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After 17 years of friendship and a three-year relationship, Alice and Nick Harris tied the knot at Lake Rotoiti in Okawa Bay on January 28th, 2017.
The couple, who met when they were 15, had originally bonded over their mutual love of dogs, and from dog-walking buddies who saw one another every morning at the school bus stop they went on to become best friends, and eventually partners.
Alice and Nick at Nick’s school ball – Alice was 15 and Nick, 16. Says Alice, “Off I went in a white Liz Hurley inspired gown – needless to say I didn’t realise this wouldn’t be my only time standing beside Nick in a white gown.”
After parting ways to attend different universities, the pair reignited their friendship when they both returned to Auckland.
They began sharing Sunday adventures together, taking boat cruises out to Motuihe Island, and it was one Sunday adventure to Awhitu (Manukau Heads) that saw Alice and Nick become more than just friends.
Wedding photos by Chenzo Safari & Craig
After many more adventures exploring coastlines, hanging ten and supporting Nick’s passion for kite surfing, the couple purchased their first home together. They went on to become first-time DIY-ers and adopt their petite West Highland Terrier ‘Pincho’, before Nick dropped down on one knee on the sandy shores of Tawhitokino and asked Alice to be his wife.
Nick spent a lot of his childhood at Lake Rotoiti and the couple had made many memories together there, so they knew it would be the perfect place to say their I-do’s.
Alice’s mother had hired a lake house to accommodate some of the family. With its panoramic views of the lake and the wedding venue it was the perfect starting point for Alice and her bridal party to be pampered whilst preparing for the nuptials.
Alice walked down the aisle arm in arm with her father to Gladys Knight and the Pips ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’.
Alice’s best friend and bridesmaid Jodi was also the couple’s celebrant – making their ceremony incredibly meaningful and authentic, the couple say.
The wedding photos were taken on Pure Cruise’s 53ft catamaran, with 2002 Dom Perignon flowing, blaring music and lots of laughter. The couple then sailed back to the venue so that 50 more of their friends and family could enjoy a jaunt out in the catamaran, taking in the views of Okawa Bay from the water.
The guests who didn’t board the catamaran were kept entertained with a photo booth and giant lawn games.
For their first dance, the couple surprised their guests with a mash-up routine which included waltzing, line dancing and a few sweet Michael Jackson moves. They had been taking classes to avoid any ‘two left feet’ embarrassments on the big day.
Auckland cover band, Catch 22, saw the couple and guests dancing into the early hours of the morning.
And the celebrations didn’t end there. The following day the couple invited their guests to join them for brunch at Nick’s grandparent’s lake house, complete with coffee cart, good food and views of the lake.
Via NZ Woman’s Weekly
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