Editor’s note
Is there anything more fun than a wedding? They are just such wonderfully joyful occasions, and I’d been looking forward to Nadine Chalmers-Ross and Dan Higgins’ big day for ages.
Yes, I was happily covering their story for Woman’s Day, but my husband Conrad is also a great friend of Dan’s, so he was coming too. And it wasn’t just a one-day affair, but three days of festivities planned in the Bay of Islands. We packed the kids off to the grandparents and hit the road ridiculously excited!
We opted for glamping, staying in a gorgeous big cream tent which was fitted out with flowers and fairy lights. The sun was shining and the beautiful sparkling water of Mahinepua Bay was our view from bed through the tent flaps. After a busy couple of months, it was just what the doctor ordered.
When everyone gathered for the wedding ceremony, we were fizzing. As we witnessed Nadine and Dan declare their deep love for each other with raw emotion, the sunglasses sure came in handy!
It’s fabulous seeing two people madly in love declare their marriage vows. And for the wedded couples watching, it’s also a lovely reminder of our own special days and the promises we made.
I remember when Conrad and I got married nine years ago, life seemed so stress-free and cool. We used to talk about how “easy” it was a lot.
Young love is a beautiful thing, but it shifts with time and responsibilities ... and big mortgages. Along with the fun, life can bring hardships and sadness – and marriage is not immune. But together, facing life is so much better. Marriage isn’t always a fairy tale, but it’s a magical thing.
A few words of advice to the newlyweds from an old married woman (who is still learning this stuff): Never stop dating (each other!); kiss and hug every day; be kind to each other; compromise and apologise; give each other space; plan holidays; don’t sweat the small stuff; talk heaps; attack problems, not each other; support each other 100%; and praise the best cook of the house – a lot!
We wish Mr and Mrs Higgins a lovely, fun-filled marriage. Thanks for sharing such a special celebration with us.