Jane and Phil – Eloped!

Everyone thought they were just having a holiday here in New Zealand.  A little break from the England weather, perhaps.  We knew better.

“We’re a couple of oldies running away from the UK to get married in secret at The Bay of Many Coves Resort.”  That’s how Jane started her email to me.  I took no convincing whatsoever, I was totally in.  Elopements are one of my favourite types of wedding!  From that initial email we began the secret squirrel mission.  There’s something ever-so-cool about being part of such a special and totally secret day.  Especially when you get to share it with people who instantly feel more like friends than anything.

The Bay of Many Coves is a hot spot for elopements.  It’s super fancy and totally secluded. 

Jane was not only gorgeous, but a TOTAL joy to be around!  Thanks to Lucy Campbell for the gorgeous makeup, and Rachel Gibbons for perfect hair!

Oh, and Nina from Pink Poppie was in on it too, and created some gorgeous bouquets!

Jane and Phil had some special friends, Sally and Dave, come over from Australia to spend a few days with them on their holiday, and witness their beautiful wedding day.

There are several places you can get married, when you’re eloping at The Bay of Many Coves.  This particular spot seems to be the most popular, nestled on the hill overlooking the glorious Marlborough Sounds.

Just because you don’t have a squillion people at your wedding, doesn’t mean your ceremony is any less meaningful.  In fact, I’d say in some ways the emotions are heightened and the words are even more special.  Liz Anderson did a great job of creating a beautiful ceremony that was absolutely perfect for Jane and Phil!

We originally planned this elopement to happen a year ago, but three days before Phil and Jane were supposed to leave the UK poor Phil broke his hip and ended up with emergency surgery!  This simply meant the secret had to be kept for an extra 12 months while Phil recovered.  Nevertheless, the day came and it was absolute perfection!

One of the wonderful things about having only four people as part of your wedding is that you can do ANYTHING you want.  Phil and Jane decided a boat trip was totally the way to go. 

We stopped at Ship’s Cove, where Captain Cook (incidentally, also from the UK, just a few years before this) spent much of his time while he was here in New Zealand.

And as if this day wasn’t already perfect and relaxing enough, we even saw a wee pod of dolphins, and we were all in love.  I think even the hardest of hearts would melt at the first sign of dolphins, I mean, how you can NOT like a dolphin? 

Jane and Phil, it was such an amazing afternoon spent with you both and your lovely friends.  Thank you so much for coming all the way over here to elope, and we wish you every ounce of love and happiness together.