It was on a magical day at the stunning West Melton Winery in Langdale that I had the absolute privilege of uniting Colleen and Quentin in marriage. The vineyard, with its rolling hills and lush greenery, provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with love, laughter, and celebration. As the couple walked down the aisle, hand in hand, surrounded by their closest friends and family, you could feel the deep bond they shared—this was a love that had been rediscovered and cherished, with both Colleen and Quentin marrying for the second time.

The atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting, as the wedding beautifully honored the couple’s Scottish heritage. The rich, warm sounds of a bagpiper filled the air, setting the tone for a ceremony steeped in tradition. Guests were treated to the distinctive flavors of Scotland, with haggis and whiskey tastings that delighted the senses.

But the celebration didn’t end there. As the evening unfolded, a lively Scottish band took to the stage, inviting everyone to join in the fun. They patiently guided us through the steps of traditional wedding dances, creating an evening that was as joyous as it was memorable. With the music playing and laughter echoing across the vineyard, we danced the night away under the stars, celebrating not just the union of Colleen and Quentin, but the spirit of love that brought everyone together.

It was a day filled with warmth, tradition, and joy—a day that perfectly reflected the love story of two people who found each other again. I felt truly honored to be a part of such a beautiful and heartfelt celebration.

Over 20 years ago, at a lively party, my cousin Hamiria and her groom, Sam, shared a glance that would change their lives forever. From that very moment, it was clear they were destined to be together. Their journey took them to the breathtaking West Coast, where they built a life in Arahura, raising two beautiful daughters in a home filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of whanau.

Their wedding day was a culmination of two decades of love, commitment, and shared experiences. In front of their closest whanau and friends, Hamiria and Sam stood together, their bond stronger than ever, as they took their vows and became husband and wife. The ceremony was more than just an exchange of vows—it was a celebration of the life they had built and the love that had grown deeper with each passing year.

The day was rich with the essence of whanau and community. The sounds of laughter and music filled the air, blending with the rhythm of the ocean and the flow of the awa. The celebration was a beautiful fusion of tradition and joy, with dancing that continued well into the night, and kai that was a true reflection of the land and sea that nourishes us. Every dish was lovingly prepared, sourced locally from both our awa and the sea, embodying the spirit of connection to our whenua.

For me, there was no greater honour than officiating my cousin’s wedding, standing on the mahau of my own, and her marae. It was a day drenched in love, culture, and the deep-rooted ties of whanau—a day that I will cherish forever, just as Hamiria and Sam will cherish their lifelong journey together.