Tyson and I are performers on cruise ships. We both sing and dance and are away on contracts for about 10 months of the year. It’s an amazing opportunity to travel and see the world.
We tend to have the same opinions on the things that matter, and different tastes on the things that make life interesting (like pickles and coffee). We’re the same size and get to share a wardrobe! We like the same movies (and will both walk out if they’re bad). We both ski at the same level, which is great for any relationship. We’re just naturally on the same wavelength, without needing to speak a word, which gives us an intimacy, even in a crowded room. The day before our wedding, a freak weather system passed through Queenstown and even though it was March and summertime in New Zealand, it snowed! We knew it would be chilly getting married in a mountain town, but no one expected it to snow! We sat in our car at 2pm the day before the wedding, painfully watching the snow fall onto our field. With one freak turn of the weather, it felt like months of planning and design were at serious risk. But our vendors were heroes, the snow cleared in the late afternoon, and everyone worked quickly to order more heaters and get guests rugged up. In the end, it actually made our day that much more special. When the weather cleared and revealed Ben Lomond Station and Moke Lake in all its glory, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, blue skies, and sunshine, we cried, and not just a little bit. Everything was selected and curated by us, and while it nearly killed us, we couldn’t be happier with the result. We love design and style, so a wedding was the perfect opportunity to do everything we love! We are particularly proud of how we styled our wedding party, the girls especially. We wanted to avoid a typical ‘wedding’ look. We wanted elegant lines and felt black would accentuate their features and highlight the flowers and setting. The roses in their bouquets are called ‘Quicksand’ and they are ridiculously gorgeous. There was not a dry eye in the house as we said our vows. As gay men, we’ve walked a very long and difficult journey to get to where we are, and that was recognized in a very emotional and joyous day.
Photography: Cameron Thorp at Chasewild Grooms’ outfits: M.J. Bale shirts, Robertson jacket and waistcoat, McQueen chinos Rings: Tiffany & Co Tyson’s glasses and watch: Georgio Armani Location: Ben Lomond Station,Henley Paddock Shoes & belts: Country Road Props: Best Day Ever bestdayeverevents.co.nz Hair: Daniel Hunt Maids of Honour: Long-sleeve merino by Glassons, Montique black Eva taffeta skirt Flora: Wholesale flowers by Downies Flowers, bouquets assembled by Melissa Stuetz (Mum) Accessories: Calibre pocket square and vintage brooches Groomsmen’s attire: Their own suits with M.J. Bale shirts, vintage brooches Furniture: Stretch Tents Entertainment: Dr Sanchez Sound and lighting: Shipleys Audiovisual Tent: Schupepe Tents Catering: In 2 Food Catering Special song: ’The Light’ by Sara Bareilles
