COOL COUPLES
When it comes to true love, here are four couples who make it work. Sarah Downs discovers what keeps the romance alive
Vanessa and Alastair Riddell
Alastair is, perhaps, best known as the frontman for the band Space Waltz — their single Out
on the Street was a smash hit — and it was his signature glam rock appeal which reeled Vanessa in 30 years ago. The multitasking power duo, both well established in the arts industry, now make films together for their production company, Little Red Hen Pictures.
How did you meet?
Vanessa: At a bar where Alastair and his band, Modern Contours, were playing. When it became clear to my friends that I was interested in the lead singer, they said I didn’t stand a chance. Always keen to rise to a challenge, I accepted the bet that whoever did not manage to get his attention and possibly a date would have to shout drinks the following Saturday. When Alastair went to the bar in his break, I took my opportunity. I stood near him, waited for him to turn around and then just smiled.
Alastair: I turned around and there was the attractive, smiling face of my future wife.
What is the most romantic thing your partner has ever done?
Both: Two things that stand out are a painting Vanessa did of Alastair, and a song Alastair wrote for Vanessa called Edge of God.
What do you love most about each other?
Vanessa: Alastair’s sense of humour, enthusiasm and loving nature.
Alastair: Vanessa’s creative spirit, and her unjaded and willing enthusiasm with people and projects. The energy and joy she has at getting stuck into things and, last but not least, her love and support for all our family.
What have you shared as a couple?
Both: We have four wonderful children, been in a band together, built two houses, which was no small feat, and made two feature films together, another massive undertaking. We have gone through deep sadness with the loss of loved ones, which has meant struggling up some seemingly unsurmountable emotional mountains.
What’s the key to staying in love?
Vanessa: I think it is important to share your life and dreams. Never take your partner for granted and always be there for each other.
Alastair: It’s important not to harbour grudges; don’t let the sun rise on your anger. It’s important to have a lot in common; when I was a kid, people used to say opposites attract but I think it’s much better to share your interests. As time passes, differences don’t become amplified but interests grow and develop.
Chris Parker and Micheal McCabe
Actor, writer and comedian Chris was perfectly matched with interdisciplinary designer Micheal three years ago in a rare Tinder success story. Their millennial romance is made up of love, laughs and cake. Lots of it.
What drew you to each other?
Chris: Micheal had his signature long hair when I first meet him. He also had an amazing Tinder profile. I appreciate a heavily curated Tinder profile. Micheal is also ridiculously intelligent. I’m constantly asking him “what does that mean?”
Micheal: I was front row during one of the early shows of Snort (at Basement Theatre) and Chris was the first monologue of the night. I remember being in absolute hysterics. He is a brilliant performer but also an absolutely generous and attentive person. A pure angel.
First Date?
Chris: We went to Late Night Diner (RIP) and got milkshakes because Micheal doesn’t drink. I was dirt broke. I was stressing that there was no way I could afford to buy him a drink because I only had $7 in my account. Our date went for hours. We just talked forever.
Most romantic thing your partner has done?
Chris: When we first started going out Micheal baked me quite a few cakes. My sister observed it when she was up for a weekend and said to me,“friends don’t bake each other cakes Chris”. He made me an entire cake out of eight Hershey’s Chocolate Pies from Burger King (they are ultimate favs of mine).
What do you love most about each other?
Chris: I love Micheal’s creativity. He is constantly busying himself with little projects with other people, and every time he does that he pours his heart into it. I also really love that his first name is Micheal and his middle name is also Michael.
Micheal: Chris’ patience, I’m constantly annoying him with gags and he does his best to humour them. I’m definitely not the comedian in the relationship.
Morgan Albrecht and Joseph Leary
This couple is a where country girl meets city boy. Both creatives met, work and thrive in the screen industry. Joseph is an art director for film and television and Morgan an actor.
What drew you to each other?
Morgan: His darkest sense of humour. You can actually see it, the Irish sense of humour glinting in the eyes. Some of the content that comes out of his mouth would need censorship from someone else’s but somehow he gets away with it. We also both don’t drink. It’s nice having a shared life currency that we can go to parties together and not feel like a buzz kill leaving by midnight.
Joseph: Her smile.
Most romantic thing your partner has ever done?
Morgan: I had to return my cello I was borrowing from my teacher and I was devastated, so he made me one. In a single afternoon out of cardboard, perfectly proportioned, and delivered it to my work. That was quite magical.
Joseph: She makes me coffee and delivers it to me in bed whenever I need it, which is daily.
What have you shared as a couple?
Both: On a trip to LA last year we had the privilege of visiting the Eames House in the Pacific Palisades. We had a private tour of their home and got to see how two of the greatest designers of the 20th century lived and worked. It was a life-changing experience and incredibly affirming in terms of how we choose to live and work.
What do you fight about?
Morgan: The city and country divide longterm can be a bone of contention. He’s a city slicker, and I’m a real yokel. Also expiry dates of foods. I am more lenient over/don’t believe in them.
What do you love most about each other?
Morgan: He dresses like a ratbag teenager but behaves like a gentleman. Joseph: She makes me smile, and brings out the joy in me.
Keegan Nelson and Caryl Wormald
A sought-after stylist, South African born Keegan Nelson of French Revolver studio knew there was something special about English darling Caryl, when she spun around in his client chair three years ago. Hair was snipped, conversation flowed and the mistaken booking turned into a long lasting relationship.
What drew you to each other?
Keegan: The way Caryl looked at me, her sense of style and when she sat in my chair we just spoke the whole appointment and I felt it could go on forever. Not to forget her lovely Derbyshire accent.
Caryl: His bright blue eyes and his great personality. He’s very caring!
What is the most romantic thing your partner has ever done?
Keegan: I love horses so Caryl booked me in for horse riding for my birthday. It was definitely one of the scariest too.
Caryl: When I was travelling with work he sent me orchids to arrive at the store I was working in. Really embarrassing but very cute!
What do you love most about each other?
Keegan: I love that Caryl is a perfectionist and with everything, she puts in 120 per cent and never gives up until it’s done. She is a very understanding and loving person and extremely diplomatic.
Caryl: That he can always make me laugh when I am feeling down or stressed.
What’s the key to staying in love?
Keegan: The key is learning to accept differences and embracing them. With a relationship you are always working with challenges. Enjoy it.
Caryl: To have fun! We have clear goals of what we want out of life, but we don’t have any pressure on the relationship. I think you have to make your own rules and figure out what works for you as a couple.