Queenstown and Wanaka weddings: Your dream wedding destinations

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments in your life, and choosing the perfect destination is crucial to creating unforgettable memories. Queenstown and Wanaka, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, have rapidly gained popularity as dream wedding destinations. In this blog, we’ll explore why Queenstown and Wanaka should be at the top of your list, and how a Queenstown wedding photographer can capture the magic of your big day.

Queenstown weddings

Your dream wedding destinations are located in New Zealand and it’s called Queenstown. It has become synonymous with breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, and the perfect blend of nature and luxury. Here’s why Queenstown should be your ideal wedding destination:

1. 1. Scenic Beauty: Queenstown is a paradise for nature lovers. With the stunning Southern Alps as your backdrop, you’ll exchange vows in a setting of unmatched natural beauty. Whether it’s a mountaintop ceremony, a lakeside exchange of vows, or a charming vineyard reception, Queenstown offers a variety of enchanting locations to choose from.

1. 1. Year-Round Appeal: Queenstown’s charm knows no season. From snowy winter wonderlands to vibrant spring and summer celebrations, you can plan your wedding here at any time of the year. Each season offers its own unique charm, ensuring your wedding is a one-of-a-kind experience.

1. 1. Adventure and Romance: Queenstown isn’t just about scenic beauty; it’s also the adventure capital of the world. After your ceremony, you and your guests can enjoy activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, or a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and romance.

Wanaka Weddings:

Just a short drive from Queenstown, Wanaka weddings provide an equally captivating experience. Here’s why Wanaka is a top wedding destination:

1. 1. Tranquil Lakeside Setting: Wanaka is famous for its pristine lake, which offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for your special day. Say your vows against the backdrop of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, creating a serene atmosphere that’s ideal for intimate ceremonies.

1. 1. Charming Boutique Venues: Wanaka is home to charming boutique venues that exude rustic elegance. From vineyards to lakeside lodges, you’ll find a range of options to suit your style and preferences. These venues offer an intimate and personalized experience for you and your guests.

1. 1. Outdoor Adventures: Like Queenstown, Wanaka offers a host of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Your guests can extend their stay and explore the natural beauty of the region.

Queenstown Wedding Photographer:

Capturing the magic of your Queenstown or Wanaka wedding is essential, and a Queenstown wedding photographer can do just that. Here’s why hiring a professional photographer is a must:

1. 1. Local Expertise: A Queenstown wedding photographer understands the best locations and lighting for stunning wedding photos. They’ll ensure every moment is beautifully documented.

1. 1. Storytelling: A skilled photographer doesn’t just take photos; they tell a story. Your Queenstown wedding photographer will capture the emotions, the scenery, and the love between you and your partner, creating a visual narrative of your special day.

1. 1. Memories to Treasure: Your wedding photos are a timeless keepsake. They’ll be a source of joy and nostalgia for years to come, reminding you of the beauty and love that surrounded your wedding day.
   2. I have written a guide about “Finding the right wedding photographer for you.“

In conclusion, Queenstown and Wanaka are ideal wedding destinations that offer unparalleled natural beauty, year-round appeal, adventure, and romance. When planning your wedding in these breathtaking locations, don’t forget to enlist the services of a local Queenstown wedding photographer to ensure your memories are preserved in the most enchanting way possible. Your dream wedding awaits in Queenstown and Wanaka – where nature’s beauty meets love’s celebration.

If you need some mountain wedding inspiration, check out the beauty NZ has to offer at @kmp.weddings

<p>The post Queenstown and Wanaka: Your Dream Wedding Destinations first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

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Your engagement is a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of a beautiful journey with your partner. One way to make this moment even more memorable is by arranging a surprise photoshoot to capture the emotions and joy of your proposal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan and execute a surprise engagement photoshoot, ensuring every precious moment is preserved. We’ll also explore the importance of a skilled proposal photographer and photography proposal ideas to make your engagement unforgettable.

Choosing the Perfect Location

The first step in organising a surprise proposal is selecting a picturesque location that holds significance for you and your partner. Consider places that have sentimental value, like where you first met, had your first date, or where you shared a special moment together. The right backdrop will make your photos even more meaningful.

