New Zealand Elopement // Kirstie + Chris
Kirstie + Chris’ elopement embodied the spirit of a laid back Akaroa wedding, and this cool Christchurch couple came up with the original idea to get hitched at one of the most beautiful elopement locations in New Zealand – Te Wepu Intrepid Pods. It was the first wedding ever to be held at Te Wepu in French Farm!
Our happy couple booked us to photograph their intimate ceremony as they loved our relaxed style of wedding photography and conveniently, we live just down the road from Te Wepu… in paradise! As Banks Peninsula wedding photographers we are always up for shooting low-key Akaroa weddings, micro weddings and elopements… especially those that are super chilled, free-spirited and fun! We felt so honoured when Kirstie + Chris asked us to be their witnesses too!
Because we are local photographers based in Akaroa, we were able to pop up to Te Wepu the week before the big day to check out the location options for the couple’s ceremony and portraits, which made photographing the elopement on the day feel completely seamless. We even sent our drone up on the recce to check out the stunning ariel views over Akaroa Harbour. We don’t think there’s a more impressive spot on the Peninsula for a secluded ‘runaway’ ceremony with our lovely local celebrant Phillipa Linton. Her warmth and ability to make people feel at ease is truly a wonder to behold, and she’s very good at delivering a short ‘n sweet ceremony too if that’s your thing!
Te Wepu’s spectacular elopement ceremony views can be reached thanks to Kate + Richie Bocock (the fab owners of Te Wepu) who will drive you up the hill to your very own private pod in one of their snazzy farm vehicles (a 4x4 Kubota!) and if you’re lucky enough… Louie the pod dog will join you for the ride.
Our trailblazing elopers Kirstie + Chris booked the ‘Ruru’ pod (after seeing it online) which has its own private setting including wood fired hot tub, cosy bathrobes, fire pit and a comfortable bed with views overlooking Onawe Peninsula and French Farm Bay. After the ceremony and photos… we departed in the Kubota and left our happy couple to enjoy their Te Wepu hamper and champagne… the hot tub was calling!
If you’re considering eloping to Akaroa, give us a shout… we know all the best locations, and we’ll put you in touch with all the best people! We feel very lucky to have been chosen by such a gorgeous and fun couple to capture their unforgettable elopement in Akaroa. If you’re an adventurous soul, and you want an idyllic spot to run away from it all, Te Wepu is just the place to get married!
Some kind words from Kirstie + Chris: “Amazing day made even better by having such great photos to look back on and share… We are beyond amazed at how beautiful our photos are… we think it’s because Robin + Andie are so relaxed, it made us feel comfortable. We could not recommend them highly enough. Thank you so much for all that you did for us that day!!”
Here are a few highlights…
NZ Elopement Photographers: Robin + Andie
New Zealand Elopement Location: Te Wepu Intrepid Pods www.tewepu.co.nz
Banks Peninsula Celebrant: Phillipa Linton www.facebook.com/PhillipaLintonMarriageCelebrant
Dress: Shein nz.shein.com
Hair: Bon Allure www.bonallure.co.nz
Shoes: Willow Shoes www.willowshoes.com
Jewellery: Bride - Rowena Watson www.beadzunlimited.co.nz Groom - Michael Hill www.michaelhill.co.nz
Suit: Munns munns.co.nz
Florals: Mrs Bottomley’s Flowers mrsbottomleysflowers.nz
