Wedding day blues make for competition win
A competition designed to give one lucky couple the opportunity to re-celebrate their wedding day has resulted in gorgeous images for a Queenstown couple who eventually married after initial wedding plans went disastrously wrong.
Three Queenstown businesses – photography provider Still Vision, hair & makeup experts Collective and clothing stylists Nemo Workroom collaborated to create a competition to share awareness of the superb wedding services on offer in the resort.
“Each of us in our businesses play a big part in the wedding day of our clients, we see so many beautiful weddings and are so lucky that Queenstown provides such great locations and venues but we understand that not everyone’s dream day is perfect,” said Still Vision’s Jackie Gay.
“Sometimes a wedding day may not go exactly to plan due to weather, sickness or some mishap. “That is why we decided to offer one local couple the opportunity to have that beautiful day re-shot.
“We were looking for a couple whose story was worth sharing our services for, so that they could have those dream images they deserved. While lots of entries had suffered various weather related issues and wardrobe failures, Lisa and Hayden Cosgrove’s story was irresistibly disastrous and shone out amongst the entries received.”
English-born Lisa and New Zealander Hayden were to marry in the UK in July 2010, but the kiwi groom was refused entry at Heathrow Airport (under a little known travel law), locked up then unceremoniously sent back to New Zealand. Despite the best efforts of many people to get a temporary visa organised, the wedding had to be cancelled and a devastated Lisa was left to break the news to family and friends, including 15 people who had flown from New Zealand to the UK for the happy day.
Broke and very disappointed, the pair eventually married in New Zealand in September in a beautiful ceremony organized by friends, but Lisa’s parents couldn’t come. Afterwards, the travel agent provided airfares for the couple to revisit the UK for a wedding blessing to compensate. Guests were re-invited but the midwinter gathering was all but foiled by a severe snow storm which meant most guests couldn’t make it.
On January 4, 2012 the pair had the opportunity to finally get the dream shots they wanted. Beautifully dressed and styled by Nemo Wardrobe’s wedding department, impeccably groomed and made up thanks to the skills of Collective staff and perfectly posed and positioned by Still Vision’s Jackie Gay, the day went without a hitch. Flowers had been provided by The Flower Room and Black ZQN who were each touched by the story and provided flowers and stylish transport respectively.
Ms Gay says the couple were a delight to work with and the entire competition was a joyful way of showcasing Queenstown’s world class wedding services such as styling, hair & makeup and photography as well as its superb locations.
“Queenstown is a very popular wedding destination, but we don’t think people are always aware of the wonderful services we have that are as sophisticated and efficient as any in the cities. We have the dedicated and experienced people in every discipline required to arrange a truly amazing wedding.”
Lisa and Hayden, soon to be parents (Lisa is expecting in May) are delighted to now have a collection of stunning shots that celebrate their commitment to each other.
“We were so happy to receive this prize and had a wonderful day doing the shoot. It was incredibly special for Hayden and me to enjoy an amazing makeover and shoot now that the stress and upset of that horrible time is behind us. It was positive and fun to celebrate our relationship in a relaxed manner before the birth of our first baby.
“We can’t thank Collective, Nemo Workroom and Still Vision Photography enough for giving us the opportunity. Their enthusiasm for the competition was amazing and we are so happy with the images.”
More about Still Vision
Owned and operated by Queenstown photographer Jackie Gay, Still Vision is experienced in all areas of photography and works either on location or in a private studio in the heart of Queenstown. Weddings are a specialty and Still Vision has a range of packages to suit all styles and party sizes and a massive working knowledge of the best photography locations.
Still Vision is expert in social media and will help you share images with your chosen audiences.
More about Nemo Workroom
Nemo workroom is a professional, fully equipped work space offering the skills of exceptional seamstresses. We repair and alter as well as create wonderful one off bespoke pieces. The workroom has become a specialist service for the design and implementation of fashion & style across many platforms.
Brides can arrive at Queenstown Airport and in moments have final wardrobe details put to rest at Nemo. The Store also has a range of exquisite one off bridal gowns to purchase.
Alternatively brides can gather inspiration and have us create her dream gown. Our Vintage Haberdashery cabinet houses a beautiful collection of jewellery suitable for any event.
Grooms can collect suits from the range of suites the team can access from their various agencies.
More about Collective
Situated in the centre of Queenstown, Collective Hair Salon was established in 1999 and is proud to have internationally trained, award winning hairdressers and make-up artists who pride themselves on keeping up with the latest styling techniques.
Collective Hair Salon provides the largest salon space in Queenstown so can cater for all size groups and wedding parties. We have indoor and outdoor areas which make it a relaxing and spacious place for creating a total look.