It all started with the need of a community.
The Wanaka Wedding Collective
We saw a need in our community, actually, we saw several needs. The Wanaka Wedding Collective is an inclusive space where the Wanaka Wedding industry is CONNECTED, SUPPORTED and PROMOTED. We achieve this through our online directory, wedding fairs, marketing campaigns, socials, training events, and lobbying for support.
The Wanaka Wedding Directory
We wanted to create a wedding directory that was not only intuitive to use and seamless in design but also represented the high caliber of vendors in our community and showcased the very best that Wanaka has to offer. Our aim is to connect couples with the perfect vendors, who will help them create the wedding of their dreams, whatever that may be.
The Wanaka Wedding Fair
Our fairs are world class. We believe in doing things differently, this isn’t your usual wedding expo, this is an event in its own right. We pave the way for hybrid events intertwining our digital event with our physical fairs, and exploring virtual reality immersive experiences. Not confined to Central Otago, you can find the Wanaka Wedding Fair popping up in cities throughout New Zealand.
Meet our founder – Sam
I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the limelight, you’ll often find me hiding out in the kitchen at parties doing the dishes. I used to be an actor and although loved the creative process it was the rehearsals I enjoyed more than being on stage. I fell into the world of events by accident, I had just finished a tour of Ireland doing pantomime and took on a 3-week contract at the Eden Project, Cornwall UK, and never looked back. From large scale music events, Glastonbury festival, theatre, circus and everything in between I was hooked, making sh*t happen is where I belong!
I grew up in Wanaka, it was a one-horse town in the ’90s and I was stoked to leave for the bright lights of the city. 15 years later I returned, began working as the business manager of an event venue and fell in love with the world of weddings.Â
The Wanaka Wedding Collective is a result of years of hard work, determination and collaboration. We could not have done any of this without the support of some key people who have helped us be where we are today. A massive thanks to Lake Wanaka Tourism, White Light Studio, Jolt Marketing and all of the members of the wonderful Wanaka Wedding industry who choose to join us for this adventure.
Sam is also the owner of Tregold a wedding planning team that create exceptional weddings to remember. Together they will help you design a unique and special day to suit your style, budget and timeframe.
Meet the team!
