(Heart & Truth Series)

Beyond the glossy photos, the truth, the joy, the unexpected

When people ask me what it’s like planning elopements in New Zealand, I could give them the polished answer: breathtaking landscapes, seamless details, and magical moments. And yes, all of that is true. But the real story? It’s also full of laughter, surprises, and the occasional wave sneaking up behind you.

One of my funniest memories comes from a beautiful beach elopement years ago. Back then, I wasn’t just New Zealand Dream Weddings wedding planner. I was also the photographer, the assistant, the veil-holder, the flower-fixer, the paperwork-checker, and sometimes even the chauffeur. Many titles, one pair of hands!

On that day, I was wearing my photographer hat, completely absorbed in the couple in front of me. They were glowing with happiness, so natural, so in love, and I was determined to capture every second. My lens was locked on them, my heart was full, and the rest of the world faded away.

Then they turned to me and said gently, “Watch the water.”

Completely caught up in their joy, I just smiled and replied, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

And that’s when the ocean decided to join the wedding. A good-sized wave came crashing up behind me and gave me a salty reminder that nature always has the final say. I was soaked, my shoes squelched, and the couple laughed so hard they nearly fell over. And me? I laughed too, because honestly, they had warned me.

That moment has stayed with me, not because of the wave, but because of what it reminded me: weddings aren’t about everything going perfectly. They’re about joy, love, and being able to laugh when life splashes you unexpectedly.

Over the years, I’ve learned that those unscripted, unpolished moments are often the ones couples remember the most. A veil flying like a kite in the wind. Shoes sinking into alpine snow. A helicopter pilot cracking a joke right before lift-off. Tears that come out of nowhere when the vows start. These aren’t the things you plan, but they’re the things that make a wedding yours.

That’s what I want this blog to be. Not just glossy photos (though there will be plenty of those). But also the real stories, the honest advice, and the little reminders that perfection isn’t what makes an elopement unforgettable, it’s the love, the laughter, and yes, sometimes the chaos.

So welcome to Elopement Journal NZ. This is where I’ll share my heart after nearly 30 years of planning weddings. The truths behind the beauty. The lessons I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way). And hopefully, stories that make you smile, reassure you, and remind you that your elopement doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the wave, the wind, or even the helicopter. It’s about two people, standing side by side, choosing each other. Everything else? That’s just part of the story.

Warmest,
Donna x

Because the best memories aren’t planned, they’re lived.