Meet the Founders of Slay My Day
Some of the best ideas start with good friends, a glass (or two) of wine, and a big chat about “surely there’s a better way to do this.” That’s exactly how Slay My Day came to life. We’d just worked together on a wedding, sat down to debrief, and found ourselves talking about what our industry was missing, and how we could fix it.
We wanted to create a platform that made life easier for couples and gave vendors the support they deserve. No more endless tabs. No more relying solely on word of mouth or hoping you’re “Google-able.” Just one place to find everything – vendors, venues, hire items, planning tools, pre-loved treasures – and the connections to make wedding dreams happen.
Here’s the crew making it all happen…
Queenstown Elopements – Planner
She may be the shortest of the three of us, but Haley’s dreams for Slay My Day are anything but small. She’s the driving force behind the development of the site, constantly brewing new ideas to make it bigger, better, and more useful for everyone. When she’s not steering this ship, she’s running Queenstown Elopements – creating intimate, adventurous wedding days in one of the most breathtaking corners of New Zealand.
What inspired you to help create Slay My Day?
A couple of things, really. First, the cost of some directories out there, with so little support in return. I come from a tourism background where regional operators and Tourism New Zealand were always there backing you. But in the wedding and events industry? There’s nothing like that. So… we built it.
As a wedding planner (and someone who’s planned their own wedding), the amount of tabs I had open was next level. It was so hard to find the right vendors, venues, hire items, planning tools – and not everyone is even searchable on Google! We needed one place where couples can find everything. And just like that, Slay My Day was born.
What do you love most about the wedding scene?
The vibe!! Everyone I work with is so bloody talented. They’re supportive, creative, and just all-round legends. And the couples? Absolute gems. Bringing their vision to life is the best feeling ever.
What can couples & vendors expect from the platform?
For vendors – expect Slay My Day to grow into the beast we’ve dreamed up. You’ll be supported, celebrated, and marketed hard.
For couples – get excited! From stalking vendors to saving your faves, building your budget, and shopping pre-loved… it’s all here. And if something’s missing? Tell us — we’ll add it.
Carla Mitchell Photography – Photographer
Carla has been in the wedding industry for well over a decade and has photographed more than 500 weddings. She’s seen it all – from emotional “I dos” to windswept mountaintop elopements – and she brings that experience to the creative side of Slay My Day. She’s the one making sure everything looks as good as it works, taking care of photography, social media, and blogs.
What inspired you to help create Slay My Day?
I’ve always loved the idea of bringing vendors together and making it easier for couples to plan their day here in NZ. Slay My Day is about creating a space that’s useful, inspiring, and long-lasting – something that will still be around decades from now as a true power tool for our industry.
What do you love most about photographing weddings?
For me, it’s all about connection – capturing couples in love, happy, and soaking up one of the best days of their lives. I get to freeze those moments for them to treasure forever. Most couples start the day feeling nervous or awkward in front of the camera, so I love helping them relax and turning it into a fun, memorable experience. Because I mainly photograph elopements, I’m often one of just a handful of people there on the day, which makes it extra special.
Why does Slay My Day matter to photographers and creatives?
It’s a space where we can showcase our work through real weddings and styled shoots, credit all the incredible vendors involved, and link to our industry friends so they can get discovered too. Plus, our images get shared on Slay My Day’s socials (with credit), giving even more exposure. We’re building an inclusive space for all types of weddings – every style, every budget – so there’s a way for everyone to be seen and connected.
Tess Kelly Celebrant – Celebrant
With a knack for connecting people and telling stories, Tess brings the marketing magic to Slay My Day. She’s all about making sure the right people see, love, and use the platform. As a celebrant, she’s been part of countless “I do” moments and knows exactly how special and personal every wedding day is.
What inspired you to help create Slay My Day?
For me, it’s the challenge of building a platform that actually lasts, keeping it fresh, relevant, and loved by the industry for years to come. I’ve always been obsessed with branding, marketing, sales, and weddings – Slay My Day wraps all that into one. Plus, working with Haley and Carla? Absolute bonus.
Do you have a favourite moment in a ceremony that always gets you?
The couples’ vows. Always. It’s the moment everything slows down and it’s just the two of you, speaking your truth in front of the people who matter most. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s often the part where everyone gets teary (myself included!).
What can vendors expect when joining the Slay My Day community?
They can expect a genuine partnership where we show up not just for the industry, but also for the couples planning their special day. We’re committed to supporting vendors with tools, exposure, and connections that help grow their business, while creating a collaborative space where couples can discover trusted professionals who truly care.
From friends to founders, we’re here to change the way NZ plans weddings – one connection at a time.
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