Holly and Jono's Queenstown Wedding

23 June

Written By Prea James

-27/01/2023-

Holly wears the Elise Blouse and Eden Skirt

Captured by Kirsty Peta Stone

Tell us about your special day…

We got married at NZ High Country in Queenstown. We held the ceremony at an area called Summer Views, a private mountainside clearing for the ceremony and then a stroll up the hill to the marquee for the reception.

With a view over Lake Johnson to one side, and the Remarkables on the other, it was a truly spectacular and beautiful spot. Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in the world in its own right, so to find our own little private spot of paradise a 5 minute drive from the hub of Queenstown was ideal for getting all our nearest and dearest there (who ALL travelled to Queenstown) for the wedding, whilst being so so private. It was only us, our guests and some sheep!

We also didn’t tell anyone about the venue! It was a surprise for everyone! We had transport collect guests from a central point and take them up to the venue – it was so special not only keeping the whole event to ourselves for so long, but also seeing everyone’s reactions on the day!

Our overarching theme was quality time with our guests in a fun and relaxed fashion, which is exactly who the two of us are as people. We wanted it to be quintessentially “us”. We tried to come back to this essence whenever we made decisions or got caught up with the planning, it enabled us to stay true to what we wanted out of our special day.

In terms of style: wild yet dainty; bright yet soft, and not too put together, were what we wanted to achieve.

Keeping natural wooden tables, school benches for the ceremony and flowers that looked “just picked” were important. As were the bridesmaids wearing a colour and look they each loved. Sarah from The Flower Room did a beautiful job with our florals. I especially loved how we surprised the bridesmaids with a bouquet of flowers that each matched their own dresses. They looked so so beautiful.

“I didn’t see myself ever being very “bridal” so I had no idea what I wanted. The top and skirt were so chic yet still quintessentially bridal.”

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE eLISE bLOUSE AND eden Skirt?

I felt like me, like myself and my style which was really important to me. But even more importantly, I felt like an angel – an angel version of myself – which was so special! I didn’t see myself ever being very “bridal” so I had no idea what I wanted.

The top and skirt were so chic yet still quintessentially bridal. I loved that I could make my bridal look my own with sunglasses and a small handbag. The top and skirt really made me feel so comfortable in my skin.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR Gown?

I loved the fabric and the little details like the buttons and the slight shimmer in the fabric of the top and the veil. I also love that I can and will wear each piece separately one day – I actually wore the top with some linen pants on our honeymoon – it was to die for!

WHERE DID YOU PURCHASE YOUR PREA JAMES LOOK?

From the Paddington Flagship Store!

Are there any special details about your wedding that you would like to share?

We chose to do a first look and some photos before the ceremony with our bridal party and it was the best decision we made. We both felt more relaxed going into the ceremony and we had some special time with our closest friends as well.

Photos before also meant we enjoyed an aperol spritz (or two) during canapes and spend time with our guests.

My two brothers sang and played the guitar while I walked down the aisle and it was so emotional having them do that for me. We also had our friends Luke and Tannah Zancanaro playing music and they were truly amazing. Every single guest danced the night away which was really special.

I made 3 different playlists for use over the day when Luke and Tannah were taking a break, and they all went down a treat! I still listen to them now. The music was so so important to me personally as I have a real passion for the vibe a tune can create, so hearing my selections over our day/evening was so neat.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BRIDES TO BE?

Remember this wedding is your opportunity to create something supremely unique to who you and your partner are together. Keep your ethos as a couple, at the centre of the planning and the day will be more and mean more than you can ever imagine.

Also, trust your vendors – they are experts and masters of their craft.