Real Wedding of Claudia + Ethan de Groot

Recently featured in Vanity Fair’s UK Wedding Showcase, Claudia + Ethan de Groot’s breathtaking celebration at Jack’s Point in Queenstown was unforgettable. Their day was a vision of timeless elegance with a modern edge, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range.

We started working with Claudia and Ethan just over a year before their wedding and quickly knew this celebration would be something special. Their energy and passion – not just for creating their dream day, but for making sure their guests had an unforgettable experience – was truly contagious. Alex led the planning and, over time, what began as a professional relationship naturally grew into a genuine friendship with late-night inspiration swaps, creative ideas flowing freely, and timezone-hopping calls to bring it all to life.

We sat down with bride Claudia to talk about all things love, style and planning the wedding of her dreams. She dishes on Ethan’s romantic proposal and tells us about her favourite moments from their wedding day.

If you’re currently planning your wedding, trust us – you’ll want to hear her thoughts on what to prioritise, the one thing she tells every bride to invest in, and the unexpected detail their guests still talk about…

Can you tell us about the proposal? Was it a surprise?

C: “I was completely caught off guard. Ethan planned the most incredible surprise proposal. We had just flown into Auckland and were road-tripping to Whangamatā to spend the summer with our best friends. On the way, he took a detour and drove straight to the beach. He casually mentioned we were picking up our friends, so I hopped out, looking around to see where they might be.

Next thing I know, I turn around and there he is, down on one knee!

When we pulled up to our friends’ batch, a whole celebration was waiting. Some of our closest, most special people were there, champagne in hand, and Ethan had organised everything: dreamy balloons, cocktails, a beautiful grazing table, custom signage… the works.

It was magical. It was us. And I’ll never forget it.”

What inspired your wedding style/theme? Did you have a specific vibe or color palette in mind from the start?

C: “Let’s just say, we weren’t interested in following trends or doing what everyone else was doing. From the beginning we wanted something that felt timeless, elevated and completely us.

Our vision included a stunning water view, a clear marquee and a black and white palette that would never go out of style. We leaned into modern elegance, soft draping, statement bows, curated signage and personalised touches everywhere. Sophisticated, but relaxed. Classic, but not boring.

But beyond the look, our biggest priority was the vibe. We wanted it to feel like an epic celebration; a fun, joy-filled party with all our favourite people in one place. The kind of night where the cocktails flowed, the dance floor is packed, and the love is so big.

In the end, it was never about being trendy. It was about creating a moment that felt effortlessly beautiful and authentically us.”

What were your top priorities when planning the day?

C: “We wanted the day to feel incredible from start to finish. Our top priorities… outstanding food, epic cocktails, and a seriously good selection of drinks (plenty of it, with options for everyone). We wanted elevated flavors that were beautifully presented, and drinks that kept the energy high and the dance floor full.

When it came to late-night snacks we weren’t about the usual party pies, we went full vibe with Domino’s pizza, a total classic fave of mine. It was epic having piping hot slices come out after a few rounds of cocktails!

Of course we wanted a balance: a ceremony that felt meaningful and classic, followed by an unforgettable celebration with all our favourite people. No stiff or overly traditional vibes. Just a stylish, love-filled day that turned into the best party we’ve ever thrown.

In short? We wanted the kind of wedding people talk about for years.”

What made you choose Alexandra Kate Creative as your wedding planners?

C: “From the moment I stumbled across AKC on Instagram, I knew they were the one Their feed was like a Pinterest board come to life, full of impeccable style, creative magic and swoonworthy moments that had me completely hooked.

Then I saw Alex’s own wedding and honestly….. the details, the vibe, the energy, it was everything I dreamed of and more. I could tell she just got it. The romance, the fun, the beauty, all wrapped up in something effortlessly cool.

On top of all that, their connections in Queenstown? Next level. They had a dream team at their fingertips and that gave me so much confidence that everything would be seamless.

Knowing there was someone who had thought of every single element leading up to the big day and that on the day, everything would be completely under control! Which it was. It meant I could show up, be present, and truly enjoy the moment, knowing our day was in the most capable hands.

Choosing AKC was a no-brainer and I couldn’t recommend Alex and the team more highly.”

What were your favourite moments from the day?

C: “Marrying my best friend. Nothing tops that. But walking down the aisle and seeing our entire vision brought so beautifully to life was truly unforgettable.

The elegant draping of the ceremony space, the exquisite florals, and every meticulously curated detail throughout the reception, it genuinely felt like we had stepped into a dream. It was surreal seeing it all unfold exactly how we imagined, but even better, surrounded by the people we love most.

That moment of taking it all in, heart full, eyes wide, completely overwhelmed in the best way, is something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Is there any advice you’d give to couples currently planning their wedding?

C: “Yes, get the damn wedding planner. And not just any planner. AKC! If you are on the fence, go all in with the full package. Seriously, it’s the best decision we made. They’re worth their weight in gold.

Planning a wedding is a lot, and while Pinterest boards and spreadsheets are cute in theory, having someone who lives and breathes this stuff is priceless.

The day itself flies by in the most magical blur, and having someone to guide you, keep everything on track, and make sure you’re exactly where you need to be (without looking at your watch once) is incredible. You literally show up and just breathe, knowing every detail is handled.

So please, invest in your peace of mind. You’ll thank yourself a thousand times over.”

What’s one thing you’re so glad you included in your celebration?

C: “I can’t pick one, so here’s two!

Spending the time to really perfect our ceremony! We made a last-minute call to fully drape the stage and the plinths, and honestly, it was the best decision we made.

It completely elevated the whole ceremony space and turned it from beautiful to unforgettable. The setup felt so intentional and romantic, and it gave the moment the presence it deserved. Plus it made for some insane photos.

It reminded us that the ceremony is the heart of the day, and giving it the extra love was so worth it.

Cocktail ice blocks were another last minute addition! It was an absolute scorcher of a day, so having icy cold, alcohol filled treats straight after the ceremony was a total vibe. They were super refreshing, got everyone instantly into party mode, and honestly our guests are still talking about them! It felt like such a fun, unexpected twist and something we’d never seen at a wedding before. 10/10 would recommend.(@viceblocks)”

At Alexandra Kate Creative, we genuinely care about each and every client and pour our hearts into every event we plan. Working with incredible people like Claudia and Ethan – who placed their full trust in us throughout the journey – makes the experience all the more special. We’re so excited to see what the future holds for this powerhouse couple… and we’ll be ready when it’s time to start planning those anniversary parties – right, you two?