Hiring a Skilled Proposal Photographer

• Experience: Look for photographers with experience in engagement photography. Their portfolio should showcase creative and emotional proposal shots.
• Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from friends or family who have used proposal photographers. Word-of-mouth can be a valuable resource.
• Style Compatibility: Ensure that the photographer’s style aligns with your vision. Discuss your ideas and expectations before hiring them.

Planning the Surprise

Now, let’s delve into the logistics of the surprise. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Set a Date and Time: Pick a date and time when your partner is likely to be relaxed and happy. Consider your partner’s daily routine to minimize suspicion.
• Secret Communication: Share the details of the surprise photoshoot with the photographer, ensuring they know how to stay discreet. Use a code word or signal to communicate without your partner’s knowledge.
• Plan the Proposal: Think about how you want to pop the question. Do you want it to be a grand gesture or an intimate moment? Discuss this with your photographer for the best angle and timing.

Capturing the Moment

On the big day, trust your photographer to capture the magic. Here are some tips:

• Stay Relaxed: Keep calm and act naturally. Enjoy the moment with your partner.
• Follow the Photographer’s Lead: Listen to your photographer’s cues and follow their direction to get the best shots.
• Candid Moments: Some of the most touching photos happen when you and your partner are lost in the moment. Allow the photographer to capture these candid emotions.

Photography Proposal Ideas

To make your surprise truly unique, consider the following ideas:

• Scavenger Hunt Proposal: Create a scavenger hunt leading to the engagement spot, with clues that hold special memories for both of you.
• Destination Proposal: Plan a getaway proposal to a dream location, capturing the scenic beauty along with your engagement.
• Incorporate Loved Ones: Invite close friends and family to witness the proposal secretly and capture their reactions.

The Role of Surprise Engagement Photoshoot

The surprise engagement shoot serves as a time capsule for your love story. These images capture the raw emotions, excitement, and the beginning of a lifelong journey together. It’s not just about the proposal itself but also about the unguarded moments leading up to and after it.

The skilled photographer plays a pivotal role in making this vision a reality. Their ability to capture candid shots, manage lighting, and frame emotions in the most authentic way is what sets them apart. They understand the significance of this moment and are dedicated to preserving it for you.

Why a Photography Proposal Matters

A proposal photographer is not just any photographer; they specialize in capturing one of the most significant moments in your life. Here’s why hiring a professional proposal photographer matters:

• Emotion Preservation: A proposal is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with surprise, joy, and love. A skilled photographer knows how to capture these emotions in their purest form.
• Quality and Creativity: They are experts in their craft. They understand the best angles, lighting, and composition to create stunning and unique photographs.
• Focus on the Moment: By hiring a professional, you can relax and immerse yourself in the proposal without worrying about capturing the right shot. Let the photographer handle that while you savor the moment.

Conclusion

A surprise engagement shoot is a beautiful way to preserve the moment when two hearts unite. With the right photographer and a well-thought-out plan, you can create lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever. Make your engagement proposal special, and let the photographs tell your love story for generations to come.

Remember, finding the right proposal photographer is key to making your shoot truly magical. So, start your search now and create a proposal story worth sharing with the world!

If you need some inspiration as to why you should capture this moment, have a look at these.

For more wedding inspiration follow @kmp.weddings

<p>The post 8 tips to organising an unforgettable surprise engagement photoshoot first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

Best engagement photo outfits to make your shoot stand out.

Engagement photo outfits

Engagement photos are a wonderful way to capture the love and excitement of this special time in your life. They not only serve as beautiful memories but also provide a sneak peek into your unique love story. While choosing the right location and photographer are essential for stunning engagement photos, your choice of outfits plays a crucial role in making these pictures truly memorable. In this guide, we’ll explore the best engagement photo outfits and provide valuable tips on what to wear for your engagement session.

Consider Your Location and Season

One of the first things to consider when choosing engagement photo outfits is the location and season of your photo shoot. Are you planning a cozy autumn session in the woods or a sunny summer shoot by the beach? Your surroundings and the weather will play a significant role in determining the right outfits. For cooler weather, layering can add depth and style to your photos. Think about incorporating cozy sweaters, scarves, or jackets that complement your chosen color palette. In contrast, for warm weather, opt for breathable fabrics and lighter colors to keep you comfortable and looking fresh throughout the session.

