Rugby giant Richie McCaw and Black Sticks champion Gemma Flynn have woken after a night of wedding celebrations with family and friends to a perfectly sunny Wanaka morning.
The high profile couple marked the momentous occasion of their first morning as a married couple by sharing a photo to their fans on social media.
The casually dressed yet still very stylish pair can be seen standing together holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes in front of a stellar view of Lake Wanaka.
The romantic caption said: “Awesome to wake up on our first day as Mr and Mrs McCaw”.
The high-profile Kiwi sports stars are believed to have tied the knot at The Olive Grove in Wanaka on Saturday, with guests, including All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, spotted arriving at the venue by bus and yellow taxis from 2pm.
Earlier in the week, suspicion was piqued when a large marquee was erected and tight security put in place.
A pre-wedding party was reportedly held at the Rippon vineyard near the wedding venue on Friday night, and All Black Ben Smith was said to have visited Richie, 36, at his Wanaka holiday home on Saturday morning, where security guards were also stationed.
Set on the edge of stunning Lake Wanaka, The Olive Grove is a secluded venue surrounded by majestic alpine views. It’s an area close to the couple’s hearts. It’s where Richie popped the question just over a year ago.
Christchurch-based Richie and Gemma have been together for four years. Gemma, 26, has told how she first met the All Black great at a function, before he contacted her on Facebook.
Months before the wedding, the Black Sticks star appeared on Say Yes To The Dress, a reality TV series that helps brides-to-be find their perfect wedding gown.
Arriving at the upmarket Brides of Sydney, Gemma revealed her $6000 to $8000 price range, as well as her bridal brief: classic, elegant and timeless.
“I want to look back in years to come and I don’t want it to date,” the beautiful bride-to-be said.
While Gemma’s marriage to All Blacks superstar Richie McCaw is the wedding of 2017, the Olympian was modest when mentioning her future husband.
“My fiancé is Richie McCaw, he used to play a little bit of rugby but now he’s actually a commercial pilot,” she said to store assistant Rosalie.
Under expert guidance of the show’s fashion director and couture wedding designer Adam Dixon, gorgeous Gemma was given a selection of gowns to try on which she modeled for her mum Michelle, her best mate and two cousins.
Opening up about wedding planning with her beau, she said, “We talk about everything and we’re really happy. It seems so easy because I just say, ‘How about we do this?’ and he says, ‘Great idea’, and we’ll lock it in.
“I think because of what we do, you have to make decisions under pressure and you have to be able to know what you want.
“He’s a typical male. He said, ‘I’m happy if you’re happy’ – which is great. I’ve given him some jobs which he is happy to go away and do.
“It’s what you make of it and I don’t want it to be stressful. I want to look back and say this has been a great experience.”
Viewers were left in suspense as to which frock she went for. But one thing is certain, Gemma’s sure to make one beautiful bride.
It was just over a year ago that the former All Black popped the question.
“Happy new year to everyone. I’ve had a fantastic start to 2016 and feel very lucky,” McCaw wrote on Facebook in early 2016.
“Gemma said ‘yes’! It’s been great celebrating our engagement with friends and family in sunny central Otago. Here’s to a great year ahead.”
.jpg)
Click through for some special photos of the couple at the premiere of Richie’s film, Chasing Great.
