On a flawless autumn day in Wanaka, love thick in the air, and magic just about oozing out of every nook and cranny. Hannah and Maddie brought together an international cast of loved ones, all huddled under the peaks of charming Nordic tipis to watch their love story unfold.
This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill wedding. No siree, this was a uniquely heartwarming affair with every detail telling its own little story and not a dry eye in sight.
Maddie was an absolute stunner in her boho dress and flower crown, while Hannah looked dashing in a suit. And let’s not forget the touching tribute to Hannah’s late parents—their hats placed lovingly on the front pews, quietly saying, “We’re with you here too”.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in the most Insta-worthy hues imaginable, the tipi reception came alive with twinkling lights and an atmosphere so vibrant you could feel it in your bones. There was laughter, there were tender moments, and a sense of belonging as everyone boogied the night away.
Hannah and Maddie’s wedding was a truly special event, especially for our G&G events co-ord, Rachel, and her partner, our sometimes-tipi-builder, Emma.
Why? Because the lovebirds were their best mates! Watching their besties tie the knot was an absolute dream come true—so special, so wonderful, and just dripping with all the feels.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the juicy details of their extraordinary day, straight from the happy couple themselves.
Where did your love affair with tipi weddings begin?
As a couple, we’ve always done our own thing—never just floated along with the current. So, when it came to planning our perfect day, the whole traditional wedding scene just didn’t cut it for us. That’s when tipi weddings caught our eye.
A bash under twinkling stars, with those awesome canvas peaks silhouetted against the mountains—we knew it would be a dream!
We discovered Gather & Gold was right up our alley—proudly unconventional and bursting with heart, just like us.
Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and having the right vendors can make all the difference. Can you share with us who your must-have vendors were and why these folk were so important to you?
Our absolute must-have was Charlotte Kiri behind the camera. She caught every laugh, tear, and questionable dance move.
You want someone who can capture not just the looks but the feels of your big day.
Years from now, we’ll be looking back at those shots, reliving all the fun and fuzzies like it was yesterday.
From the breathtaking decor to the emotional moments, we’re sure your wedding was filled with countless unforgettable memories made under the canvas. But tell us, what was your favourite moment of the day, and why did it leave such a lasting impression on you?
Picking a favourite moment from the day is tough, but hands down, it was our helicopter ride.
Just us, epic views, and a break from the chaos to soak it all in—plus, we got some killer photos! Seriously, how often do you get to say, “BRB, just hopping on our chopper”?
It was our little slice of peace amidst the wedding whirlwind, and honestly, it was just what we needed to stamp the day as truly ours.
We know that it’s the little things that make a wedding truly magical. So spill, what was your favourite small detail at your tipi wedding, and how did it add to the overall vibe of the day?
Oh, the disco ball was everything! As soon as the sun set, that little sparkler went to work, turning our whole tipi into a twinkling dance floor.
They say laughter is the best medicine, and we live for the giggles here at G&G! What was your most hilarious moment on your wedding day?
During our first dance, I totally blanked on the fact that I could hook my dress up to keep it out of the way.
So there we were, trying to look all romantic and graceful, but my dress kept getting in the way.
Hannah had to keep kicking it away so we could move without tripping. We were both laughing so hard that it turned our dance into a hilarious, unforgettable moment.
We know planning a wedding can be stressful, but with your nz tipi wedding behind you, you’re an expert now! Looking back, what advice would you give to future couples on how to plan a tipi wedding?
If we’ve learned anything from our own under-the-canvas shenanigans, it’s this: don’t sweat the small stuff.
Seriously, those little hiccups? They’ll fade into the background of your big day.
And hey, remember, it takes a village to raise a… tent! When things get a bit much, just holler for help.
Let everyone chip in to make your big day as magical as possible. After all, more hands make lighter work and way more fun!
Finally, we would be delighted if you could share your experience working with us here at Gather & Gold. Did we meet your expectations, and would you recommend our tipis to other brides and grooms?
Absolutely! Gather and Gold totally blew us away.
Every little detail was spot on. Walking into the tipis felt like stepping into a magical wonderland. We’d definitely recommend them to any future celebrators. It was just perfect!
If you’re toying with the idea of a tipi for your own vows or maybe you’ve found yourself slamming “tipi hire NZ” into ol’ mate Google’s search bar, look no further—she’s right here!
Get in touch with Sarah today to start chatting all things tipi.
