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

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.

Kathryn and Ben sourced their gorgeous rings from Michael Hill.

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

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