Coordinate, Don’t Match 

Matching outfits may have been popular in the past, but today’s engagement photos are all about coordination rather than identical ensembles. Choose a color scheme that complements both of you and your surroundings. Neutrals like whites, creams and pastels are timeless choices that can be paired with almost any backdrop.

Dress for your personal style

Your engagement photos should reflect who you are as a couple. If you’re both comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it will show in the pictures. So, choose outfits that align with your personal style.

If you’re a couple with a classic and elegant taste, consider timeless pieces like a tailored suit for him and a simple, sophisticated dress for her. On the other hand, if you’re more bohemian and laid-back, flowy maxi dresses, relaxed linen shirts, and natural textures might be the perfect fit.

Consider the backdrop

The backdrop of your engagement photos can influence your outfit choices. If you’re taking photos in a natural setting, earthy tones and soft colors can blend beautifully with the environment. For an urban backdrop, you might want to opt for modern and sophisticated attire that complements the cityscape.

Discuss your location with your photographer and ask for their input on what outfits will work best in that setting. Their expertise can help you make informed choices that will result in stunning, harmonious photos.

Conclusion

Choosing the best engagement photo outfits is a fun and exciting part of preparing for your photoshoot. By considering your personal style, coordinating your outfits, and keeping the season, location, and backdrop in mind, you can create a memorable and visually appealing engagement photo session. Remember, it’s all about capturing the love and joy you share as a couple, so have fun with your outfit choices, and let your unique personalities shine through!

Feel free to ask me any questions, queries, concerns, I’m here to help. Pinterest is a great place for inspiration and where I’d recommend having a research. If you are tossing up the idea of even having an engagement shoot, check my blog out about why I think you should. It goes into detail about the perks of capturing that stage in your life. It’s not just another box to check in the wedding world. It will be a decision you won’t regret. 

For more outfit ideas check out my instagram for inspo.

<p>The post The yes and no’s of engagement photo outfits first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

Queenstown is a magical place and it’s a popular place for travellers all around the world, the drastic mountain tops, turquoise waters and small town feels make it a perfect backdrop for that special occasion photos, weddings, elopements, and engagements are this township’s specialty and I think it a perfect spot to escape and celebrate all in one. Queenstown is a quaint small alpine town surrounded by stunning mountains and right on the water of the third biggest lake in New Zealand which is the colour of the sky, if not bluer. With breathtaking views around every corner, you can absolutely understand people wanting their wedding photos taken here. I may be slightly biased because I’ve been lucky enough to photograph couples dream photos here for the last 4 years, but it truly is a special place. 

Because Queenstown is in demand as a wedding destination, there’s some important wedding prep. Organisation is key. I’d recommend contacting your photographer at least 6 months in advance. Using local photographers to Queenstown/Wanaka region is the best bet to avoid any travel hassles that could arise. Along with organisation comes research, google wedding photographers Queenstown and look at Instagram. Check out their gallery because all photographers have a different way of shooting and their own unique style. When picking your wedding photographer, go with the persons gallery/portfolio you love. You should be able to see yourself in their photos. 

Destination weddings in Queenstown means getting married at one of the local vineyards or flying up to a mountain top and looking over Queenstown. If you are getting married in Queenstown and having a full day wedding, I would recommend picking a venue that has variety. This way, your ceremony, bridal party photos, couple photos and ceremony shots will have the opportunity to be taken in different locations. Having a bit of variety in scenery can make all the difference to make it feel like it wasn’t all taken in the same spot. If you are eloping, my absolute favourite spot is flying up to the local mountain Cecil Peak at the Ledge. It’s this flat rocky location on local mountain that has some of the most insane views you have probably ever seen. One way you are looking back over the lake at Queenstown with Ben Lomond mountain in the background and then other direction is an endless mountain range leading down Glenorchy way. 

A few Q&As you might have about wedding photography and my style. 

WHATS YOUR STYLE?

I love the natural candid approach, which captures the true essence of your day. The more natural the better, this way the photos don’t ever look over posed. Destination weddings are more about capturing the moments in between and I love getting photos of that small laugh between you as you think no one is watching.

WHAT PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?

I offer a full range of packages from an 2 hour elopement package to a full 10 hour wedding shoot. Get in touch for my full package list.

