Alistair and Jamie eloped on the shores of Lake Tekapo last December (2015). It was the kind of day where the sky is so amazingly blue it just seems to go on forever. And their ceremony was just as beautiful… they hold the honour of being the only couple (so far) to make me actually cry. I could blame being pregnant… but really it was the openness and honesty with which they showed their love for each other.
I came back from Cromwell for the afternoon for them, because as conceited as it makes me sound, I knew I could make their day extra special for them. And I really wanted that – a truly special day – for Alistair and Jamie (but no, before they contacted me I hadn’t met them.)
I’ll let Alistair and Jamie tell you their story… and yes, their beautiful words did make me tear up a little when I read them.
‘There are few days in ones life as important, as monumental, as special, as marrying the one you want, you intend, you will, spend the rest of your life with. Whatever your circumstances, the person you choose to create this enduring union is the key to your forever commitment.
For a number of reasons we chose to elope and get married in the most beautiful location you could imagine (the shore of Lake Tekapo). A few months before this we had relocated to the “other” island, hundreds of kilometres away from practically everyone we knew. We chose to get married our way.
We could have got married in an impersonal ceremony at a registry office.
We chose not to. Our search for a celebrant was one of the most important decisions that we undertook. From the first contact with Hannah we knew she was understanding, caring, thoughtful, responsible, and most importantly – professional. Our contact with her through the planning stages was digital (we live remote); but none the less personal: whether it be by Skype calls, emails, Facebook messages.
Choosing a celebrant is probably the most important choice you can make when you get married – they are the person who creates the (legal) seal of enduring love. Our choice, as a young gay couple living in the mountains, was extremely important to us. From the provision of a ceremony template to personalise, to the background music which set the scene, to the spare witnesses to make your day legal; Hannah made our day for us.
We cannot recommend Hannah enough as the one to “get the deed done;” whether you are straight, gay or otherwise; whether a large family affair or just the two of you on a gorgeous lake front (again: we absolutely recommend Lake Tekapo for everyone).
And as they say its the little things that make the difference. The lovely congratulations card, the keepsake ceremony, the personalisation, the tears from your celebrant (because your tears make their tears). Wherever we go in the world – we’re about to take off on our next adventure, Hannah will always go with us as the person who created the (legally) forever after; and as the friend we never knew we had; and will always have.’
Alistair and Jamie eloped to Lake Tekapo but whether you’re eloping or planning a big occasion, Tekapo offers an option to suit you.
If you’re interested in any of their suppliers they are:
Celebrant: Me! You can find more about me (and message me) at www.facebook.com/marriagecelebranthannahlind email me at hannahlind4@gmail.com or call me on 027 384 7886
Suits: Hallensteins
Helicopter: Air Safaris. http://www.airsafaris.co.nz/ After their ceremony they took a flight up onto a nearby mountain range for some stunning photos.
Photographer: Chris Stanley at Focus CS Photography http://www.focusphotography.nz/
Wherever and however you’re planning to get married, congratulations and happy planning!
If you’re after a fun celebrant in The Mackenzie Country/ South Canterbury/ Mt Cook/ North Otago I’d love to hear from you (see above for contact details)
Hannah xx
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