Waiheke Island Wedding By Nadia Meli

By Magnolia Rouge

Warning � photo overload ahead!! It's not often I get to post a wedding and know the couple in the post. And let's face it these two � Carmen & Ingo � are so ridiculously photogenic it'd be a crime not to share their faces with you! I became �cyber friends' I guess you could say, with these two many years ago and this past summer was very excited when they were coming to New Zealand and we'd finally get a chance to meet. There was never any doubt we'd get on famously and they are truly every bit as lovely and warm as they come across via social media, and my husband and I were thrilled to have them stay with us a spend a few days hanging out with them. Of course when they let me in on the little secret that they were also planning to hold an intimate wedding ceremony whilst they were here, I was so happy for them. I also had to swiftly explain things to my husband when I continued to get delivers of wedding shoes and accessories!! They're truly a shining example of pure love and it's evident being around them that they are made for one another. And I'm certain this beams out of every photo as well! They invited good friend and fellow German photographer Nadia Meli to come and capture their special celebration. Whilst they were technically eloping, it was done with the blessing of their families and they sent many wishes and gifts along to ensure they were part of the day from half the world away which made it all the more special and emotional for Carmen & Ingo.

I think the way they got married was nothing short of perfect!! They found a stunning house to hire over on Waiheke Island, spent the day getting ready together and then headed to an intimate and isolated location for their ceremony with just themselves and Nadia and her husband who also served as their witnesses. After capturing some exquisite portraits � like I said ridiculously photogenic!! � they headed back to the house where they had a private chef come in and cook them an incredible five course dinner. Naomi from Leaf & Honey had created a gorgeous bouquet for Carmen and also had a beautifully styled table waiting for them on their return. They then spent a beautiful evening looking out over the bay from their villa at the setting sun, eating great food, drinking delicious local wine and catching up with over Skype with family back in Europe.