Rikki Lee & Dean
“The Adventure Package”
Love Story
Rikki Lee knew of Dean long before they ever officially met. He was the diesel fitter who’d come back to Australia after living and working in Canada, and when they ended up at the same company at the end of 2020, it didn’t take long for them to notice each other. Stolen glances across the communal lunch area, that kind of thing.
Then Dean did what any self-respecting modern romantic does. He slid into her DMs after replying to one of her Instagram stories.
Dean was persistent (in the best way), and eventually talked a hesitant Rikki Lee into a first date. By her own admission, it was anything but smooth sailing. She was fully convinced she’d never hear from him again. And then the very next day, Dean messaged. And that was that.
They started spending more and more time together, that giddy, butterflies-at-work kind of energy that felt like being back in high school. But it wasn’t without its complications. Dean had only recently returned from Canada (a trip cut short by COVID) and he had plans to go back. Rikki Lee was ready for something real, Dean wasn’t quite there yet. So followed a year of back and forth, together and not together, some heartbreak and some really beautiful highs.
Eventually, Dean chose to stay and moved in with Rikki Lee. For years, they’ve built a life together, a love story that isn’t perfect, but it’s theirs. Full of growth, resilience, and a whole lot of excitement for what’s still to come.
Before they were even engaged, they’d already planned a snow trip to Queenstown for 2025. Then came the proposal, in Toronto, on their first overseas trip together. A full circle moment if there ever was one. So when the time came to get married, folding it into their Queenstown elopement just made sense.
No fuss, no stress. Just the two of them and the mountains. And Rikki Lee? She’d never seen snow before. We’d say Queenstown delivered.
Accommodation: Stone Ridge Estate
Ceremony: Remarkables
Couple’s Photos: Bayonet Peak
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On the day
Rikki Lee and Dean’s Queenstown elopement began at the newer lodge section of Stone Ridge Retreat, one of the most stunning accommodation options in the region, with a breathtaking outlook over Lake Hayes that set the tone for the entire day. We met them there to get ready for photos and some gorgeous shots by the infinity pool, and honestly, the energy was electric from the moment we arrived. The couple was relaxed, happy, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
From Stone Ridge, we all flew out to the Remarkables for the ceremony, one of the most dramatic and sought-after heli-wedding locations in Queenstown. It was August, the heart of the New Zealand winter, and the mountains were blanketed in snow. The light was incredible! That soft, golden winter glow does something truly magical to an elopement. Celebrant Glennys officiated the most beautiful, intimate ceremony up there in the snow, and Rikki Lee’s bouquet was an absolute showstopper. Bright, bold colours popping against all that white.
After the ceremony, we jumped back in the heli and flew across to Bayonet Peak for the couple’s portraits, and WOW what a contrast. No snow on the ground, just sweeping golden tussocks stretching as far as the eye could see. A completely different landscape, a completely different mood, and equally as breathtaking.
Two heli locations, two totally different worlds. The ultimate Queenstown elopement adventure package.
Vendors:
Planner: Ella | @lostinlove
Photographer: Kate | @lostinlove
Celebrant: Glennys Logan | @livelovewed_
Florals: Kyla Page | @bespokeweddingsandevents
Heli Hire: Heliworks | @heliworks
