High country elegance in the New Zealand backcountry.

26th January 2024

Written by Mats + Josh’s planner - Harriet

When Mats and Josh decided to have their 80 guest wedding in a remote corner of Glenorchy, it wasn’t just because of the awe-inspiring views of the Rees valley; it was because Josh had grown up camping in the area and they wanted to share this spot of paradise with their lucky friends and family. Mats’ family had travelled all the way from The Netherlands and were to be given a true Kiwi experience.

Family and meaningful moments were constant throughout their wedding. From getting ready together in their newly built home, Josh’s father driving them to the ceremony in the same wedding car he had driven to his own wedding many years prior. Mats even surprised Josh by revealing during the group photo, that he was taking his surname.

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The Preparation.

So, how do you have a wedding in an exposed location that requires crossing rivers to access with no hint of phone signal? The guests were transported in buses designed for the ski fields and every inch of the journey was timed and organised with plan b’s and c’s in place if the weather chose not to cooperate. Detailed reconnaissance took place by the planning team in the months leading up to the wedding and with satellite phones in hand on the day, everything went according to plan.

During the rehearsal the day before, there was even a stop at the nearby long drop to leave some luxurious toiletries. The local hikers were in for a treat this weekend if they stopped in to use these facilities!

The Ceremony.

Mats and Josh arrived by helicopter, landing next to the polished wedding car that had been carefully delivered the day before, hidden away below the ceremony spot. Twenty minutes before guests arrived they had time to take in the surroundings even spotting a few deer and let anticipation build. They watched their guests arrive from afar and once they were all seated, made their grand entrance. Driving up the hillside sounding the old crackly horn, a sound that you now only hear in old movies.

Andy Bell performed a heartfelt ceremony in front of the Rees Valley backdrop and the moment was more than perfect. The clouds broke, showing glimpses of a glacier and the royal inspired ceremony plinths were just enough to accent the natural beauty. Champagne flowed and guests enjoyed canapés while mingling amongst the tussocks. Music from LA Social topped off the afternoon with Ailsa’s stunning voice and flute.

The Reception.

Cosily nestled in their garden the Gather + Gold tipis were adorned with gold taper candles and cutlery, crystal glassware, crisp white linen and menus showcasing Mats and Josh’s own coat of arms. High country elegance on one side of the space and dance floor with disco ball cover on the other.

After speeches, a lavish feast and many glasses of Champagne, the chocolate mud cake was cut and the dance floor was ready. Mats and Josh had not only been preparing for their wedding ceremony for months...but their first dance was also quite the showstopper. The rehearsals were worth the effort and their choreographed first dance got the party in full swing where it continued until long after dark.