DO YOU CHARGE A TRAVEL FEE IF MY WEDDING IS OUT OF THE AREA?

I don’t charge an extra travel fee for places within 45 minutes of Queenstown.

CAN WE GIVE YOU A LIST OF SPECIFIC SHOTS WE WOULD LIKE?

Absolutely, if you have a specific must have shot, I’m more than happy to accommodate. There is one thing to keep in mind though, no two weddings will look the same even if they were shot at the same venue. It all relies on light, details, colour scheme. So if you have a photo for reference just keep in mind it won’t ever look identical but I will do my best to make it unique to you and your wedding. 

Queenstown New Zealand is my ultimate destination wedding recommendation. 

Check out my portfolio elopements and weddings in Queenstown.

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Milford Sound

Have you heard of the 8^th wonder of the world? It’s right in New Zealand backyard, the most beautiful place in New Zealand. As far as Queenstown activities goes, this is only a hop, skip and a jump from Queenstown and the best place to visit in New Zealand. 

How to get there?

Even though Milford Sound is a stones throw away from Queenstown because it is surrounded by mountains, the journey is a windy road that takes about 4 hours to get there by car. My top recommendations for transport to Milford Sound are:

• Making a weekend of it and hiring a Jucy Van and camping along the way to get the most out of the journey. Stopping in Te Anau and camping right on Milford Sound’s front door. There’s endless hikes to conquer and wild views to witness.
  
  
• Put your feet up and relax as someone else takes the wheel, catching a coach from Queenstown to Milford may be one of the most relaxing and scenic routes you take. This gives you optimal time to take in the scenery as your driver fills you with exciting info about the Fiordland National Park around you and have a cheeky nap on the way home after sensory overload for the day. There’s also an option to get the coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound if you are already on your way.
  
  
• This Milford Sound tour is my absolutely favourite route option. For those of you that get car sick or have a jammed packed schedule and can’t give up a whole day. You can catch a scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, get the boat tour and then fly back to Queenstown. Save time and energy and see the world from a birds eye view. 

What to do in Milford Sound? 

So you might think there’s noting else to do besides sip your morning coffee cruising amongst giants on the Milford day cruise but there’s much, much more. 

• Milford Sound day cruise: This is my favourite thing to do in the Fiordland, I’ve done it many times and I’ll continue to go back because nothing quite prepares you for how vast and dramatic this landscape really is until you are standing on a boat right under the cliff faces, feeling very small but in a good way. You will drive by sheer vertical cliffs and float so close to waterfalls, you’ll have basically went swimming.  You venture the whole way through the fiord until you get to the entrance where the fiord meets the sea. Just in draw dropping beauty. To top it off, you also get lunch and a look inside the underwater observatory. For Milford Sound Day Cruise Deals check out my favourites.

• The Milford track which is one of New Zealand Great Walks. This is a 4 day adventure that is for the those seeking exile in nature. For more info DOC has you covered.

• If standing near waterfalls isn’t enough and you want more after your Milford Sound cruise, you can kayak to them. Paddle your way past Milford’s iconic permanent waterfall Bowen Falls. 

Milford Sound is playground for all ages. You just have to get out and explore it. Pick your route and pack your bags because there’s not time like the present. For more things to do around Queenstown check out my top 6 deals in Queenstown.

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Don’t miss out on that Queenstown holiday because you think you can’t afford it. Here’s 5 things you can do to make the most out of holiday while backpacking through Queenstown.

Queenstown Deals

1: Visit in the shoulder season, It’s the time of the year where the least amount of tourists are coming to New Zealand. Shoulder Seasons: Fall (March-May) and Spring (September-November) are considered shoulder seasons in New Zealand. There will be less crowds and activities are generally cheaper to entice more tourists in these low consumer times. 

2: DON’T PAY FULL PRICE FOR ANYTHING! Look online for deals in Queenstown. When booking adventure activities, accommodation or dinner. Bookme and Grabone are all great sites to snag a deal with accommodation, food or activities. Most Queenstown hotels and adventure companies have at least 10-50% when it comes to these sites and we all know $50 saved here is $50 spent elsewhere. 

