Bohemian-Inspired New Zealand Elopement: Carmen + Ingo

New Zealand elopement

Carmen + Ingo’s bohemian-inspired New Zealand elopement is one of those weddings that’s just so pretty it could easily be mistaken for a styled shoot. But alas, it’s 100% real and 100% amazing. These two reside in Germany, but after planning a month-long New Zealand summer vacation, they decided why not get hitched while there? They have a little secret spot, on a magical island near Auckland, that’s their favorite place in the world, so it sounded like a perfect idea + plans for a simple, intimate day got underway.

We’re not sure we could love the dreamy, romantic details of Carmen + Ingo’s celebration more. From Carmen’s breezyĀ Miss TashinaĀ dress, to the casual, boho sun-deck reception, the day had such a sweet + laid-back feel that we majorly, majorly love. And as you’ll see in just a sec,Ā Nadia Meli PhotographyĀ captured the day with the same soft,Ā anecdotal vibe + the images are just so beautiful…

rose

new zealand bouquet


Such a great bouquet, right?Ā Leaf And HoneyĀ used picture-perfect garden roses and an abundance of pretty greenery to give it a whimsical, picked from the garden feel. Loving that gold sequin bouquet wrap, too!

rings2

package

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

The most memorable moment is hard to pick, as there were so many, but it had to be when we saw each other for the first time under the tree. It was kind of magicalā€¦the wind, the evening sun, our song -- and it was just us looking at each other with tears in our eyes. Even though the ceremony wasn't very long, it was a very emotional and intense experience. We had some personal vows in German that made the ceremony very personal and special for us both.

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

bride and groom


This has to be one of the most breathtaking spots to exchange your vows!

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

garland runner

favors


The reception was as intimate as it gets, with a super pretty table decorated with an olive branch + garden rose garland. Pillow seating + oversized lanterns gave the deck a sweet, bohemian-moroccan feel.

garland rose table

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

new zealand elopement

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

If you are thinking about eloping, DO IT! We loved doing our own thing, and even though some of our friends and family were a little sad that they couldn't be a part of it, we knew that they know us and that they would come around. We talked with them (a lot), and over the time everybody understood that we had to do things our way. So if you are considering an elopement, donĀ“t listen to anybody else, just listen to yourselves! Maybe you can do a little BBQ reception (this is what we do in summer at home) to celebrate it with your family and friends afterwords. Then everybody should be happy!

photography: Nadia Meli Photography // florals: Leaf And Honey // wedding dress: Miss Tashina // bride's shoes: Barker // hair stylist: Estelles Makeup // makeup artist: Estelles Makeup // catering: Chef Deb Waiheke // officiant: Celebrants On Waiheke // location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand // styling: Leaf And Honey // wedding rings: Aphrodite Diamonds // suit: Raymond India

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