Photography by Nara Maw
TVNZ sweethearts Andrew Saville and Helen Castles didn’t have to look far to find the perfect spot for their dreamy January wedding. In fact, they tied the knot right over Helen’s back fence on Northland’s idyllic Karikari Peninsula.
“Tokerau Beach is my backyard and because it’s our piece of paradise, we were always keen to get married there,” explains Helen. “We wanted the ceremony to be casual and fun, followed by a big party. It was a brilliant beach wedding in true Northland style.”
Beaming on to our television screens on 1News, sports presenter Andrew, 54, affectionately known as “Sav”, and Northland-based reporter Helen, 41, have more than 26 years between them at the state broadcaster. Given their prominent profiles, it’s perhaps no surprise the couple chose intimate, relaxed nuptials, witnessed by about 60 of their closest whānau and friends.
The newlyweds both have twin sons from previous relationships. On the day of the wedding, Andrew, who looked smart in khaki shorts and a white linen shirt, arrived with Helen’s boys, aged 20, and his sons, aged 11, to accompany her to the beach ceremony.
As he got his first glimpse of his lovely bride, Andrew was overcome with emotion. Helen was stunning in a gorgeous off-white vintage dress, with her hair in a beachy up-do and wearing natural makeup.
“Helen looked like an angel – so beautiful and radiant!”
Andrew and Helen followed their sons down to the beach, where their guests were already gathered beside a striking sun-bleached piece of driftwood decorated with flowers, which served as an altar.
The brief but heartfelt ceremony included vows the couple had written themselves.
“We had no idea what the other was going to say, but it was amazing how many similarities there were,” says Andrew. He adds that loyalty, honesty, love and promising to make each other laugh were the common themes.
After the ceremony and photos, everyone reconvened in a marquee in Helen’s backyard. A food truck kept guests well fuelled with mouth-watering delights, including tacos and succulent pulled pork. A band of local musicians provided the soundtrack for the celebrations. “They played all the hits and everyone was up dancing all night,” tells Helen.
Helen’s pet pig Sophie even joined in the fun after refusing to be taken to a neighbouring property before the party.
Reflecting on their love story, the ease of the down-to-earth couple’s relationship is evident.
“We have lots of fun adventures and laughs together, and our kids get on well, even with the 10-year age difference,” says Helen. “I love Andrew’s company and we miss each other when we’re apart. We text and talk on the phone all the time.”
Andrew says everything about their relationship is easy.
“We just fit in with each other’s plans and love taking the mickey out of each other. It also helps that we both work in the media industry – we understand deadlines and always being on the go.”
Throughout their relationship, Andrew and Helen have managed the commute between Andrew’s home in Auckland and Helen’s Northland base.
“We don’t spend a lot of time apart,” says Helen. The long-time colleagues first started dating in 2020. But with both just coming out of long-term relationships, the timing wasn’t quite right. They got back together in 2022 and their blossoming romance became public later that year when they shared pictures of each other on social media.
In March 2023, Andrew bought a stunning diamond engagement ring and started planning a romantic proposal.
“I picked out a ring and put down a deposit. Then late in the piece, I had a gut feeling I should change it to the one I ended up buying,” he grins. “I’m quite proud of that as normally I muck things up if I surprise people!”
Andrew asked Helen’s boys to recommend the best Northland spot for the proposal and they suggested Karikari Beach, famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
When Helen was up in Northland, he asked her parents for their blessing.
“I called Andrew and said, ‘Where are you?’” tells Helen. “He said he was watching the news but didn’t mention he was actually at my parents’ house having dinner!”
However, on the day of the proposal, a message from his sister Jo almost scuppered Andrew’s plans.
Helen tells, “I picked up Andrew’s phone and said, ‘Oh, Jo’s messaged,’ and started reading it out. Then he quickly grabbed the phone off me. Part of the message said, ‘Good luck for tomorrow,’ and when I asked Andrew what she meant. He said it was about buying a Lotto ticket!”
Helen had an inkling a proposal was imminent, but it wasn’t until the next day that Andrew suggested they drive to Karikari Beach. After a swim, he asked Helen to look out to sea so he could take a photograph of her.
“It felt like the longest photo ever and when he said you can turn around now, he was on one knee with the ring box. He started tearing up and said, ‘Will you marry me?’ I hugged him and said yes. I was blown away by the beautiful ring. We were so excited. We called into a pub on the way home and had a drink with all the locals!”
A few months later, Helen joined Andrew in Paris, where he was fronting TVNZ’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup.
“We arrived just before the quarter-final and were anticipating being in Paris for maybe a week. But with the All Blacks making the final, we were there nearly four weeks in the end,” reveals Andrew.
Afterwards, the couple holidayed in Greece.
“We call it our pre-honeymoon because we haven’t had an official honeymoon yet,” says Helen, adding she loves being able to finally call Andrew her husband. “He’s a real softie, and is so gentle and kind. He makes me feel very safe.”
Andrew says that although they were close before, marriage has strengthened their bond even further. “I’m quite a driven person, but Helen keeps me on my toes. She doesn’t let me get away with anything and makes me laugh. There’s never a dull moment!”
