When the Weekly talks to Emma and Kurt Te Amo, they’re bubbling with excitement and love for each other – as you’d expect from newlyweds who’ve just said “I do”.
Or in their case, “I dough” after the Auckland couple were the winners of an unconventional but extra- sweet wedding held at a Krispy Kreme Drive Thru.
It was the perfect ceremony for Emma and Kurt, who lives with cerebral palsy, as the pair are all about embracing diversity and having fun.
Decorated with trailing cans, a white ribbon and the classic “Just Married” sign, they rode in a classic Ford Mustang to the New Lynn store’s payment window, where celebrant Hannah Cronin was waiting
for them.
Emma’s sweet daughter Lily felt like a princess.
After exchanging moving vows, Emma’s six-year-old daughter Lily passed the rings through the passenger window. Family members were inside the store to celebrate the big day as they sipped milkshakes in lieu of Champagne and enjoyed a seven-tier doughnut cake.
For social worker Kurt, riding in his dream car was a moment to remember, but nothing beats calling Emma his wife.
“The ultimate highlight was getting married to the person I love,” he says beaming.
The pair, both 33, first met online in 2020 during Covid lockdowns. Kurt had been single for five years and as a solo parent, Emma was missing adult companionship while stuck at home.
“I was scrolling and came across Emma’s profile,” recalls Kurt. “From there, all it took was starting off with the word ‘hi’.”
Smiling Emma continues, “We talked about everything from how our day was to what’s happening with family. We became best friends and it helped me get through the lockdowns.”
Meeting for the first time in person was nerve-wracking for them both. But Kurt’s old-school charm soon put Emma at ease when he arrived with a bouquet of lilies – her favourite flowers – and made a point of holding the door open for her.
“I had been a single mum for so long and it was the first time I’d been out in a long time, but I could see he listened to me and I just felt special,” remembers Emma.
About six months later, while visiting Kurt’s parents together for Christmas Eve, he was ready to propose.
“We were in Paeroa looking out over the Hauraki Plains at this beautiful view and I decided it was the perfect time to pop the question,” tells Kurt.
And there was no hesitation from Emma.
“I was enjoying that day so much. I really felt a part of his family and proposing was just the icing on the cake.”
Straightaway the excited couple started planning their wedding, often joking about outlandish themes, like WWE wrestling, to reflect their shared interests.
But the financial strain of the pandemic and job uncertainty with Emma working in hospitality meant affording a wedding was an unlikely prospect.
Then Emma saw a promotion to win a wedding with Krispy Kreme.
Guests were treated in-store to a doughnut tower.
“I thought, ‘There’s probably no chance, but let’s enter anyway for a laugh,'” she shares. “We were so shocked when we got the phone call to say we had won! Until then, we really wanted to be married, but we didn’t have the means.”
Emma and Kurt were chosen from more than 120 couples, and while they had to explain it several times to some, their friends and family were supportive of the quirky plan.
Most importantly, the big day got the seal of approval from daughter Lily.
“She got doughnuts for breakfast, a princess dress and a day off school,” says Emma, smiling. “It’s been pretty great for her.”
Experiencing the joys and struggles of parenting together has been a huge highlight of their relationship, with Emma and Kurt determined to be good role models.
“Before I was always looking after everyone else,” says Emma. “Now I have that person looking after me too. I have someone to vent to at times when I’m stressed and all the moments are shared.”
Talking about becoming a stepfather, Kurt is beaming.
“I’d been living the bachelor life for years leading up to meeting Emma, but being able to fit into a blended family, it’s really been magical.”
Just married and besotted with each other, Emma and Kurt have plenty of plans for the future, including travel, spreading their positive attitudes with as many as possible and maybe expanding their family with another child. But for now, they’re enjoying newlywed bliss.
“We feel quite honoured we can share our story with the nation and show people it doesn’t matter what side of diversity you’re on if you’re differently abled or able-bodied,” enthuses Kurt, smiling at his wife.
“Love comes in all forms, shapes and sizes, and if you find love, anything is possible.”
