They’ve known each other for almost two decades, so there’s not much that Shane Cameron and his now-wife Casey Potatau can do that surprises one another. But when it comes to matters of the heart, it seems the champion boxer still has a few tricks up his sleeve.
On the morning of their intimate New Year’s elopement, Shane revealed that instead of swapping traditional vows as they’d agreed, he had decided to write his own words.
“I was just reflecting on our time together, what we’ve been through and I wanted to make sure she knew how much she meant to me,” tells Shane.
While Casey was touched by the gesture, she admits she would have liked a little more notice.
“In between leaving the house and getting to the venue, I had to come up with vows,” she remembers.
“So part of my vows was, ‘I promise to try and not get mad when you spring things on me at the last minute!’”
Fast-forward to today, a few weeks after their first anniversary, and the happy couple – along with their four-year-old daughter Kōwhai – welcome the Weekly into their home to relive the magic of that sun-soaked day.
A promise, not a production
Though they say their daily life hasn’t changed, there’s something undeniably special about knowing they’ve made this promise to each other.
“It has solidified our relationship,” says Shane.
Casey adds, “It feels like the last piece of the puzzle. Nothing’s really changed – it felt like the right time.”
Following Shane’s surprise proposal on New Year’s Eve 2023, the longtime couple knew they wanted a no-fuss ceremony that celebrated their journey together. Both come from big families, so they knew the only way to achieve this was to elope.
“We wanted it to be our day, our way,” Casey explains.
“Our priority was the connecting and getting married part, rather than the big party.”
A simple day filled with love
Already planning a Christmas getaway to the Gold Coast to visit Casey’s family, they decided to end the trip on a high note with a small ceremony on the beach – exactly one year after their engagement.
The low-key day started like any other, with a training session in the gym and a homemade breakfast on the barbecue before getting ready with Kōwhai. They couldn’t have wished for a better day. The sun was shining as they arrived at the beach with their wedding party of five.
Their only regret was that Shane’s two older kids, Georgia, 20, and Shane Jr, 11, couldn’t join them. They marked out a makeshift aisle in the sand and Casey, radiant in her boho gown that had arrived only the day before they departed, walked with Kōwhai, carrying a matching harakeke bouquet.
“They both looked stunning – it was a real melt-your-heart moment,” recalls Shane.
“I wasn’t expecting to feel so emotional, but it was a perfect cruisy day, filled with fun, love and laughter.”
Sharing the news
With vows exchanged, the newlyweds shared a Champagne toast, before calling their loved ones to share the news.
“We FaceTimed my mum and my sister, and they were so happy and shocked, so there were a few tears,” tells Casey.
Shane adds, “My family were really happy for us. We celebrated together when we got home with a barbecue and a few beers.”
As they look to the future, family remains at the heart of everything. One of the greatest joys of their life together is seeing the special bond between Kōwhai, Georgia and Shane Jr. While Georgia is busy working as a hair stylist in Palmerston North, whenever she is with Kōwhai, the pair is inseparable.
“Kōwhai is obsessed with her siblings,” smiles Casey.
“She thinks Shane Jnr is so cool and loves hanging out with him. It’s adorable. “I remember we took them to an arcade and we said, ‘You have to look after your sister.’ He did not let her out of his sight and he was holding her hand while guiding her around. He has a very caring nature.”
Shane laughs, “She’s the boss – she tells him what to do and he listens.”
Still celebrating their way
After two unforgettable New Year’s celebrations, the couple marked their first anniversary in that same low-key style, at home on the deck with Shane manning the barbecue.
“We’ve got a four- year-old who came along too, so it was more of a family affair rather than a romantic thing,” reveals Casey.
“Romantic for us right now is doing Hyrox [fitness race] events together.”
And if Shane has anything to say about it, the best is yet to come.
“I keep saying 2026 is going to be the greatest year,” enthuses Shane.
“Last year was challenging, but we’re prioritising our whānau and our fitness, and have lots of exciting things happening on the business front to keep us busy.”
