Caroline and Sean had a stunning and classic wedding at the luxury Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, New Zealand! They celebrated both of their heritages with nods to Scottish and Persian traditions throughout their day. Their beautiful venue is located just outside of Queenstown, which is quite possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in my life. The Southern Alps are visible from every direction, and there are lakes and hillsides everywhere you look. It was truly breathtaking! On top of that, the people of New Zealand are all so friendly, laid back, and a joy to be around. Can you tell I can’t wait to return?

I first had the pleasure of meeting Caroline several years ago in Los Angeles when she joined our book club! She was working in the entertainment industry at the time, and eventually decided she wanted to pivot and attend med school back home in New Zealand. Pretty soon after returning to Christchurch she met Sean, and the rest is history!

Caroline is incredibly kind, thoughtful, and has a quiet grace and elegance about her. Sean is extroverted, gregarious, and is the life the party. Together these two are a perfect balance! It was such a dream come true coming to New Zealand to capture their wedding. The South Island is known for having all four seasons happen in one day, but we were very lucky with the weather. It was a warm summer day (summer in NZ is late autumn/winter here in California), the clouds came in at the most opportune times, and the crazy wind kept at bay. Paradise!

Let’s rewind to the beginning of the day. Caroline and Sean each got ready at a rental home on Millbrook Resort’s property. The mountains were still visible!

I love that Caroline added a little spice to her classic look with these navy embellished Jimmy Choo pumps. So cool and unique!

LOVE a red lip, always, and Caroline rocked it!

A few members of Caroline’s family wore a traditional Scottish kilt, including her brother here!

Caroline Facetimed with her grandmother all morning. So sweet!

Meanwhile, over at Sean’s place a few doors down:

Caroline and Sean opted to do a first look so they could take all of their wedding party photos pre-ceremony. It’s always such a special moment and adds a lot less pressure to the timeline!

Sean’s reaction was so sweet! Those dimples!

Isn’t Caroline’s bouquet gorgeous?! It’s from The Flower Room Queenstown. I loved the subtle shades of pink mixed with white and cream!

Such a vision!! Caroline opted to wear a veil for her initial portraits but decided to forgo it for the ceremony and reception.

Very into this candid shot of the bridal party walking.

The Millbrook Resort wedding locations are right near a giant golf course. Sean is a big fan!

Caroline and Sean included a traditional Persian ceremony as a celebration of Sean’s culture.

All of the LA crew!

“The Americans” – it was so fun traveling with this group!

Sean’s father made sure everything was set to go.

Sean’s reflection watching his dad – such a sweet moment!

Traditional New Zealand weddings include “Canapes” rather than what we call a cocktail hour, and it can often be a longer period of time.

It’s also tradition at every New Zealand wedding to get a group photo of the entire crowd!

Although Caroline and Sean’s sunset wasn’t until very late in the day, we did all of their portraits during their cocktail hour – and got very lucky with the lighting! How beautiful is this tree-lined entrance to Millbrook Resort? Like something out of a classic fairy tale!

Speaking of fairy tales – what a DREAM! This location is only really accessible via golf cart, and we had to get there pretty early to accommodate the venue coordinator’s schedule. Luckily for us the sun was hidden and the light was beautiful!
Caroline and I dreamed of this location for months leading up to her wedding. “We have to get to the two trees!” Success!!

Their reception dinner took place in Millbrook Resort’s tent. So pretty, and the food was incredible!

Such a perfect and beautiful wedding! Congratulations Caroline and Sean!!
Photography: Mary Costa Photography
Venue: Millbrook Resort
Flowers: The Flower Room Queenstown