Stef Samaco & André Abadilla
January 23, 2024
We said "Yes" to each other. Now, we're so thrilled you said "Yes" in joining us on our next journey together. Find all the details you need to know about our special day here. Get your passports ready—we can't wait to say "I do" in front of you!
How we Met
André and Stef first met in college. A common friend introduced them. They both recalled sitting together that night in awkward silence ... Years later, they ran into each other - went on a date, more dates and then started traveling together. They enjoyed each and every moment together but also powered through the distance. They both agreed to just “enjoy the ride”, never made any concrete plans - until he popped the question 11 years later.
The Proposal
On the 17th of July 2022, Andre finally decided to “put a ring on it”! It was a glorious sunny, winter day at Te Mata peak with few of their closest and dearest.
Best Man
Adrian Abadilla
The Brother.
Maid of Honour
Zindy Haligado
The Batman to (Stef’s) Robin. Her ride or die. You get it.
Bridesmaid
Lovely Gonzaga
The chilled out one.
Bridesmaid
Shine Fegarido
The childhood bestie.
Bridesmaid
Jen Almalbis
The poet.
Flower Girl
Dawn Marie Stanton
Flower Girl
Cassandra Jaedyn Batt
Flower Girl
Anaiah Jehanne Sogocio
Day Before the wedding
Meet for Lunch
1:00 pm
22nd of January - We would love to spend a day with you before the wedding but we're not that “boujee” - we haven’t prepared a proper welcome party, but you are more than welcome to join us for lunch at one of Queenstown's best buffet lunches at the Walter Peak! To book, please follow the link below.
Day of the Wedding
Ceremony
3:30 PM - Guests arrive at the Chapel by the Lake4:00 PM - Ceremony begins in the Gardens4:30 PM - Ceremony ends4:40 PM - Photos
Day of the Wedding
Reception
5:00 PM - Guests move to cocktail hour6:00 PM - Newly-wed entrance at cocktail hour6:10 PM - Cake cutting6:30 PM - Guests seated for dinner at the Haye's room8:30 PM - First Dance
Dress Code
Semi-casual
aka Dressy casual or cocktail.It's a garden wedding! We would like you to look and feel your best - prints and frills are allowed. We encourage guests to stick to our wedding palette for photo cohesion.
It will be summer in January, but New Zealand weather is unpredictable and temperature can drop as low as 20 degrees, make sure you bring something to keep you warm.
Transport
A coaster will be available for guests to be transported to and from the venue. Please see times below:
- 2:45pm Transfer from Athol Street to Stoneridge (stopping by Blue Peaks, Stanley St bus stop)
- 11:00 pm Transfer from Stoneridge to Athol Street
Accomodation
Queenstown is New Zealand's top tourist destination and is guaranteed to be busy during the summer months. We encourage guests to book hotel and accomodation a bit earlier and preferably close to the City Centre.
Our recommendations:*Blue Peak Apartments
*Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments
*Crown Plaza Queenstown
*Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments
*Crown Plaza Queenstown
Activities
You are about to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth! Take this opportunity to explore and spend time with your family, friends, partner or just yourself!
Activities we recommend:*Skyline Queenstown
*Jet boat ride
*Milford sound day tour
*Onsen Hot pools
* Visit and explore Wanaka, Arrowtown, Akaroa, Glenorchy
*Jet boat ride
*Milford sound day tour
*Onsen Hot pools
* Visit and explore Wanaka, Arrowtown, Akaroa, Glenorchy
RSVP
Kindly RSVP by 1st of December 2023 including any dietary requirements.
A note on gifts
We are pleased to be sharing our day with you. Please don’t feel like you need to bring a gift, although should you wish to, we have started a registry for a travel fund. Our passion is travel, and we can’t wait to make more memories together as Mr & Mrs. Any amount will be gratefully received.
800 days
since we tied the knot!