Photography: @brodiemcdowellweddings.
When young politician Tom Rutherford planned to marry his long-term partner Hannah Ralph, it was to be a simple celebration of love and joy in their hometown of Tauranga. But just a few days before their nuptials, storms hit, roads closed and the MP for the Bay of Plenty found himself at the heart of one of the most devastating events the region has ever seen – the harrowing landslide at Mount Maunganui.
Standing alongside the Prime Minister and rescue crews as they addressed the nation, the 29-year-old National Party member had to fight to maintain his composure.
Watching his beloved Hannah walk down the aisle the next day, he tells Woman’s Day tearfully, “I felt really conflicted. You want to celebrate your personal joy, but so many people were grieving. It was this mix of emotions. It was happiness and heartbreak all in one.”
Hannah, 28, agrees, “It was just wild. It could have been any other week, any other time. But once we were standing together at the end of that aisle, everything else just completely faded away.”
A tearful first look
Tom continues, “I had tears in my eyes when I saw Hannah. She looked absolutely beautiful. I didn’t know what she’d be wearing. The dress was a surprise – a good one!”
Though both describe themselves as very traditional, when she arrived at the altar at picturesque Tauranga venue Black Walnut, the beautiful bride was accompanied by several family members.
“Before I walked down the aisle with Dad, my older brother walked Gran down, followed by my oldest brother, who walked Mum down,” explains Hannah.
“My three bridesmaids followed. I just really wanted everyone to be a part of it.”
A perfect plan B
After a week of red-alert warnings, the weather had been a worry for the pair, but when the rain inevitably came down, it strangely made the day even more special.
“It started spitting just as Dad and I were walking towards the glasshouse,” says Hannah.
“I remember saying to him, ‘Run! It’s going to get us.’ But we managed to make it in without rushing. It was lucky we went with our plan B to marry in the glasshouse.”
Even their first dance, which they had rehearsed in secret, was symbolic of their rock-solid relationship.
Dancing into forever
“We’d never done anything like choreographed dancing before,” Hannah laughs.
“But once we stepped out there, it felt just like us.”
Tom adds, “I don’t think people realised just how committed we were. Everyone was very impressed!”
Having already weathered life’s unexpected twists and turns in the lead-up to their big day, the couple reflects on how wonderful it felt to share their commitment in front of everyone they love.
“To choose to stand by each other for the rest of our lives, truly appreciate it and not take it for granted was really special,” tells Hannah.
After the whirlwind wedding, their European honeymoon moved at a more leisurely pace, thanks to Tom’s meticulous organisation.
Adventures and unexpected turns
“Tom loves a spreadsheet,” smiles Hannah.
“We both do.”
Their three-week getaway was full of planned activities, like learning to cook pasta in Rome and unexpected challenges, such as flight cancellations.
“The honeymoon really showed us that we’re a team,” says Tom.
“Whether we’re navigating airports or tackling life back home, we’ve got each other’s backs.”
Hannah adds, “We learned a lot about each other and not just the fun stuff, like how much we love pasta! But how we pivot together when things don’t go exactly to plan – that’s life and marriage.”
As for the future, they’d love to have babies one day.
Savouring the now
“We’re both very family-oriented,” Hannah says.
“Right now, though, we’re just savouring being married and a family of two before that next chapter begins.”
Asked what advice they’d want to share with other couples planning their weddings, their message is timeless.
“It’s your story,” tells Tom.
“Don’t be afraid to do what you want.”
Hannah enthuses, “Prioritise what feels true to you. It’s the people and the moments that you’ll remember forever.”
