Felicity Jean Photography
After marrying her partner of 10 years, Clarke Gayford, in Hawke’s Bay vineyard Craggy Range Winery, beautiful bride Dame Jacinda Ardern posted a picture of the newlyweds, writing, “Worth the wait.”
A source close to the couple says, “It was a beautiful and relaxed occasion – full of love and laughter. Even an ineffective group of protesters and a helicopter hired by overseas media to try to take shots from the air didn’t spoil the vibe. The guests happily waited it out until the chopper gave up.”
The former prime minister, 43, looked radiant in a halter-neck gown by Kiwi designer and wedding guest Juliette Hogan, while Clarke, 47, wore a custom Zambesi suit. Walking down the aisle with her dad was their daughter Neve, five, in a frock made of fabric from her grandmother Laurell’s wedding dress.
The longtime couple’s day was a “beautiful and relaxed occasion – full of love and laughter”.
Former deputy PM Grant Robertson officiated the wedding, with guests including Labour leader Chris Hipkins and his partner Toni Grace, Clarke’s ex Hollie Smith and celebrity chef Peter Gordon.
As soon as the couple said “I do“, there were oysters and bubbles, followed by dinner and dancing, with Kiwi musician Marlon Williams doing an “amazing” cover of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game. “All the women – and a few dudes – swooned!”
The following day, friends and family gathered at Lawn Road Retreat for a recovery barbecue and a dip in the pool to beat the 34-degree heat. Later, a smaller group, including Clarke, MC Tali and
DJ Aroha Harawira, spent an afternoon at Hastings bar Common Room, where DJ Bobby Brazuka and Fat Freddy’s Drop saxophonist Scott Towers were playing. We’re told, “The locals weren’t in the least bit fazed by the groom’s presence.”
It’s thought the newlyweds left Hawke’s Bay last Monday to return to Boston, where they’re based.
