Guy + Sam's Snow Adventure in New Zealand

Chaznel Steenkamp
Jun 10
2 min read

Updated: Aug 24

A couple on their symbolic elopement day on a snowy mountain top in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand

The story of Guy + Sam's snow Adventure Photoshoot in New Zealand:

Sam and Guy had a traditional wedding with family and friends earlier in 2024, and to celebrate a year of being married they decided to have a snowy adventure photoshoot on top of their family farm mountain, Mt. Paradise, in Mouse Point, just 20 minutes south of Hanmer Springs. They wanted to extend their wedding gallery by dressing up all over again and it was honestly so beautiful!

Earlier in the week there had been weather warnings put in place showcasing a huge snow storm set to hit over the weekend so we secured our plans and set the date for anywhere between Thursday and Sunday, just waiting for the perfect amount of snow to settle.

Finally Friday evening the heavier snow started to fall and Mt. Paradise was coated with a white blanket of snow. It was the perfect time for their snow adventure in New Zealand.

A couple standing on a snowy mountain kissing on their elopement day in New Zealand

Early Saturday morning we met up at the bottom of Mt. Paradise and then we ventured up the mountain stopping off at beautiful scenic spots along the way. First, a mini hill with panoramic views of snow covered mountains and North Canterbury Plains.

The wind started to slow down and the temperature started to settle as we made our way up the mountain. Every moment these two love birds had together you could tell there was a strong connection of love, care and appreciation for each other.

When we got to the top of the mountain they explored in the snow, even having a few slips along the way (note to self: don't wear cowboy boots with no grip in the snow), and then came the beautiful symbolic ceremony. Guy and Sam shared some private words with each other, laughing, enjoying, and being in the moment; removed from distractions.

They decided they wanted to exchange their rings as a symbol of that continual love they have for each other, recommitting their vows to each other and as soon as they did the clouds started to part showcasing the turquoise blue sky that was hiding all along. It was perfectly timed; just magical.

They created memories together, shared endless belly laughs, and had a day they would live to tell forever! We even had a few witnesses (goats and mountain deer) inquisitively watching and intrigued by the humans having an adventure of a lifetime.