Emily & Luke

Luke proposed in 2014 on Hamilton Island with a private dinner on the beach. Dessert arrived and so did this stunning diamond ring.

We married on May 3rd 2018 at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown.

I searched across Australia, Dubai, Malta and Santorini for a wedding venue, however none were ticking all the boxes. Then one day, I came across a photo of an amazing penthouse, it had this spectacular outlook over a lake and mountains. I didn’t know where it was or if they could even accommodate weddings, I just knew it was the one!

We chose Autumn knowing that it was a cooler time of year in Queenstown and there was the possibility of snow. I wanted the weather to tie in with the venue and decor to create just the right vibe for our timeless, classic theme – moody sky, fireplaces, fur throws…

My shoes were Christian Louboutin, which Luke gave me as a birthday gift.

I wanted a dress that I could look back on in ten or thirty years time and still be completely in love with. I opted for MXM Couture in Brisbane to create ‘the dream’. Margaret and Michelle believe in highlighting the female figure, so the dress was very fitted and off the shoulder to expose the décolletage.

It was sleek and mostly unembellished, with autumn inspired details like a dramatic built-in cape and subtle floral leaf beading on the train.

We requested that the guests wore black to contrast with my gown and Luke’s ivory tuxedo jacket. It was an unusual touch, but I had a vision and knew what I wanted. In the end it was a real point of difference and worked beautifully.

We chose not to have a bridal party. We wanted the day to be truly about us and not to have to worry about anyone else but each other. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions.

I found our Russian photographer Andrew Bayda, on Instagram. His photos were stunning and he captured our day beautifully; I am so blessed we crossed paths.

Luke and I love great food, as do our families. We wanted a menu that celebrated Queenstown’s local produce and provided variety for our guests.

Having Jervois Steakhouse Restaurant to ourselves allowed us to customise our 4-course menu.

We actually included a ‘Dance Off’ as part of our reception celebrations. It was printed on the menu and scheduled for 9.00pm. All our guests were aware of it in the lead up to our wedding and knowing there was a prize up for grabs there was a lot of competitive banter back and forth.

Make your wedding an occasion not an event. We sailed Lake Wakatipu as a group two days before the wedding, dined together at different eateries before and after the wedding day; even played charades in the hotel room.

When we reflect on our special day – we remember all of those moments and look back on our wedding as this fabulous occasion.