A large group poses outdoors for a wedding photo against a scenic mountain backdrop in New Zealand.

Married in the Mountains: Gabby & Nic’s Beautiful Wanaka Wedding


Married in the Mountains: Gabby & Nic’s Beautiful Wanaka Wedding


An incredible day celebrating aroha, whanau and whenua


An unforgettable day celebrating aroha (love), whanau (family), and whenua (land) — surrounded by the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Wanaka.


Gabby and Nic tied the knot at the stunning Lookout Lodge, a truly magical wedding venue nestled among the Southern Alps. With golden autumn hues, heartfelt moments, and the dreamiest of backdrops, their day was nothing short of incredible.

A Dream Wedding Venue: Lookout Lodge, Wanaka


If you’re dreaming of a mountain wedding in Aotearoa, Lookout Lodge Wānaka is an absolute gem. Set against one of New Zealand’s most scenic backdrops, this venue offers panoramic views, beautiful grounds, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for both intimate elopements and larger wedding celebrations.


In April, Wanaka really shows off. The golden tones of autumn were in full display — warm, earthy and rich in colour. Honestly, the light, the landscape, the season… everything came together in the most effortless way.

Outdoor wedding venue with wooden benches arranged on a lawn near a green barn surrounded by autumn trees.
Wooden lounge furniture arranged on a green lawn beside a rustic green barn under autumn trees with colorful foliage.
A rustic barn wedding venue with wooden benches arranged on a green lawn for an outdoor ceremony.
Dried pampas grass arrangements frame a scenic mountain landscape with rolling hills and low clouds in New Zealand.
A panoramic view of a rural vineyard landscape with autumn trees and farm buildings under a bright blue sky.

Bridal Prep With All the Aroha


Gabby’s morning was full of energy, laughter, and so much love. Getting ready with her bridal squad meant bubbles, hugs, happy tears, and thoughtful gifts. It was such a joy to capture the aroha between these incredible wahine.

Two people getting ready in a bright white room, one wearing a silk robe and one in a delicate lace dress.
A black and white photo showing three women getting ready in white robes during a special event preparation.
Two women share an intimate bridal preparation moment in a light-filled room wearing satin robes and wedding attire.
Black and white candid moment shows a bride wearing pearls smiling by a window with others in background.
Black and white candid photo showing someone laughing joyfully while wearing a white silk robe in a getting-ready setting.
A bride in a delicate lace wedding dress getting ready, looking down at her phone with romantic loose curled hair falling.
Black and white portrait of a bride wearing a lace gown and pearl necklace, with upswept hair and closed eyes.
Someone wearing a pearl necklace and white lace dress smiles while getting ready in soft moody lighting.
Two people looking at themselves in a framed mirror showing their reflection in black and white photography.
People sharing joyful moments while getting ready in a bright room with a mirror and natural light.
A candid black and white photo captures three women laughing together during a joyous moment at an indoor gathering.

Gabby & Nic’s beautiful first look

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Stripped back, honest, emotional. Just the two of them, taking it all in before the ceremony — a moment full of connection and aroha.⁣

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There’s something powerful about keeping it simple — no distractions, just the beautiful connection between two people about to say “I do.”⁣

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Black and white feels right for moments like this. It lets you feel everything — the nerves, the love, the emotion — without any distractions.

A tender black and white wedding photo moment between a bride in a white gown and another person outdoors.
Black and white wedding photo showing a bride in a flowing veil and gown approaching a distant groom on grassy grounds.
A tender black and white moment between newlyweds as they embrace during their outdoor wedding ceremony.
A couple embraces in a romantic black and white moment with misty mountains creating a dramatic backdrop.
A tender moment between newlyweds embracing outdoors in black and white photography.
Two newlyweds share an intimate embrace in black and white wedding photos.
Black and white intimate portrait of a bride and groom sharing a tender moment together outdoors.
A tender black and white wedding moment captured as a couple shares an intimate embrace outdoors.
A romantic moment silhouetted against misty mountain peaks in a moody black and white landscape.
Wedding celebration on a grassy hilltop overlooking scenic mountain landscape during overcast weather.

