Vows with a view: Kathryn and Ben’s Queenstown wedding

By:
Content Team
/
Updated on: March 8, 2024

Sydney couple Kathryn McKenna and Ben Howard crossed the ditch for their Queenstown wedding that made the most of New Zealand’s breathtaking mountain scenery.

Kathryn, 29, said the couple were keen to turn their destination wedding into a holiday for their 40 guests, some of whom were travelling from England and Perth.

“We wanted a venue where all our guests could stay together,” Kathryn explains.

“When we visited Distinction Nugget Point Hotel in Queenstown I was sold. The scenery and atmosphere in Queenstown is breathtaking – and the people are so cheerful!”

Kathryn and Ben, 28, wed at Stoneridge Estate Chapel by Lake Hayes on September 27, 2014.

Once the ceremony was over, the wedding party jumped on board helicopters to the Remarkables mountain range for some wedding photos with the wow factor.

“It was the most fun, such an experience and, for most of us, the first time in a helicopter,” Kathryn says.

The couple then headed back down to earth for the reception at the Distinction Nugget, where a photo booth and a dessert bar added to the fun.

“It was an amazing weekend, full of incredible memories,” Kathryn says.

“I got to marry my best friend, surrounded by the people we love most.”

Photos courtesy of Alpine Images.

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Kathryn and Ben sourced their gorgeous rings from Michael Hill.

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Ben and Kathryn say they could not be happier with their glorious destination wedding.

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“The theme was quite vintage,” Kathryn says. “I did a lot of DIY.”

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Bridesmaids Dresses Bridesmaids Dresses: Vision in White Bride

Celebrant Celebrant: Philipa Cook

Ceremony Venue Ceremony Venue: Stoneridge Estate

Entertainment Entertainment: DJ Jason Moore

Flowers Flowers: The Flower Room

Gift Registry Gift Registry: Myer

Grooms Attire Grooms Attire: Calabro Menswear

Groomsmen Attire Groomsmen Attire: Calabro Menswear

Hair Hair: Hush Spa

Honeymoon Honeymoon: New Zealand

Invitations Invitations: DIY , kwik kopy

Lolly Buffet Lolly Buffet: DIY

Makeup Makeup: Hush Spa

Photographer Photographer: Alpine Images

Reception Venue Reception Venue: Distinction Nugget Point Hotel

Rings Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller

Transport Transport: The Helicopter Line , Classic Car Journeys

Venue Decor Venue Decor: The Flower Room , Queenstown Wedding Hire

Wedding Night Venue Wedding Night Venue: Distinction Nugget Point Hotel