August 21, 2020

BLANKET BAY WEDDING | K+I

Kristen & Iain | Blanket Bay Wedding, New Zealand

Blanket Bay is one of those rare wedding locations that feels completely removed from the rest of the world — a secluded lakeside lodge surrounded by dramatic alpine landscapes and still, reflective water.

For Kristen and Iain, their wedding wasn’t just a single day, but an extended experience shared with their closest people. Over three days at Blanket Bay, guests settled into the rhythm of the landscape — long meals, quiet moments, and time spent together in one of New Zealand’s most iconic settings.

Kristen, a radio presenter based in Canberra, and Iain, working in property, first met in a chance encounter at a bar in Canberra. What began as a spontaneous meeting quickly turned into something undeniable, even with distance and time between them in the early days of their relationship.

Their wedding reflected that same sense of ease and intention — less about formality, and more about creating shared memories with the people who matter most.

From the bride :

“The highlight was our gift to the guests…the helicopter to the top of the alps in Glenorchy to take a group shot. It was a complete surprise.

After our ceremony our celebrant asked our guests to pose for a group shot, then advised that the Bride and Groom wanted another pic but at a different location and the “taxi’s” would be arriving in a moment. To watch their faces as four helicopters landed on the property is a moment I will never forget. We rugged up, boarded and there was champagne waiting for us on the mountain.”

A Wedding Designed Around Experience

One of the most memorable parts of the day was how thoughtfully the experience was designed for guests.

Rather than a traditional single-location format, the celebration unfolded over several days, allowing everyone to slow down and fully take in the surroundings.

Following the ceremony, guests were flown by helicopter into the surrounding mountains for portraits and champagne — a moment that felt both surreal and deeply personal against the vast alpine landscape.

It was less about spectacle, and more about creating something unforgettable together.

Styling, Details & Creative Direction

The bride wore a custom gown created in collaboration with Steven Khalil, bringing a couture-level finish to a setting that was otherwise grounded in natural beauty.

The groom worked with Institchu to design a tailored suit that complemented the relaxed yet elevated tone of the day.

The overall aesthetic remained refined and understated, allowing the landscape itself to take centre stage.

A Thoughtful Approach to Celebration

One of the more unexpected and memorable elements of the weekend came the night before the wedding, when guests took part in a light-hearted trivia evening.

The winners of the game were later chosen as witnesses for the ceremony — a small but meaningful detail that added personality and connection to the day.

Final Thought

Kristen and Iain’s wedding at Blanket Bay was a reminder that destination weddings don’t need to be rushed or overproduced to feel extraordinary.

Sometimes, the most powerful celebrations are the ones that are simply given time — time to breathe, to connect, and to exist fully within a place that already feels unforgettable.