Jamie and James's Wedding at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
“Where do I begin! Rowan is an amazing videographer. He captured everything so well on the day, and you wouldn’t even know he was there. I can’t speak more highly of you Rowan, you did such an amazing job. Thank you again for something that we will cherish forever.”
We also made this short version to share on instagram
In late March, Jamie Lee and James were married in a beautifully simple and intimate ceremony at the stunning Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat. With just a small handful of their closest family present, they shared vows surrounded by the natural beauty of the Southern Alps. The day was effortlessly elegant, a celebration focused on love, connection, and presence.
Their relaxed celebration was captured by Chris Stanley of Focus Photography, with the ceremony officiated by Married by Jillian. Jamie Lee’s hair and makeup were styled by the team at Edit Hair and Beauty, and Kakariki Flowers provided the gorgeous floral touches. The cake was from Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat, rounding out a perfect day shared in the heart of the Mackenzie Country.
I had splendid fun capturing all the sights in a Next Day Film
All the photos here are taken from the Next Day Film above
that morning
that afternoon
“Marriage involves a loving, honest, and open relationship based on the equal freedom of identity of both partners. Understanding the true magic of love is not to avoid change, but to navigate them successfully.”
“Dad, you’ve escorted your daughter to stand beside the man she loves and to whom she will build a future with. A future that both you and her family will continue to be part of. Do you give your love and your blessing to their marriage today?”
“Jamie and Jimmy are bringing to their marriage a friendship that’s been built on for many years. In that time, they’ve learned a lot about each other’s strengths and weaknesses, how to support and encourage one another, and when to give each other space they need to be an individual.”
“You are the treasure of my life. I know that the best things in life don’t come with price tags attached to them. Life’s most priceless things are people and families, the love that hold them together. How can I ever begin to tell you all the feelings that are inside of me? All of the love is there because of you.”
“There are little things I could tell you every day and still not enough. But I want you to always remember that you are appreciated more than I can find the words for. That as long as I live, there will never be a day where you’re taken for granted.”
“If I had to do it all over again, I’d choose you over anyone. I’d choose the life we’ve made, the laughter, the chaos, the love, and our little Millie. You are my person, my family, my home.”
“Take a look at each other’s hands. These are the hands of your best friend. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours.”
Jamie Lee and James’s wedding at Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat was the perfect example of how powerful a small, intimate celebration can be. With just a handful of family present and a backdrop that speaks for itself, every detail of their day was infused with meaning, warmth, and love. For couples planning an elopement-style or private wedding, this is proof that simple doesn’t mean anything short of spectacular.
As a Christchurch wedding videographer, I specialise in Next Day Films, a service that allows couples like Jamie and James to relive their wedding just hours after it happens. Their film was ready to share the very next morning, making it easy to include friends and extended family who couldn’t be there in person. It’s a beautiful way to bring your wider circle into the moment while it’s still fresh, full of emotion, and truly alive.
Alongside their Next Day Film, Jamie Lee and James also received a full-length video of their ceremony, as well as a copy of the raw footage, giving them the freedom to relive every unscripted, candid moment exactly as it happened. Whether your wedding is in Christchurch or a remote alpine retreat, I’m here to capture it all and bring it to life, fast.
and thank you for reading my blog!
Rowan
Frameboy
