On a summer day in Arrowtown, New Zealand, Hannah and James gathered with closest friends and family to celebrate their love at the newly renovated Vingard venue. Their wedding was brought to life by the meticulous planning of Alexandra Kate Creative, ensuring every detail was perfect, despite the challenges of weather and planning from afar.
Location: Arrowtown, New Zealand
Style: Modern, chic, clean, crisp
Time of planning: 1 year
Setting: Event venue
Season: Summer
Hannah and James’ love story began in the summer of 2014 when Hannah’s friend convinced her to be a wingman. What started as a simple favor turned into a summer of love that blossomed into a lifelong commitment. “Nine years later, we’re still grateful for the unexpected chance of meeting that brought us together,” shared Hannah.
After a morning of heavy rain, against the breathtaking backdrop of Earnslaw Burn, New Zealand, the skies cleared and revealed dramatic falls that set the scene for James’ surprise proposal—a moment that left Hannah buzzing for days.
Location & Planning
The couple’s wedding was held at Vingard, a venue known for its sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, which aligned perfectly with Hannah and James’ vision for their day. The couple relied on the expertise of their planners and vendors to create a celebration that was elegant, modern, and true to their personal style.
“We worked with a planner Alexandra Kate Creative for a little under a year to bring our summer wedding to life.”
Bridal Attire
For Hannah, her wedding day look was a modern take on classical elegance. “Structure, fit, and fabric were all careful considerations,” she explained. Hannah’s wedding gown, designed by Kenny and Harlow, featured clean lines and a timeless silhouette that made her feel both beautiful and authentic.
A particularly meaningful touch was a small square of fabric stitched into the back of Hannah’s dress by her mum. “This was from my grandmother’s wedding dress, a pink silk. My grandparents were married for more than 50 years and are such an inspiration. It felt right to have a piece with me,” the bride shared.
The look was completed with a pair of sparkling Manolo Blahnik shoes, pearl studs, a diamond necklace, and delicate bracelets by Meadowlark and CD Claire de Lune. “I wanted each piece to complement, rather than compete,” Hannah noted, embodying the essence of Gabrielle Chanel’s famous quote: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off”.
"It felt undone yet timeless, while also feeling authentic to myself."
Groom's Morning
James opted for a traditional tuxedo with personal touches that made it uniquely his. His suit and shirt, both bespoke from Maharajas Custom Tailors in Singapore, included monogrammed cuffs—a detail that added sentimental value. He paired his outfit with Crockett & Jones shoes, a Working Style bow tie, and an Omega Speedmaster Automatic watch, a silver heirloom that complemented his classic look.
The groomsmen, matching James in style, also had their names embroidered inside their jackets, bringing a cohesive and individualized look to the group.
First Look
This allowed them to connect before the whirlwind of the day unfolded. It was a surreal moment, marking the beginning of their wedding day and the realization that they were about to start a new chapter as husband and wife.
The most memorable moment from the wedding day was undoubtedly our first look, which Hannah and James chose to share their first look privately, accompanied by their beloved dog. “It felt like a significant milestone in our journey of nine years, a moment where we saw each other in a new light, acknowledging the growth and experiences we had shared,” recalled Hannah.
It marked a surreal moment in time where we both realized the day was truly here, and I had the privilege to marry my best friend.
Ceremony
Originally planned to be outdoors, the ceremony was moved inside due to unpredictable weather. The Vingard’s indoor space, however, proved to be a beautiful alternative, where guests enjoyed a glass of champagne as they awaited the arrival of the beautiful bride.
“We were lucky our venue had this option without encroaching on the reception set up.”
Alexandra Kate Creative, the planner, designed an elegant setting with minimalist decor, featuring lush white floral arrangements by Little Botanica and greenery by B.Leaf, which created a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.
The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, filled with smiles from the couple and their guests, and culminating in a shower of flower petals as the couple shared their first kiss.
Bridesmaids, dressed in sleek black gowns, carried simple white bouquets, echoing the chic, minimalist theme. Hannah surprised them with drop pearl earrings. “I wanted a keepsake that would remind them of standing by my side. I felt so grateful to have such wonderful friends supporting me,” she shared.
After-ceremony Moment
After the ceremony, Hannah and James, along with their wedding party, stepped outside to take breathtaking photos against the picturesque mountains and the brilliant blue sky. Their photographer, Emmylou Kelly, masterfully captured the essence of the day, using natural light and sweeping views to create images that are both striking and deeply emotional.
"While our wedding followed the conventional path with ceremony and cake, we cherished moments that were just for us."
Decor & Setting
The reception decor showcasted modern elegance and natural elements. The long tables were decorated with white linens, creating a clean and sophisticated look as the bride desired. Each table was beautifully accented with delicate floral arrangements featuring white roses, hydrangeas, and greenery. The minimalist approach to the decor allowed the natural beauty of the venue to shine through, with light streaming in from large windows, adding a soft, natural glow to the setting.
Around the room, lush greenery and carefully placed candles added warmth and intimacy to the atmosphere. The simple and elegant design extended to the cake table, where a sleek white cake by Sophie Roseanna stood surrounded by soft draping and more greenery, tying the entire aesthetic together.
Reception
The reception began with the couple dancing to Bileo’s “You Can Win,” setting a joyful tone for the evening.
The dinner was a culinary experience provided by Artisan Catering, where guests enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere filled with laughter and heartfelt speeches.
"All guests had their drinks topped up prior to this to ensure the relaxed and somewhat party atmosphere continued."
Party & Entertainment
As the night progressed, the dance floor came alive with music from LA Social, keeping guests entertained into the late hours. Frozen cocktails flowed throughout the night as everyone moved to the dance floor, which had been transformed from the earlier ceremony site, for Hannah and James’ first dance to “One” by Mild Orange.
Later, Hannah surprised everyone by changing into a chic, short dress, adding a playful twist to the evening. The couple ended their night with a joyful celebration under the stars, popping champagne and sharing a moment of pure joy, as captured in the dynamic photos.
Second Day
The following day, Hannah and James took a private helicopter ride with Heliworks, capturing breathtaking views of Queenstown from above. This adventure was not just about the stunning landscape; it was a moment for the couple to reflect on their journey and the incredible wedding day that had been so beautifully planned. As they soared over mountains and valleys, they cherished the memories of a day filled with love, laughter, and joyous moments.
Advice from the couple:
• Throughout the day, make sure to take moments together to fully absorb and appreciate the significance of each moment. We made a conscious effort to stay by each other’s side as the whirlwind unfolded.
• One invaluable tip James received was to have two shirts on hand. This practicality ensured he could freely embrace friends and family without worrying about makeup smudges, also perfect for a summer’s day. An easy way to maintain a polished appearance effortlessly.
• On the day, embrace spontaneity and know all the planning is behind you. Allow yourselves to bask in the moment and appreciate the journey you’ve taken together.
PLANNER & STYLIST Alexandra Kate Creative | VENUE Vingard venue | PHOTOGRAPHER Emmylou Kelly | VIDEOGRAPHER Runaway Films | FLORALS Little Botanica | PLANTS B.Leaf | DRESS Kenny and Harlow | SHOES Manolo Blahnik | CATERING Artisan Catering | CAKE Sophie Roseanna | STATIONARY H.Studio | RENTALS Olive Linen, Hayley The Hirer, QT Wedding Hire, Visual Events | ENTERTAINMENT LA Social | HELICOPTER Heliworks