After Gabby revealed her bridal look to her family, it was time for guests to arrive and the celebrations to begin!

Dramatic mountain landscape with low clouds and dried plants framing the stunning countryside view.
Pampas grass arrangement in a dark woven vase against mountain landscape with moody clouds and green grass.
Fall wedding ceremony at a rustic barn venue with guest seating on wooden benches and vibrant autumn foliage.
A black and white wedding photo shows guests gathered outside a rustic barn venue while someone walks down the aisle.
Two people walk together on a green lawn outside a rustic barn venue with climbing vines and glass windows.
A groom in a classic black tuxedo with boutonniere smiles during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A rustic barn wedding ceremony outdoors with guests lined up on both sides as a couple walks down the grassy aisle.
Black and white photo of a tender wedding moment outside a rustic barn with guests gathered in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony at a rustic barn venue with autumn trees and guests gathered on the lawn.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place on a lush green lawn with guests seated under autumn trees.
A couple sits outdoors at a gathering with a small black dog while others stand in the background.
A candid black and white wedding moment shows the bride laughing joyfully during the ceremony.
Emotional bride wipes away tears during a touching outdoor wedding ceremony as groom reads vows in black and white photography.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors with stunning mountain views and pampas grass decorations.
An outdoor wedding ceremony features rustic decor with burgundy bridesmaid dresses against a scenic mountain backdrop.
A large wedding party gathers for a group photo on a grassy hill with scenic mountains in the background.

The ceremony was followed by drinks, delicious kai (food), and photos among the autumn trees and mountain vistas. The entire day felt relaxed, joyful, and full of love.

Family of three poses together on scenic mountain lawn with moody cloudy sky backdrop.
Heartfelt embrace shared between guests during outdoor celebration with autumn foliage in background.
People enjoying a lively moment outdoors on a grassy lawn with a green building and trees in the background.
A small family stands together on grassy field with scenic mountains in the background during overcast weather.
People share laughter and joy during an outdoor gathering with scenic mountains in the backdrop.
Group walking together on a grassy lawn with mountains and a large tree in the background on a misty day.
A touching outdoor portrait showing a loving embrace between a person in a white shirt and a small child in autumn.
Two women share a joyful moment in a field with mountains, one in green dress holding wine, other with wildflower bouquet.
Two people share a warm embrace at an outdoor celebration while holding drinks in their hands.
A candid black and white image capturing a joyful moment of laughter during a social gathering with wine.
An overhead view of a gourmet charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts and pickled vegetables on dark stone.
A couple dips with pampas grass arrangements in the foreground at a scenic mountain wedding ceremony.
A joyful couple shares a candid moment together against a mountainous landscape during their black and white wedding.
A black and white romantic wedding photo of a bride and groom embracing intimately against a mountain backdrop.
A bride and groom share romantic moments in a scenic mountain setting with black and white photography.
Newlywed couple walks through scenic mountain meadow at sunset with dramatic landscapes in the background.
Bride in lace wedding dress laughs joyfully against mountain backdrop with ornamental grasses and willow trees.
A black and white photograph showing a rustic wildflower bouquet held up against a blurred mountain landscape.
A bride in a fitted lace wedding dress stands among ornamental grasses with mountains in the background.
A rustic navy blue barn venue decorated with string lights hosts an evening gathering surrounded by autumn trees.

Planning Your Own Wanaka Wedding?

If you're dreaming of a wedding surrounded by mountains, golden light, and soulful moments — I’d absolutely love to be part of it.

Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a full wedding day, Let’s chat!

The wonderful team of suppliers:


Photographer: Claire Rivers Photography www.claireriversphotography.com www.instagram.com/claireriversphotography

Venue: The Lookout Lodge www.thelookout.co.nz

Kai: Francesca's mobile pizza

Kai: Big Fig Wanaka

Flowers: Swan Homestead

Hair: Alice Hair Wanaka

Make Up: Noos Beauty