The Lovers Elopement Co was born out of a passion from working with modern lovers, who dare to create traditions of their own. Amongst the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, photographer Dawn Thomson and floral stylist Gypsy West of the Vase help true romantics to tell their personal love story by curating inspired elopement and small wedding packages. Thankfully, Australian couples can now again enjoy the spectacular surroundings of Queenstown, where the accomplished duo are based.
How was the concept for The Lovers Elopement Co. born?
We wanted to shake up the notion of what a wedding day should look like. We were drawn to couples searching for an out of the box experience. Many traditions are perhaps no longer relevant today and our couples are embracing a modern take on weddings. Couples are often seeking guidance curating their day and they desire a style that is cohesive with our aesthetic. The Lovers Elopement Co. is our way of helping our couples bring their vision to life. We assist with everything from location, styling, organising a team of vendors and are able to pass our knowledge of the area on to our couples.
What motivates you to do what you do?
We are both very passionate about creating an experience for our couples that is truly unique to them. We create a day that is curated with intention and purpose and one which reflects each couple's values and aesthetics. We are inspired when couples come to us with a unique vision and we are able to create something that is distinctive to them as individuals and as a couple.
What services does The Lovers Elopement Co. offer?
We feel our point of difference is that we are not only the planners and curators of a wedding day however, we are also the artists. Our offerings include curating an elopement for two or an intimate wedding for up to 30 guests. We take the time to understand our couples and then create the day based on their individual needs. We have our little black book of highly sought after wedding artists, which we book on behalf of our couples. Elements we can take care of include: Planning and coordination - including the booking of all vendors, location scouting, timeline management - and even helicopters, private chefs and accommodation. We are able to take care of every detail for our couples, allowing them to focus on enjoying their time together in Queenstown.
How would you describe your style?
Our style is modern, refined, luxurious and editorial and with a fashion edge. We tend to work with a many creatives who value sophisticated style and an editorial aesthetic, as much as the experience.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Your wedding is a day to embrace the spirit of your individuality. Don’t think about traditions or pleasing anyone else. It is the time to really focus on what feels right for you as a couple.
What are the main reasons couples choose to have an intimate wedding or elopement?
There are many! However, the most common reasons are to create an intimate space to share vows, to use money more intentionally or to travel to an incredible destination together. Other reasons couples chose to elope are because they want less stress when it comes to their wedding planning. Some of our couples want to have a smaller yet more luxurious wedding. We cater for all these various styles of weddings and love how diverse our clients are.
What has been the most rewarding thing about your business?
We love to give couples the permission to do things their way. Hearing feedback from our couples that we took all the stress and guesswork out of planning a destination wedding, so they could enjoy the fun elements is also incredibly rewarding. Our couples are also grateful for our local knowledge and years of experience - and trust us to bring their vision to life.
What trends are you seeing in the intimate wedding market?
More and more couples are choosing the intimate wedding option over bigger weddings. Couples are inviting a few guests to their intimate wedding, sharing a quality few days together, then hosting a big party when they get home. Our clients are also reconsidering their wedding attire - they are investing in a piece that they can wear again. Sustainable practices are also forefront in couples decision making and brands they align with.
Who is your dream client?
Our dream clients are couples who dare to create traditions of their own. And also those who seek experiences that resonate with who they are and what they believe in.
What is next on the cards for your business?
New Zealand is such a diverse and dramatic destination for couples wishing to marry, so we are partnering with unique and off the beaten track accommodation and venues New Zealand wide. The Lovers Elopement Co. team is therefore available countrywide and we enjoy sharing these special locations with our couples just as much as we enjoy discovering them!
