Our paths crossed in 2013 at an Auckland pub. After a bit of banter, we parted ways. As I headed back to my group, I was in complete shock to see Eamonn chatting to my dad. Eamonn didn’t realise I was catching up with my dad and brother at the pub.
We’ve been inseparable ever since. We live in Auckland. I’m a tech marketer and Eamonn is an Officer in the New Zealand Army. We’re both small- town people. I grew up in Rarotonga and Eamonn, originally from Australia, moved to Nelson when he was 10.
With Eamonn in the army, we have spent many months apart in different countries and time zones, so planned a mid-year holiday to Wanaka. We flew into Christchurch and drove through Lewis Pass in a winter wonderland to Wanaka. We decided to climb Roy’s Peak for a sunrise shoot. We started out at 3:30am and made it to the top before sunrise with the snow-topped mountain to ourselves. After sunrise, I set up my tripod and self timer to get a photo of the two of us and ran back to Eamonn. I was not expecting him to get down on one knee and ask me to marry him. I don’t even remember saying yes.
Originally, we planned to have the wedding in Nelson but Covid stopped those plans, so we secretly eloped to the Italian Dolomites. Our wedding photographer happened to be in Italy while we were there, so she was able to be our photographer.
We woke up and got ready together and headed out to the lake, where we had our first look along the water’s edge and exchanged vows underneath a mountain reflection with our closest four friends as witnesses. Once our ceremony was over, our next adventure was to find food. We stopped at a little town called Monguelfo-Tesido, which was quiet and empty, until we got to the piazza. The whole village was there for their annual chocolate carving festival! Magical.
Our wedding meal was traditional German dishes, with a pint of German beer while watching a live Volksmusik band. We played giant outdoor wooden games and our wedding cake consisted of homemade macaroons.
photography @anagalloway / ceremony location Lago di Braies, Dolomites reception location Monguelfo-Tesido / groom’s suit @roddandgunn / bride’s dress @leaveherwilder_bridesmaids / accessories @willandbear and @sophie_store / grooms shoes @r.m.williams_official / brides shoes @novoshoes and @drmartensofficial.com / flora @corcortezfloral / rings @michaelhillj
