Lockdown wedding ‘great’
It may not have been what they originally planned, but it was still a special day for a Christchurch couple who got married during alert level three.
Nick and Theresa Maher tied the knot on Saturday after their original wedding venue closed when the country went into the Covid-19 lockdown in March.
Undeterred, they found an alternative location and organised a new day with just over a week’s notice.
They originally planned to invite around 100 guests, but because of level three restrictions – which limit gatherings to no more than 10 – they could only invite a celebrant, a photographer and six other people.
The rules also meant the brideto-be had to do her own hair and makeup and they could not have a wedding cake or reception.
The couple have been together for two-and-a-half years, having met at Foodstuffs Distribution Centre in Hornby where they both work.
Their ceremony took place at Sign of the Bellbird, in Summit Rd, overlooking Lyttelton Harbour. And in attendance were Theresa’s mum and brother Chris, who gave her away. Her two sisters could not attend due to the level three travel restrictions.
Nick’s daughter, Tayla, was their flower girl but sadly his mum Raewyn died two years ago.
Weddings can be difficult to organise at the best of times but social distancing meant extra considerations had to be taken into account.
The witnesses provided their own pens for signing the
‘‘It was a bit weird having the ceremony without the reception. And we did miss having everyone there, but we still made the best of the situation.’’
Theresa Maher
documents and guests were given miniature bottles of sparkling white wine to toast the bride and groom.
Despite the restrictions, Theresa Maher said it was still a great day.
‘‘It was a bit weird having the ceremony without the reception. And we did miss having everyone there, but we still made the best of the situation,’’ she said.
She said despite it being a bit windy, the weather was good and they were ‘‘stoked’’ with the views. They now plan to send out pictures and videos to family and friends who could not attend.
Their celebrant Julie Lassen – who has officiated at more than 2000 ceremonies over 20 years – said it was a ‘‘special wedding’’.
‘‘It was lovely getting Theresa and Nicholas married,’’ she said. ‘‘We couldn’t light the candle as it was too windy. Other than that, we did everything we were planning to do.’’
She said the physical distancing did feel strange but everyone adhered to the rules.
‘‘I heard the bride say she also found it strange not being able to hug anyone and from my perspective that was very strange, as I usually call forward everyone to congratulate the couple.’’ she said.