Xiao & Alec
“The Adventure Package”
Love Story
Alec and Xiao met in high school math class when they were just fifteen…
They became close friends, but then college took them to opposite coasts—Alec stayed in California, while Xiao went to the East Coast.
Their paths crossed again after Xiao returned to California, planning a solo backpacking trip through Europe. Alec, eager to join the adventure, took a gap year too. As they explored charming European towns, their friendship blossomed into love. Now, after over six years of dating and nearly a decade of knowing each other, they’re ready for the next chapter.
Eloping feels perfect for Alec and Xiao—intimate, simple, and just for them. They cherish their families but want this moment to be uniquely theirs, away from the spotlight.
Together, Alec and Xiao love travelling and exploring new places. Each year, they embark on an international trip, enjoying activities like hiking, campervanning, and kayaking. But they’re also homebodies, savouring cozy weekends with their dog, and playing co-op video games.
For Alec and Xiao, love is the greatest adventure of all.
Accommodation: Airbnb
Ceremony: The Remarkables
Couple’s Photos: Vanguard Peak
On the day
Alec and Xiao flew in from Los Angeles for their winter elopement in New Zealand. One of Xiao’s best friends, who lived in Wellington, flew down to Queenstown to celebrate with us and help the couple get ready. They hired an amazing forest retreat Airbnb, in Closeburn, and even the decor inside made you feel like you were living in the forest.
We had a couple of really cool shots on the lawn (and a First Look, of course!) looking at the mountains before I drove them to Heliworks for our flight to the Remarkables. The fresh snow really set the mood for a magical moment. The couple was already legally married, so they just had their friend be their “celebrant” for the day. We concluded the ceremony with a bouquet toss, with her only guest catching it which was both hilarious and heartwarming.
After taking more photos, we flew to Vanguard Peak. It was a great contrast to the Remarkables, with yellow grass that added warmth to the whole vibe of the photos, they even did the iconic Titanic scene with Jack holding Rose! We concluded the day with champagne and having fun dancing our hearts out to Taylor Swift.
Vendors:
Helicopter Hire: Heliworks / @heliworks
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