3: It might not seem glamorous but staying at a backpackers in Queenstown can save you a lot and some even have private rooms. There’s so much to do in Queenstown you’ll barely be inside anyway. Nomads Queenstown, Black Sheep Queenstown and Adventure Queenstown Hostel are all great options.

4: Want to go luging in Queenstown but don’t want to pay the hefty fee to get up the gondola? The tiki trail is a hike that starts at the base of the gondola, It’s a 45minute walk up to the same place the gondola takes you. Check out All Trails to find the exact route. Enjoy the beautiful views from 450m high knowing you saved money and made the most out of your day. Just pay for your luge rides at the top. 

5: There are free activities right in central Queenstown, along the lake front the gardens has one of the most beautiful frisbee golf courses. Enjoy 18 holes while taking in those incredible lake Whakatipu views.

6: Perky’s floating bar! Yes you heard me, save money and drink at the same time. Perky’s floating bar lets you bring your own food onboard. Order a delicious cider, wine, beer or cocktail on the lake while saving money and enjoy your own packed lunch. 

Make Queenstown your next budget holiday.

If you are looking for an adventurous escape after you’ve conquered Queenstown. Head to Queenstown’s famous siste,r Wanaka for my favourite day hike Rob Roy Glacier

<p>The post Backpacking Queenstown? My top 6 tips for Queenstown Deals. first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>

Do you like bang for your buck? If you said yes, keep reading. If not keep reading because we all know everyone likes a bang for their buck. That bang being insane views and your buck being little effort. 

I’m not going to lie, it sadly took me 3 years to get around to doing this Wanaka hike, because we leave the best for last right? I find the longer I’m in NZ the more hikes get added to my long list of must dos and so the original ones seem to get lost. With the borders still being shut it’s given me a prime opportunity to get back into ticking those OG hikes off the list and hence the deep dive into my notes where I store all must do hiking list. 

So if you are looking for things to do in Wanaka, then add Rob Roy Glacier to your list. The Mount Aspiring National Park is truely a sight for sore eyes.

GLACIERS

If you love glaciers, waterfalls and epic views, then you have come to the right place. Rob Roy glacier hike is here to give you all the serotonin you need. If you are sitting there thinking there’s no way you are going to convince me to hike for 8 hours uphill, don’t zone out just yet. You may find this will become your new favourite hike. 

Can you commit 1.5 hours of your life? Because with it being one of the easier hikes around Wanaka you won’t regret making the effort. You start your journey in Mount Aspiring national park, parking at Raspberry flat carpark. To find the exact trailhead go to the DOC site for Roy Roy Glacier. Its roughly 400m in elevation gain, which for epic views, you can admit, it’s not that much. With blue water rivers and beautiful green forests keeping you distracted enough to forget about the uphill action your legs are doing its not long until your enter a valley of what I like to call dreams. You’ll understand when you see it for yourself.

So here’s what you need to know.

It’s 10k return, 450m elevation gain, roughly 4 hours return. You’ll need water and snacks (always). If needed it’s by a river so you could fill up from the glacial fed river but its best to take some anyway. 

Convinced? If I haven’t convinced you to do the easiest hike for how high the reward is, then you can probably confirm hiking isn’t for you! 

So if you’ve had enough and still haven’t added this to your hiking list, then you can check out now because if you are after a little bit extra for the day, there is a few detours which I highly recommend. Once you get to the end of the track, at the look out point, you can walk down to the river and head right where you’ll find yourself walking towards a big glacier. The closer you get the more you’ll feel the cool breeze of the wind blowing through the crevasse of the mountains and here you’ll be close to some magnificent waterfalls.

If you fancy getting numb feet and think you can handle the pain, you can actually cross the river (at some points where the water is low and only if it hasn’t been raining. Be careful and do your own research and judgment call on making this decision. #safetyfirst) for me the water was barely up to my knees and while I was grinding my teeth through the sharp cold pains of the fresh glacial water, it was worth it for the 2 second on uncomfortable pain. If you have the whole day and you’ve made the effort to get here, my motto in life is you may as well. So you may as well go on that extra little adventure and make the most out of your day.

For more hiking goodies in the South Island of NZ check out Sefton Bivvy in the Mount Cook National Park

<p>The post THE BEST GO TO HIKE IN MT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK first appeared on Krista May Photography.</p>