Karl and Mel first met at the University of Otago in 2002. Karl was venturing south for the first time after a gap year spent in England – an Aucklander in a foreign land – while Mel was returning to her homeland after her formative schooling years in Christchurch.
They both had ventured south to study PE and serendipitously were placed in the same gym class. Although there was a spark between them, some time went by before either of Mel or Karl acted.
When confiding in their friends, Karl would explain that Mel had the “X-factor” .. something he couldn’t explain, but made him curious. It became clear they both had all the attributes of being someone special to each other – thoughtful, caring, humorous and fun. Eventually, they ended up in the company of each other in the Cumberland Hall garden, where they shared their first kiss.
After 10 years together, it was safe to say there was an expectation of a proposal sooner rather than later. Karl had not long finished his Masters and importantly Mel was completing her OE. Before Mel left on her journey, upon her return, the couple had planned to spend a week together in Wanaka.
This provided the perfect opportunity – time and a location to plan an engagement. A weekend trip to Christchurch while Mel was away gave Karl the opportunity to ask her dad for his blessing.
A surprise helicopter proposal was planned on October 11, 2012 –something unique and worthy of the time they had shared together. The scene was set – mini golf, a coffee and a trip to the airport were the order of the day. A short flight to Coromandel Peak, Mt Roy, provided the perfect setting on what was a spectacular day in Wanaka. The view was perfect over the lake and they shared a special moment.
Mel and Karl got married outside at Glendhu Station, Wanaka, with the reception being held at The Venue. After a bit of rain (for good luck) and snow in the morning, it cleared up just in time for the boys to set up. The wedding theme was Dunedin, Blue and Gold, so the table names were Dunedin streets where Mel and Karl lived during their University years. The bridesmaids were in Cobalt Blue and Mel wore lovely yellow shoes. Karl was in tails and looked absolutely dashing.
The food was absolutely amazing and the local Dunedin band got everyone up dancing all night long. It was a day that we will never ever forget.
Photos: Anna Allan – Alpine Image, Wanaka
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