Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship:
Greg is an Engineer Officer in the Royal Air Force who has served for 12 years and is currently at Royal Air Force Coningsby working on the Typhoon Fighter aircraft and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aircraft. Greg loves his motorbikes, cars and anything related to engineering. He also enjoys travel having been to NZ several times.
Steve is a Paramedic of 17 years with East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust. He has also completed the Clipper round the world yacht race, spending just shy of 1 year circumnavigating the globe in 2011/12 including a stop in Tauranga. Both of us love to travel when we can.
We live together in rural Lincolnshire in a small village called Nocton with our 2 rescue dogs, Philip and Nora, who keep us busy exploring new places together. We have been together for 11 years but only tied the knot in February 2020 despite Steve proposing to Greg at the top of The Shard, London in November 2013.
Both of us have shared common interests but have also maintained an ability to be by ourselves when work has separated our time together. We have also both maintained activities and interests that we enjoy undertaking independently so that we do not become stuck in each other’s pockets.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details:
The original plan was to take a helicopter up to Cecil Peak, Queenstown. Unfortunately, the poor weather conspired against us on the day. Luckily the team (Charlotte Winkel and Kellie Francis from Shaken & Stirred Weddings) were on hand to provide expert advice and support that allowed us to find an alternative location, Coronet Peak, Queenstown that could be easily and quickly accessed to allow us to take advantage of a very slim weather window!
There was no specific theme as we were keen for people to be relaxed and enjoy the day. We were very lucky to be joined by Greg’s Father and Steve’s Mother along with friends who flew out to join us.
The choice of date was also unique in that Greg being an engineer, the palindrome date, 02/02/2020 read the same backwards and forwards. It is the simple things.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Greg was proud to be given permission to get married in his uniform, with the Royal Air Force having been a mainstay of his career and life. Unfortunately, he was not able to get his dress sword out to NZ to compliment his uniform.
Steve took inspiration from his Scottish heritage and chose the family tartan, Robertson-Reid for his outfit.
Greg’s attire:
United Kingdom Royal Air Force Officers military uniform – the rank of Squadron Leader with medals (HM Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee and Afghanistan with clasp).
Steve’s attire: Scottish ancestry:
Prince Charlie woollen jacket with supporting Argyle waistcoat.Custom handmade kilt (Robertson-Reid clan) using fabric woven in Lochcarron, Wester Ross area of the Highlands, Scotland by Master Kilt Maker, Pat Wallace Pope from the “House of Tartans Kiltmakers” (Absolutely fantastic!!) – A family business that has been frequented by Royalty.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day:
The rain!!
Despite the last minute stress of changing locations, the beautiful scenery and ability to tie the knot with our family and friends present was highly memorable. Charlotte and Kellie certainly helped relax the situation and with their help and advice, allowed us to enjoy a lovely day with fantastic supporting pictures from Kellies keen eye which helped provide us with long lasting memories.
Even the silly moments of Greg trying to carry Steve over the threshold of the apartment or Greg struggling to get the ring on Steve’s finger, all led to a lovely and unique day.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together:
Don’t do it when a Global Pandemic has just started!!!!
Each couple has their own unique journey before they tie the knot, and to remember throughout that love is love and that is what is key to getting through the ups and downs that come along. When you do decide to take the next step of your journey together, plan ahead and talk to your team. In our case, we started 10 months in advance with Charlotte and it proved to be an excellent move. By regularly chatting by email and Skype, we were able to explore, discuss and take advantage of ideas and experience to create our perfect day.https://www.instagram.com/yourbigdayqt/Ceremony location: Queenstown lakes council land / Reception location: Airbnb in Queenstown / Photographer @kelliefrancisphotography / Celebrant Charlotte Winkel from @yourbigdayqt / Planner @shakenandstirredweddings / Flora @everydayflowers / Greg wears: United Kingdom Royal Air Force Officers military uniform – rank of Squadron Leader with medals (HM Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee and Afghanistan with clasp) / Steve wears House of Tartins Kilt Makers / Rings @hsamueljeweller / shoes @loakesshoemakers / + @kiltsociety / hair @purebarber.shop /
