“I take you to be my partner, to learn and grow with, to trust and adventure with, to respect and support you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of happiness and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. I will love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.”

I’m so fortunate to have my crew of high school friends still in my life (over 20 years of friendship!!). Over the years we’ve all introduced partners into the mix and we’ve had the opportunity to get to know some amazing people from all over the world. Megan is knitted into the fabric of this group of friends and it was amazing to be transported back to Nelson (where we went to school) for her and Sam’s nuptials in March 2018.

This was a very special wedding for all that attended. We were joining southern and northern hemisphere people together; celebrated making it through long distance relationships in Wellington, New Plymouth and Nelson; and toasting to two friends growing older together. Not only were we celebrating these two being an amazing couple at the Nelson Seafarers Memorial … we were also celebrating in a family-friendly way and throwing joy about  everything about love: friendship, love, family, and laughter! There was sunshine, bridal party arriving on a boat, a huge cargo boat making an unexpected ceremony backdrop, bubbles, secret singalongs in the ceremony, fish and chips, and dancing the night away!

Ana Galloway Photography took amazing photos! I got a bit carried away below sharing all the gorgeous ceremony pictures (#sorrynotsorry), but my particular highlights include Megan (wearing Lainee Hermsen Bridal) and Sam being amazing and beautiful on Haulashore Island, the gorgeous sunset photos taken on Rocks Road after the couple snuck away from their reception at the Nelson Yacht Club, and hidden pokemon on the buffet and dessert tables! Nourish Catering put on a feast, Beauty by Angela made the girls shine to their natural beauty, and Sharon Knight did any amazing job with the cake (I also have it on good authority that she makes the most amazing gelato and is the supplier for Ragland Roast Tahunanui Cafe!).

Thanks for including my family in your special day Megan and Sam and it was pleasure being your celebrant. I love you remember your wedding every time you hear Dave Dobbyn’s ‘Slice of Heaven’. xx

Megan’s testimonial: “After growing up with Miranda, and watching her marry so many of our friends, I felt so privileged to be able to ask her to be our marriage celebrant and to be part of our wedding party on our big day. Sam has his own words for thanking Miranda, but for me, what makes Miranda so amazing is her ability with words and with people, along with her unflagging understanding that, no matter what, the day will be an incredible memory. The best decision we made for the ceremony was to say “sure” when Miranda asked if she could do a secret, surprise reading… It was awesome! Thank you so much Miranda!”

Sam’s testimonial: “Miranda calmed my nerves and made the big day feel doable – uncontrollable elements and all! Her never ending list of podcast suggestions also helped keep me steady as the days got closer and planning got tighter. I really appreciated her support, especially when we arrived on the wharf and I had to survive the ‘longer-than-a-lifetime’ wait for Megan to arrive. We love you Miranda.”