Jamie & Dano

“The Bonanza Package”

Love Story

The saying “Third time’s a charm” really worked its charm with how Jamie and Dano’s story started. 

They’ve already met twice at two different conferences (in two different US states!) but on the third conference is really where things got going. Even though Jamie had previously lost Dano’s business card, she asked their mutual friend for his email address and added him on LinkedIn. From then on, the couple has grown together through life’s ups and downs. Who knew LinkedIn could be the key to a beautiful life together?

Accommodation: Airbnbs in Jackspoint

Ceremony Location: Jackspoint

Couple’s Photos: Coromandel Peak 

On the Day

Jamie and Dano originally planned an intimate elopement with just the two of them. But when they broke the news to their family, everyone wanted to come and celebrate with them. With this, the couple decided to just fly everyone out to New Zealand from America and rent two stunning Jack’s Point Airbnb’s to house, feed and sleep all their guests in.

We started the day with Dano’s getting-ready photos where Jamie gave him a few presents to open. One was a limited edition watch that he’d been eyeing for ages! Since the watch was hard to purchase and only has limited stock, Jamie had to search online for ages, emailing the manufacturer and trying everything just to get to the waitlist. So when Dano opened the gift, he was so overwhelmingly happy. With Dano’s heritage being from Hawaii, Jamie’s brother gifted him a kiwi version of a Lai, made from leaves from New Zealand, but in the traditional Hawaiian style. 

After taking getting-ready shots with Dano, we headed to Jamie’s Airbnb for her getting-ready photos as well as their first look, at the lawn overlooking the magical mountains. To get to the ceremony, we drove just a couple of minutes down the round to an amazing field in Jackspoint. They had the most beautifully emotional ceremony, with their loving family watching them exchange their heartfelt vows.

After the Ceremony, the three of us flew to Coromandel Peak together with Tom, my videographer, for their photos and video. We drank champagne and even though the winds were quite strong, it just added to the drama and flair of the photos. Jamie was wearing hiking boots, which looked super cool with her elopement dress. The gorgeous couple combined with the insane lighting that day was made for a perfectly, dream-like elopement.

When we arrived back at the Airbnb for the reception, a surprise was waiting for the newlyweds. Turns out, Dano’s mom had secretly planned for everyone to do a line-dancing flash mob. She found a video tutorial online and sent it to all the guests to learn and perform as a wedding surprise for the lovely couple. Jamie and Daniel were shocked but ended up joining the group, which was super fun and made for really cool video footage.

As they cut the cake, the sun went down over the Remarkables, reminding everyone not to take chances for granted, since you may only have three. 

Vendors

Jamie’s Dress: Blue Sky Bridal / @blueskybridal

Celebrant: Philippa Thomas / @weddingcelebrantnz