For Leandra and Jasmine, it all started while waiting in line for the restroom at a bar—a meet-cute they still laugh about today. From that moment, their connection grew through honesty, laughter, and shared values. “We felt safe with each other,” they said. “Our inner child emerges when it’s just us, and it feels like we have always known each other.”

Wanting their wedding to mirror the authenticity that defines their relationship, they set their sights on an adventure in New Zealand. An elegant, cinematic elopement in the mountains, complete with helicopter rides, heartfelt vows, and breathtaking views.

What We Love About This Adventure in New Zealand

• A cinematic, adventure-driven day in the stunning New Zealand mountains
• A photographer who doubled as planner, handling all the logistics
• A helicopter ride and mountaintop ceremony with clear skies and the aurora as a backdrop

Featured Vendor:

Shaken and Stirred Weddings

Letting Their Photographer Lead the Way

Planning a destination wedding from overseas can feel daunting, but Leandra and Jasmine’s experience proved that the right vendor can make all the difference. Once they found Junebug vendor Shaken and Stirred Weddings, everything fell into place.

“We started by choosing the location, and once we were set on New Zealand, we began our search for photographers. That was when we stumbled on Kellie,” they shared. The couple credits Kellie not only for capturing their day beautifully but also for pulling together the entire vendor team. “She wasn’t just our photographer but our wedding planner as well,”.

“She guided us along and coordinated everything, from hair and makeup to the helicopter rides. We honestly didn’t do much. We just needed to pack our bags and show up.”

Turning Their Vision Into a Cinematic Adventure in New Zealand

Leandra and Jasmine envisioned a day that felt cinematic, romantic, and adventure-filled. “Happy Lea, happy life,” Jasmine joked when talking about budgeting. “As long as it makes Lea happy, we do it. She wants hair and make-up? Done. She wants a photoshoot on a mountain top? Done. Lucky for me, I very much would love a mountain top photoshoot as well!”

Despite the chill and wind at the mountaintop ceremony, the couple wouldn’t have had it any other way. “Honestly, it was really cold and we think that was what made it so fun and memorable for us. It’s such an unforgettable memory, and we have a little chuckle every time we think about it.”

Leandra added, “Getting married to my favourite person on this earth, being able to spend the whole day with her, us in our own little bubble surrounded by nature—these things meant everything to me.”

Prioritizing Presence Over Perfection on the Big Day

For all the logistics and planning, what Leandra and Jasmine remember most are the small, unscripted moments. “I remember whispering nonsense into Lea’s ear throughout the day,” Jasmine said. “We had such a good laugh here and there, and in that moment, we would forget we were in a photoshoot and just bask in each other’s embrace.”

Later that evening, Mother Nature added her own magic with clear skies and a glowing aurora. It was the perfect ending to their once-in-a-lifetime adventure in New Zealand.

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Practical Tips From Leandra and Jasmine’s Adventure in New Zealand

Their biggest piece of advice? Be intentional. “Yes, obviously you want to be happy, however that’s easier said than done. You and only you have the power to make it happen. You control your mood, so be intentional about it.” 

They also stressed the importance of respecting your vendor team: “Be respectful to everyone, especially your team, who try their best to make that day as perfect and special as they can. Goodness, we can’t thank them enough!”

For Leandra and Jasmine, their wedding wasn’t just about the breathtaking scenery or the helicopter ride. It was about love, laughter, and creating an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand that felt entirely their own.