FIVE WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL

TEAL BAY WEDDING 

Colleen and Barry gave Lucy to Mirco

Lucy and Mirco

When is a wedding NOT a wedding? 
Mirco and Lucy’s celebration at Teal Bay, Northland, was a dress rehearsal for their official wedding to be held later in Germany.

Despite misty rain and turbulent seas roaring up the beach, Mirco and Lucy began their married life with much laughter as they added German traditions to the Kiwi ceremony.  Sawing through a rough-hewn log symbolized working together and they really got into the swing of things.    Fifty residents from the bay, including surrogate grandparents, Johno and myself, collectively put on a marvellous party to celebrate with the young couple. 

Teal Bay, Northland.

Teal Bay wedding planners

Teal Bay wedding guests

Old German Tradition

LUANA AND MATT, RAROTONGA - April 2014

In April the picturesque Maire Nui Gardens in Rarotonga, were the setting for the marriage of Luana Bosanquet Heays to Matt Scrowcroft.  Luana, who was brought up in the Cook Islands, refers to herself as “the white inside of a coconut”.     Luana performed a beautiful dance for Matt and his parents who had flown from England for the ceremony.   Proud parents, Peter and Jolene hosted a grand gala event.

OUR DAUGHTER JOANNE MARRIES MATT DAVIDSON 

Arriving in Matt & Jo style!

A very relaxed and happy family

Matt and Jo with their four children sailed into Southport Yacht Club (Gold Coast, Australia) on board a sleek catamaran.   We did not expect anything less from them, as they do everything in typical Aussie laid back style and are passionate about sailing.   
 
The whole family showed their happiness as they walked barefoot along the beach towards the wedding celebrant.  Despite the blustery conditions and gentle rain blessing their union, their smiles could not have been sunnier.  
Casual and relaxed was the theme for their celebration.    Bubbles, wine, good Australian beers and 70’s sounds from a jukebox, followed a meal of rare roast beef sandwiches and chocolate birthday cake.   

Johno was the star of the evening making a short but humorous speech about his lovely daughter and new son-in-law.  Sadly we have no photo of him.

It was a fabulous party, with everyone dancing the night away.

Richie, Aroha, Marley and Mama Helen

Matt Jnr, Clay, Dani, Cassie

Hugs all around

Matt and Jo - the happiest couple

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AITUTAKI WEDDING OF THE YEAR

Aitutaki Lagoon

Proud Dad

Eikura and Messine

"Ora Toroka" Friends dancing and giving gifts

Wish I was as light as a feather

Michael, Kuraono and their family

My eldest granddaughter, Eikura, and her teenage sweetheart Messine were married in simple ceremony overlooking the panoramic Aitutaki lagoon.   Their two children held aloft a banner as they escorted Eikura and her extremely proud Dad, Michael, along the petal-strewn path.   I presented Eikura with the lovely satin horseshoe Hugh and I had received at our wedding 53 years ago in 1961.     I can only hope they have as much love and good fortune in their marriage as Hugh and I had, and now Johno and I have. 
The wedding was followed by a traditional “Ora Toroka” drive around the island with villagers dancing singing and presenting flowers, pareu and gifts to the couple.

Eikura & Messine with Michael and Irei

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Stuart gives Tei to Mike

Three windsweptflower girls

Sheer delight

TEI from Mangaia ties the knot with MIKE from Muri

Their first dance

Stuart and Jenny

Mama Helen and Mama Tua

Stuart walked his eldest daughter, Tei, towards a beautiful archway and the waiting groom, Mike Nia.    The sun was sparkling on Muri lagoon and a wild wind swept off the beach, blowing cobwebs away and showering the young couple with happiness.    The short service was followed by a fun photo session before the reception.   Johno likened the event to a 3000-piece jigsaw puzzle as we fitted people into their relevant families.    Many years ago Johno and I met Tei’s grandmother Mama Tua at her 70th birthday celebration and at this wedding we renewed our friendship. 

Wedding at Muri

FUNERAL OF TUPUI ARIKI HENRY

Flags were flown at half-mast at Parliament Buildings and around the island in respect of the passing of elder statesman and former politician, Tupui Ariki Henry.   Papa Pui was the eldest son of Sir Albert and Lady Elizabeth Henry, and hence my brother-in-law.   He was a former cabinet minister during the early development of the Cook Islands.
Covered with a beautifully embroidered Tivaevae (bedspread) the casket was carried on the tray of a flat bed truck to the simple church service at the main Cook Islands Christian Church in Avarua.
Tupui was laid to rest in his wife’s family burial plot.

He was the last of his generation and it is now up to my children, nephews and nieces to fulfill the dreams of their grandfather, Sir Albert. 

Tribute to Uncle Pui from members of Parliament