When close friends and family members heard whispers that Sarah and James were planning a helicopter New Zealand elopement in the scenic mountainous region of Queenstown, they simply refused to miss out on all the action hence why this New Zealand elopement turned into a small and intimate helicopter New Zealand wedding in the stunning Matakauri Lodge.

Sarah, an emergency veterinarian, met her future husband when his puppy Storm was in need of an emergency consultation. It was love at first sight. After many adventures together with countless travel and volunteering around the globe, James decided to propose to Sarah days before deploying overseas for work with the army for 6 months at an impromptu sunset picnic down by their local beach.

New Zealand was the first country the couple travelled together to and somewhere close to their hearts, namely the wildness of the New Zealand terrain. So on a perfect winter’s day in New Zealand Sarah and James tied the knot just how they imagined.

Their wedding day started with yoga, before the real adventure began flying up to the top of Mount Creighton for their photo shoot. Sarah hadn't planned on wearing her custom made Mode & Affaire jacket to the ceremony but the cold conditions meant it was the perfect accompaniment to her entire outfit; including hiking boots under her wedding gown to ensure she was prepared for the New Zealand mountainous terrain.

Photography: Dawn Thomson Photography

Flowers: The Vase Queenstown

Jacket: Mode & Affaire Bride (custom made)

Venue: Matakauri Lodge Queenstown

Makeup: Pip at I Am Makeup

Hair: Vic at Boho Bridal Hair

Dress: Gemy Maalouf

Suit: Sergios Queenstown