Dominika & James

“The Adventure Package”

Love Story

Dominika and James’ story started with their kids. James had two boys, Dominika had a daughter, and life kept bringing them to the same parks (how cute!)

Fast forward to a whirlwind trip from Florida to Queenstown, where they ditched the chaos of a big wedding and chose something beautifully simple instead. Just the two of them (and the breathtaking scenery, of course), finally saying yes to forever.

“We were just excited to finally be married,” they said, and honestly, isn’t that what it’s all about?

They’re the kind of couple who live for golden hours. Whether it’s chasing sunsets, catching the first light at sunrise, or spending weekends outdoors, no plans, no work calls, just family and freedom. Their perfect day? Just being together, without the noise, in nature, with the people they love most.

Dominika and James’ elopement came together quickly, with that spontaneous energy. And somehow, in the rush of it all, it felt exactly like them: easy, real, full of heart.

Here’s to more beach walks, more early mornings, and a lifetime of love under open skies.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn

Ceremony: Cecil Peak

Couple’s Photos: Deer Park Heights

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On the Day

Dominika and James reached out to me all the way from Florida, having just spotted some cheap flights to New Zealand. They asked, half-joking and half-hoping, “What are the chances we could get married there next week?”

And of course I said, “Let’s do it.”

No hesitation. Within hours, they’d booked everything, and our celebrant (the lovely Sarah Noble) sorted out their marriage license, which was express-posted to her house. They flew in with their wedding outfits, which they’d only just bought the day they left!

They stayed at the Holiday Inn in Frankton, and as soon as I picked them up, we skipped the traditional getting-ready shots and went straight to what they really wanted: jaw-dropping landscapes, snow, and adventure.

We jumped in a helicopter and headed for Bayonet Peak with Sarah, ready for an epic ceremony. But just as we were about to land, Dominika spotted a different peak across the lake, Cecil Peak, blanketed in even more snow. “Can we go there instead?” she asked. And honestly, how could we say no?

So we rerouted and touched down on the snowiest and sparkliest spot. The snow had just fallen, so it was beautifully soft and white, and surprisingly, it wasn’t even that cold! The lack of wind made it feel calm and peaceful. They said their daughter would have loved it, and we totally believed them.

Dominika and James said their vows in a beautiful, intimate ceremony. Afterwards, we flew back and made our way to Deer Park Heights, where there was still a lovely sprinkling of snow. One of the sweetest moments? Dominika lighting up at the sight of all the animals. She once dreamed of becoming a vet, and she and James have a little farm back in Florida with goats and other animals. So seeing deer, donkeys, and goats roaming around truly made her day.

By the end of it all, they told us it was the best day of their lives. And honestly? It really did feel like one of those pinch-me kind of days, spontaneous, joyful, and absolutely unforgettable!

Vendors:

Planner: Lost in Love Elopements

Photographer: Kate @lostinlove

Celebrant:  Sarah Noble | @sarahnoblecelebrant

Heli Hire: Heliworks | @heliworks