The Highlight of our Trip

Of course it was the reason we were touring the south anyways so it's only fitting that it was the best part of our time away as well - the wedding of our friends Katie and Mela!

It was a three-part event starting with a welcome drinks event on Friday night, the ceremony up Treblecone mountain on Saturday and then the reception Saturday evening at the Edgewater Resort. 

The ceremony was beautiful, both the setting, the brides and the words and sentiments. Mela's family did a haka to welcome her up the mountain and then another when Katie arrived too. They were practicing Saturday morning by the lake...

Everyone was taken up the mountain in a bus - some of us were on a bus that even rolled backwards as he couldn't get it into gear! That was added excitement.

Then we hopped on the chairlift (which felt really weird without snowboards on!) and assembled at the top of the lift where they had groomed an area for everyone to stand. And then we waited for the brides to arrive which was rather exciting as the officiant would call out when she had word that either of them was on the lift so we eagerly watched for the chair number to come into view.

(Many apologies for the crazy filming, I was all over the show.)

This was a human-made heart shape. The girls left in a helicopter to take some mountain-top photos so we got in formation for them to see from the chopper!

There were many handmade touches included in the reception. Even their dresses were both made by a very skilled friend.

The speeches were all so heartfelt, I shed so many tears! Lots of laughs and lots of love. You could feel the love. After Mela's dad spoke, the boys did a haka in response.

(Again, poor videography skills at work, beware.)

We're stoked for the girls and couldn't have wished for a better day for them. We're happy we were able to take part! Cheers to a lifetime of love!