Queenstown Wedding Photography: H & R at The QT
We meet many honeymooning couples, we're involved in many more proposals, but it's been a little while since we have photographed a wedding. That's not because we don't enjoy it, we've just been leaning in a slightly different direction recently with our day and night time tours.
When H & R Got in Touch
When H & R contacted us, we were excited to say the least. Not only did they seem like a really cool down to earth couple, they were getting married at the QT.
Over the years we've eaten there many times, the Bazar Buffet is one of the best meals in Queenstown. We've collected many manuhuri from there for our Starry Night Adventures, and they absolutely love the experience we craft for them. So we know the people that choose the QT are our kind of people.
Then there is the renovation. We've seen the work going on recently and absolutely loved what we saw, once reception was moved from upstairs to lake level. They've created a hotel that oozes high class 1970s ski lodge. What an absolute treat for us to be involved in this incredibly special moment in a young couple's lives.
Getting to Know H & R
Beginning with emails, then a video call and finally an in person meet at the venue prior to the big day. That’s the way we love to work. Finding out that you’re involved in club ski fields, seeing you pose so beautifully when you’ve told us you feel awkward in front of the camera, witnessing the love between the two of you, how you compliment each other and bring the best into the present, and of course the constant looking at the beautiful maunga / mountains of of the corner of your eyes all of the time. These are all of the ingredients you need for a fabulous Queenstown wedding.
As the QT has undergone the most incredible renovation, everywhere you look there are incredible photographic opportunities. Step outside and all you have to do is cross the road to be greeted by a world class view. Rather than have to think where we would shoot, it was more a case of figuring out where we wouldn't. Having so many options allows us to really work around the weather on the day and most of all, everyone is relaxed and can lean into the plan.
The Day Itself
As the day arrives, the weather couldn't be more perfect. Some cloud, a little bit of rain around the horizon, some fresh snow on the tops and sunshine popping.
Our plan was pretty much sorted, checking in with the celebrant and meeting the groom and groomsmen just slots into place. All the chairs are laid out, arch in place, lights the same as they will be, no surprises.
The First Look
There’s the most incredible spiral staircase that connects the floors of the QT, the light is soft, it’s quiet - very possibly as perfect as you could get to create the most magical first look. Two faces beginning with anticipation, quickly moving to sheer joy and excitement once their eyes connect. And of course, two photographers strategically placed to capture this incredible moment.
The Ceremony
Personalities shine during ceremonies. As words of true love are spoken, their story told to all, there’s vulnerability, joy and even moments of solemn reflection - everything that make a truly captivating love story. Looking around the room through a lens allow you to hone in on who is there, how they react, glimpses into everyday lives an what makes theirs so special.
Let’s not forget the rainbow, could you ask for anything more delightful? Not long after the ceremony ended and we’re organising people for the group shots, out of the corner of our eye, we see the beautiful colors over the lake. Sometimes you just need to press pause, stop what you’re doing and do something else entirely. These are the moments that add detail and depth to your story. We look out for them and we make them work for you.
Quiet Corners
Reception provided the most incredible backdrop for couple photographs, even through it’s busyness there are quiet corners to be found to share private moments. Sitting on a sofa in the corner, reading a book about ‘Living the dream’. We spotted this when we first met at the hotel, the book had moved, but we soon found it and we created your own world for 5 minutes. Even as your guests walked by, you were hidden in plain sight.
This is your day, to celebrate the love you have for each other, the photographs are incredibly important, but this isn’t a photoshoot. It’s our job to help you find those moments of peace between the two of you, time to relax and pause and savour the occasion. Sometimes we’ll leave you to it, others, we know can be captured candidly.
As the Light Changed
Night falls quickly here in the Southern Lakes during winter. With time at a premium, we made the absolute most of when those last rays of sunshine hit the peaks on the other side of Whakatipu-Wai-Māori - Lake Wakatipu. The lake was calm, and once again our in person meeting paid dividends, allowing us to quickly get to our spots and capture some incredible couple photos.
As the Night Began
With our time coming to an end, we waited for a quick wardrobe change to capture their arrival for dinner. The empty room we’d seen earlier in the day was now a hive of festivities. Digital cameras left on the tables being used to capture the evening by the guests. As the newlyweds entered the room, the volume went up a notch or two and once they were seated at the top table it was time for us to make our quiet exit home to process their sneak peek to share with their friends and family the very next morning.
If you're planning your wedding in Queenstown, we're sure you'll agree the QT delivers on every level. And if you're after a Queenstown wedding photography team to help capture your day, we'd love to chat. emailus@authenticAs.org, we’d love to discuss how we can help.
Remember it’s not just weddings. We specialise in capturing moments of your time here in the Southern Lakes, our experience days and night provide much more than just a photoshoot. We’ll drive and guide you around this incredible place, day and night, facilitating moments between you that we’ll capture for you to help you tell your story.
H & R, thank you so much for trusting us to document this important day in your lives together. We had the best time and absolutely love the images the created together.
The Team
A small, tight-knit team pulled this one together.
Venue - QT Hotel
Celebrant - Jacqui, Married by Friends
AV & Lighting - Keegan, AV Media
QT Events Team - Jodee
QT Operations Team - Stephanie
Photography - authenticAs
