If I had to make a list of my top destinations in the world to elope? You can bet New Zealand sits right up there. Amazing waterfalls, mountain peaks, snow – what more could you want for a backdrop that takes your breath away?

It’s why we couldn’t go past this inspiration shoot of a rainforest elopement. The amazing river backdrop gives a moody edge, a depth to a simple romantic set of images.

With Sarah McEvoy Photography behind the camera, and Folk Yeah! capturing the motion, our “bride” dressed in a beaded gown by PaperSwan Bride, with jewels from Madame Fancy Pants and hair and makeup by The Powder Room NZ, while our “groom” (can we talk about that moustache?) chose a classic tuxedo from Crane Brothers. But it’s the flowers, oh the flowers, that really steal the show with their shades of buttery yellow with beautiful silvered eucalyptus foliage, complementing the blush and cream blooms, styled beautifully by Swoon Flowers.

Photographer Sarah shares “The untouched wilderness of Rivendell, where New Zealand’s native rainforest spills down steep gullies to the edge of the grey stone banks of the Hutt River, provided the moody location for our romantic wedding inspiration shoot. We took an elegant and formal wedding look out of its traditional setting and into nature, edging it up with wildflowers, boots, and a fur coat. Sheltering from the rain, under a dripping tree canopy, in your lover’s arms.”