Elopement on a Volcano in New Zealand

This most beautiful of elopements by New Zealand wedding photographers CHASEWILD is my idea of the perfect way to get married (I know it's easy to say that 11 years after my wedding but eloping to a beautiful location sounds so amazing to me!). Self described non-traditionalists Lisanne & Kai wanted to escape the daily routine of their life in Germany for a few months and headed off to travel around the world, taking in Nepal, Fiji, Canada and finally New Zealand where they planned their elopement for. As they travelled they wrote their vows – whether it was in a cafe or in their campervan, making for some great memories. Being great nature lovers it was important for them to marry in a beautiful landscape and it really doesn't get much more spectacular than the Tongariro National Park in the centre of New Zealand's North Island. The most important part for the couple was that the ceremony was separate from the celebration they were to have with friends and family further down the track. They wanted to enjoy this private moment for themselves and focus on each other so that they could express themselves freely without feeling conscious of being on display (again something I can fully appreciate!). These images really showcase our country and landscape in the most beautiful way and will be such a treasure in years to come for Lisanne and Kai to look back on.

HOW DID YOU MEET? We grew up in the same small village near Frankfurt and attended the same kindergarten and school, however there was no close connection. After primary school we chose different school careers and we didn't see each other again until New Year's Eve in 2005. A friend of Kai's asked to bring me to a party. This night was followed by further occasions where we dated one another. Since April 2006 we have been a couple and we have lived together nearly since thly, it is not untypical to surprise each other on our birthdays, so Lisanne had absolutely no idea that this day would end in a proposal. We started with a cabriolet tour on a sunny day, followed by a yummy breakfast. We continued our drive through stunning roads of a nearby mountain range. The next surprise was a beautiful oriental hotel in Frankfurt. The room was decorated with petals and we enjoyed some fruit & champagne. During all these steps Lisanne had to solve small puzzles so that te first week.

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP? As we said since we have lived together nearly from the beginning, we are used to enjoy a very close relationship. We knew very early that we have found the right partner when we just turned 19. So the marriage was only a question of the right moment of our life. The last 10 years challenged us in very different ways which has leaded to us knowing each other like know one else does. So mostly we don't even need words he day could going on. Finally, Kai dropped Lisanne off at a hair dresser to gain some time in order to prepare for the proposal. Kai met with a friend, who is a singer and she came with her favourite guitarist, in Frankfurt's Chinese garden. After Kai has picked up Lisanne again and has entered the garden, the proposal was a very special and exciting moment. We and other garden visitors enjoyed two wonderful songs. Due to this beautiful day Lisanne had no choice and accepted the engagementto understand what the partner wants. We love that we can spend so much time together without struggling. Even more we work together to improve Lisanne's business for example. We are very thankful that we can make future plans together without crucial controversies. It is good to have found the best partner, friend and team player in one person.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: It was Lisanne's birthday and Kai organized a day full of surprises for her. Actually, it is not unusual for us surprise each other on our birthdays, so Lisanne had absolutely no idea that this day would end in a proposal. We started with a cabriolet tour on a sunny day, followed by a yummy breakfast. We continued our drive through stunning roads of a near mountain chain. The next surprise was a beautiful oriental hotel in Frankfurt. The room was decorated with petals and we enjoyed some fruits with champagne. During all these steps Lisanne had to solve small puzzles so that the day could go on. Finally, Kai dropped Lisanne off at a hairdresser to gain some time in order to prepare for the proposal. Kai met with a friend, who is a singer and she came with her favourite guitarist, in Frankfurt's Chinese garden. After Kai had picked up Lisanne again and had entered the garden, the proposal was a very special and exciting moment. We and other garden visitors enjoyed two wonderful songs. The day ended with a surprise party in Lisanne's favourite restaurant in Frankfurt with our most important friends – so everyone was aware of the plans except the future bride.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DRESS: I wore a very light dress which was individually tailored for me because I didn't find that light and flowing style in German stores. There it is more common to wear heavy and wide dresses. I talked about my thoughts and wishes with the tailor and we developed my final dress together. The dress consisted of two silk layers with the top one being sandblasted. I like it how the thin silk and the nested layers moved in the wind. Furthermore, small cap sleeves were added to the thin straps in order to slightly cover the shoulders. I love the playful details you only see when you look closer.

WHAT WENT TO PLAN AND WHAT DIDN'T? Initially, we planned to get married in summer when the weather was warm. However, we decided that the ceremony should be in the Tongariro National Park and it definitely did not feel like summer there. We had have been to that area once before and we knew that it would not have temperatures like on the Coromandel but we hoped for the best. In fact, we had to get used to a very strong and cold wind. Consequently it was hard to find a safe spot for the flower arch. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the time in this area regardless of the wind. Luckily, as mentioned further down we felt very warm during the ceremony when the sun came out… such a magical moment.

ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES ABOUT TO GET MARRIED? Do what YOU want to do when getting married and not that what others expect from you. The day mostly costs a lot of money and is so memorable so that your wishes are the most important. For us it was at any time clear which wishes each of us had regarding the wedding because we clearly talked about it. This is not only important when planning the wedding day. We advice other couples getting married to talk about your fears, wishes and expectations within the relationship. This is the basis for a happy marriage for us.

WHAT DOES BEING MARRIED MEAN TO YOU? Being married means to us sealing our love. The marriage leaded to a higher sense of belonging to one another and it definitely feels differently now. It Is the beginning of a new level of our relationship and a new step in life. So we also started to talk more about different questions like family planning or how and where to live. The partner became even more important for us. We feel also very proud to wear our rings and look at them often with overwhelming feelings of joy and satisfaction. For us the rings are an important sign of our relationship and they remind us especially in more challenging life situation to focus on ourselves. Now we are still looking forward to our wedding celebration in May in order to share all these beautiful moments with the people we love.