RICHIE & GEMMA Tie the knot
It was All Black and white as sporting glamour couple wed in Wanaka.
Richie McCaw and his sporting sweetheart Gemma Flynn today woke as husband and wife. Last night the glamour couple partied the night away with friends and family at exclusive venue The Olive Grove, near the shores of Lake Wanaka, after marrying in front of about 80 of their nearest and dearest.
The country’s highest profile newlyweds are no strangers to standing ovations during their respective stellar international sporting careers.
But no cheering at sporting arenas was as personal and poignant as the applause that broke out as the couple shared a tender kiss after exchanging their marriage vows.
A cool customer on the rugby field during his 148 tests for the All Blacks, McCaw wore a shy smile with relaxed charm as he approached the moment of saying: “I do”.
The weather wasn’t great but it couldn’t spoil the stunning backdrop of Lake Wanaka.
Just after 3pm, his smile growing wider as he approached, McCaw, 36, walked slowly towards the ceremonial arch where pledges would be made, chatting to and welcoming those who would witness his wedding to Black Sticks star Flynn, 26.
Near the arch, the word LOVE was spelled in large letters on the lawn.
McCaw’s look was smart — a dark suit, understood to be from Working Style, with a black bowtie and a white floral buttonhole — but his manner was casual. He was escorted by three groomsmen.
Then, all heads turned as Flynn arrived. In an appearance on reality TV show Say Yes to the Dress, which screened here in November, Flynn said she wanted a dress that was “classic, elegant” and “something timeless” but with “X-Factor and wow”. She did not disappoint in a figure-hugging, white satin v-neck dress with flowing veil. Her bridesmaids wore blush-coloured dresses for the big day — dubbed the closest New Zealand will get to a royal wedding. The nuptials were signalled by the merging of two giant picnic umbrellas — one each to shield the bride and the groom. Security was a major focus during the wedding. Auckland company Platform 4 Security manned the gates, grounds and surrounding locations. The pair have sold the rights to their wedding to a women’s magazine. Media covering the event from a hillside opposite the venue were shadowed by security guards. One guard was assigned to each media person with a camera and every time a lens was raised, the security team waved jackets and umbrellas across the field of vision.
After the ceremony, McCaw and Flynn left in a helicopter to have their wedding photos taken. They landed back with their bridal party of close friends about 6.30pm.
Earlier, guests arrived by taxi and bus. There weren’t many famous faces, but well-known guests included All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, former Tall Black Nick Horvath and wife Sheree Phillips, a former national hockey player. McCaw’s mate Rob Nichol from the NZ Rugby Players’ Association was there as well as Black Sticks including Rose Keddell.
But those players with whom McCaw had conquered the world were absent — his closest mates on the team, Ali Williams and Dan Carter, were playing rugby in France.
Last night, as rain returned, the newlyweds and guests partied in a marquee near where the vows were made. Hay bales were stacked outside the tent, and barrel half rounds lined up for holding drinks.