall
Kiah and Adam’s journey began over seven years ago on a dating site. However, destiny had seemingly been weaving their paths together long before — “We used to swim together in the early morning as kids. He is my soulmate,” shared the bride. Their proposal was perfect for them: raw, intimate, and on an empty beach near their home in Australia. “I ugly cried,” Kiah admits with a laugh, recalling the moment that cemented their decision to spend a lifetime together.
The couple had always dreamed of New Zealand as their wedding destination, drawn to its natural beauty and raw charm. What started as a consideration to elope evolved into an intimate wedding of 40 guests — a perfect balance of romance and community.
Bridal Morning
Kiah’s wedding morning began with heartfelt surprises, including a touching book of letters from loved ones, prepared by her sister. “This definitely got the tears started!“ shared the bride.
For the ceremony, she chose a long-sleeved gown by Katherine Tash, embodying understated elegance. This was beautifully complemented by ivory satin vintage shoes and a two-tiered veil, adding a timeless touch to her look.
"I always envisioned myself in a long-sleeve dress, and it was absolutely perfect for the New Zealand autumn weather."
For the reception, she transformed into a silk mikado mini dress, custom-made and inspired by her mother’s 1990s wedding style. Paired with a pearl necklace gifted by her mom and a shortened veil, the second look was chic yet playful, perfect for dancing the night away.
Her hair was styled loosely by Claire Topliff at Beautiful Bridal Hair, with soft curls framing her face, while Alarna Taylor’s natural bronze makeup enhanced her radiant glow. Kiah’s minimalistic bouquet of white flowers with earthy accents echoed the organic theme of the day and seamlessly completed her bridal ensemble.
Adam looked effortlessly sharp in a classic black tuxedo, perfectly paired with rugged Rodd & Gunn boots. A Tommy Hilfiger watch, engraved by Kiah, added a sentimental touch, making his look as personal as it was polished.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on a crisp April day, surrounded by the golden hues of autumn in the gardens of Manata Lodge. With the iconic Coronet Peak in the background and minimalist floral arrangements by Little Botanica, the setting was simple yet stunning, letting nature take center stage.
Guests sat on black chairs draped with cozy blankets, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The couple opted for a classic ceremony with heartfelt vows, while a live acoustic singer added to the emotional and intimate vibe. They sealed their love with a kiss as guests cheered and tossed petals into the air — a joyful moment beautifully captured by Kate Roberge.
"We felt the love, I’ve never seen a more excited bride, it was raw and intimate."
Cocktail Hour
After the heartfelt ceremony, guests were welcomed into a relaxed cocktail hour on the lodge’s grounds, soaking in the stunning views of Coronet Peak and the surrounding autumnal landscape. The atmosphere was laid-back yet elegant, with drinks flowing and laughter filling the air. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails and a selection of canapés, all thoughtfully curated to complement the season.
Adding a fun and personal touch, a polaroid station was set up with a guestbook where friends and family could snap instant photos and leave heartfelt messages for the couple. It was a creative way to capture candid memories and added an interactive element everyone loved. This cocktail hour perfectly set the tone for the evening, keeping the focus on connection, joy, and the little moments that make celebrations unforgettable.
Private Moment
Following the cocktail hour, Kiah and Adam boarded a helicopter to Coronet Peak, a thrilling adventure that nearly didn’t happen due to low-hanging clouds. As they soared above the landscape, their guests waved from below, and the fresh, snow-dusted peaks became the perfect setting for their photos.
"Having that moment to soak it in on the helicopter together was a moment we’ll never forget."
The photographer Kate Roberge captured the raw beauty of the moment with breathtaking precision. From the couple standing hand in hand against the dramatic backdrop of rugged peaks to the tender embraces framed by golden autumn grass, each shot felt like a work of art. The interplay between the couple’s love and the rugged New Zealand wilderness resulted in photos that truly told the story of their day.
Decor & Setting
Kiah’s vision was clear from the start: an organic, modern aesthetic that seamlessly celebrated the natural beauty of fall. The concept was brought to life with meticulous attention to detail in partnership with Harriet, a planner from Alexandra Kate. Florals by Little Botanica combined loose, artful arrangements of seasonal blooms like dahlias and roses, accented with foraged foliage and blackberries for a touch of wild charm.
The reception tables were a stunning centerpiece, showcasing a creative mix of taper candles, olive linen napkins, and an unexpected yet delightful addition — seasonal vegetables like eggplants and heirloom carrots. “Underneath the menus, we left a personalized handwritten note to each guest, which was a very special touch!” — added the bride.
Reception & Party
The reception was set inside a sleek black tent from You Gather, mixing effortlessly with the lodge’s natural beauty. Espresso martinis with personalized cocktail floats kicked off the evening, followed by heartfelt speeches and the couple’s intimate first dance to “I Dare You” by The XX. “A song Adam and I listen to most mornings when getting ready, it is not a well-known song but one special to us,” shared Kiah.
The wedding cake by Weeping Willow Cakes, a minimalist design that perfectly balanced elegance and whimsy became a centerpiece of the evening. The moment Kiah and Adam cut the cake, surrounded by cheers, was beautifully captured by Kate Roberge. Guests enjoyed cake slices and other sweet bites perfectly complemented by flowing champagne.
As the party kicked into high gear, Kiah changed into a chic mini dress, ready to hit the dance floor. Fun accessories like quirky sunglasses and LED light sticks were handed out, adding a playful twist to the celebration. With retro hits and Taylor Swift tracks (a must-have from Kiah’s playlist) filling the air, the dance floor buzzed with energy.
The evening ended on a deeply emotional note as guests formed a circle around the couple during the final song, “Horses.” It was a memorable moment that perfectly concluded an unforgettable day.
Advice from the couple:
• If you’re considering having a small, intimate wedding, you won’t regret it! It was magical having all our nearest and dearest there, as we felt like we could be our most authentic and vulnerable selves.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Roberge | VIDEOGRAPHER Nathan Armstrong | PLANNER Alexandra Kate | FLORALS Little Botanica | HAIR Claire Topliff at Beautiful Bridal Hair | MAKEUP Alarna Taylor | CAKE Weeping Willow Cakes | CELEBRANT Philippa Thomas | STATIONERY Tawo Studio | TENT You Gather
