Radio wedding couple Chantelle and Paul Court are making their unusual union work
It’s third-time lucky for radio weddings – the latest couple, Chantelle and Paul Court, have proved that wacky marriages really do work.
After a very romantic honeymoon in Rarotonga, the Auckland teacher and Christchurch horse trainer have fallen in love and are moving in together. But it’s been a rocky two months for Chantelle and Paul, who were matched up by radio station The Edge.
Chantelle (26), who is originally from Canada, was distraught when her family refused to accept her decision to marry a complete stranger. But after a recent visit by her father, they are finally warming to the idea of Chantelle’s radio match-up.
“When my dad met Paul, he realised that it was genuine and that Paul wasn’t nuts. I was nervous about how my dad would react, as he can be quite outspoken. But it went well and that was a relief,” she says.
“When he was leaving, he said to Paul, ‘Look after her for me,’ and told us that it was up to us as a couple to make it work.”
Chantelle now hopes that her mum, who was injured in a boating accident in July, will soon be able to meet Paul. “We’re planning to have another wedding in Canada so my family can celebrate.”
Chantelle has been commuting to Christchurch most weekends to spend time on the farm where Paul (28) lives. “It’s now reached the point where we are ready to move in together,” says Chantelle. “So the plan is that I will go to Christchurch and we’ve been redecorating Paul’s house for the big move.”
Paul had previously lived the typical bachelor life, but is looking forward to sharing his home with his wife. “It’s about compromise,” he laughs. “Sometimes it hits me that I’m really married and have a wife, and it’s a great feeling. I don’t have any regrets at all.”
The couple has had to cope with being in the spotlight due to their public match-up. “oost people want to congratulate us, and I’m getting used to strangers looking at us when we are out and about,” says Chantelle.
“one or two have said ‘You must be crazy, I’d never do that’ but even then, it’s said with a smile.”
While other radio weddings around the world have failed, all three of the New Zealand match-ups are going strong. “It’s about the Kiwi ability to adapt and make the best of things,” says Paul.
Chantelle, who had to pick between Paul and another possible groom at the altar, has another theory. “It’s about finding the right person for you,” she says with a smile. “I’ve been lucky enough to do just that.”
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