Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Campbell and I did not meet in the most unique way. A one-night stand at Fort St Union lead to an ongoing infatuation. We didn’t have the same friends and didn’t share the same jobs but hitting it off came easy. Three years later saw us on the shores of Aitutaki where Campbell proposed…
Being a marine biologist, I wanted to go looking for crabs spawning under the full moon. While watching them scuttle down to the water and shake off their precious bounty, the last thing I expected was a life changing question!
Campbell is a 31-year-old former farm boy from Whangarei. He grew up riding tractors and racing cars. A hockey player growing up, Campbells thirst for the extreme lead him to pursue the sport of skydiving. Now an
Insights Manager at Fonterra, Campbell sees an exciting future of diversification, technology and innovation.
Four months younger than Campbell, I am quite the opposite. I am a marine biologist who has taken my passion for science to educate our next generation of environmental champions at The Sir Peter Blake Trust. As immigrants of India, my parents sought to keep their kiwi born children deeply rooted in their native culture. I grew up loving cricket, curries, dancing, but despising Bollywood.
My curiosity of the ocean has taken me on some amazing journeys, and despite what is one of Joey Tribbiani’s most favourite pickup lines, I have been able to pursue a career that I love. Campbell has always been supportive of my craving for adventure and has joined in the fun too. Everywhere we go, we try to explore and learn more about the environment around us.
What we love…
We have a shared love for adventure, food, family, and good company. Campbell enjoys flying through skies, while I’m fascinated by what lies below the water’s surface.
Sharing each other’s cultures has been quite the learning curb for both of us. Although I’m a kiwi myself, I’ve come to appreciate the skills behind a good barbeque, how fun grandparents are, and how Christmas is done properly. Campbell has managed to survive the onslaught of language, festivals, traditions, and spicy food!
A special bond we share is over our furry friend, Annie. Annie is a rescue pup who we instantly fell in love with. She has brought out so much affection from both of us, I barely recognise us when we’re with her!
Our relationship…
This is a tough, and very personal thing to write about for me. Our relationship has been through tough times. Not only have we learned so much about each other, we have also grown stronger together.
I attribute me being here today to Campbell. He has helped me through devastating pain and crippling depression. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse from a high profile religious leader. In a global web of betrayal and the abuse of power, I became a victim. Campbell gave me the strength and support to seek help and speak out. He has been with me through every low, every battle and every blow. For that I am forever grateful to him.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
Our approach to the wedding was to keep things fun. We wanted to enjoy the day, share the love, and celebrate each other. Our theme was a fusion of cultures. Being atheist helped simplify the complexities of a Hindu wedding and allowed the seamless integration of a white wedding.
We got married at The Stables in Matakana. This venue was perfect because of its rustic interior, and it was a local spot from when I lived in Leigh. We wanted to keep the styling simple, with white flowers complementing injections of lush greenery.
One of my favourite details was the ceremony setting. Because of the big storm that came through that day, we had to move the wedding into the reception space. Becks from Envy Events did an amazing job styling the fireplace to give a warm, cosy feel. She even made a stunning garland for our dog that made her the cutest and best dressed on the day!
The bridal party outfits were met with delight by our friends and family. Our friends had never worn traditional Indian outfits before and were excited to embrace this cultural ode to my parent’s homeland. The flower girls got to choose their dresses, and the boys had a blast trying on Aladdin styled shoes. Clad in head to toe red and gold, they rocked those outfits!
The girls especially enjoyed adorning their hands with henna. It is a tradition that I have always loved, and I was excited to not only get my hands and feet done, but to see all my friends and family embrace its intricate beauty gave me so much pride.
Tell us about your main outfits:
I am a huge fan of New Zealand designers. They understand the kiwi aesthetic like no one else, bringing a comfort and ease to every garment. No one does this better than Juliette Hogan. I found my dress in Together Journal no less. I wasn’t seriously looking but knew immediately it was the one. I didn’t bother going anywhere else, and my expectations for the dress were fulfilled with glee.
I chose to wear a white dress instead of the traditional saree. I wanted to keep things simple, and it’ll be the only time I’ll ever get to wear one! The shine of sequins along with Zoe and Morgan earrings provided just enough bling to fulfil my inner magpie.
Finding shoes to cater for my giant paddle feet was indeed a feat in itself. I had to buy shoes from The States that didn’t just fit me, but could show off the amazing henna on my feet. The final touch came from my flower crown because who doesn’t want one?!
Campbell opted for a simple suit from Suits on Broadway that fit him to a tee. He was handsome with his red tie and his best accessory- his smile. He decided not to don an Indian suit to make us look more cohesive.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
I walked down the aisle to an acoustic cover of Riptide by Vance Joy- one of my favourite songs. I was gutted I didn’t get to see our dog walking down the aisle, but I heard the myriad of gasps, laughs and squeals. We could never get married without her as part of our family.
To me, it was important for both parents to walk me down the aisle. Hindu tradition usually dictates an uncle escort me. I wanted to acknowledge that despite what Indian society may decree, my mother and father made me the woman I am today- smart, confident, and an advocate for equality.
The ceremony represented a fusion of both our cultures. We kept the ceremony simple and easy going with lots of laughs spearheaded by our amazing celebrant Justine. We not only exchanged vows, but also flower garlands in what’s called the Varmala ceremony. This represents the acceptance and union of the couple.
Later came the time for Campbell to present my mangalsutra. This is a sacred custom in Hindu weddings, where a necklace of black and gold beads representing the symbol of marriage, is placed on the brides’ neck by the groom. It is a promise to always stay together.
Apparently, Campbell told all his mates he had this in the bag. Sure, it’s just a simple clasp. But in front of all our friends and family, it all came to a head ensuing hilarity and several minutes of desperate clambering trying to make it work.
The storm managed to hold fire with just enough time to take photos at Matheson Bay in Leigh. It was my local beach for a couple of years while I studied at the Leigh Marine Lab. It’s one of my most favourite places in the world, and I’m so happy we got take photos there to add to my bank of memories.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Coming from different backgrounds, my main piece of advice is learning how to compromise. You’ll never have the day turn out perfectly, and for sure you’ll be thrown some spanners. But keep your eye on the prize! At the end of the day, it’s about celebrating the two of you. You’re with the people you love the most who are happy to go with the flow.
It’s the one time you get all eyes on you, command the dance floor, and hold a bottomless champagne glass. Feel free to change things up, adapt, push back, compromise, disappoint some people, and most importantly- drink and be merry with your significant other!
Please we do ask that you don’t submit your wedding to any other magazines or blogs until 10 weeks after the Together Journal web feature. After this exclusive timeframe has passed we are more than happy for you to share the wedding with any other publications or blogs. Publication on your own website, blog, social media channels etc. is absolutely fine.
Also please make sure you have gained the permission of your photographer or of the couple featured in the wedding before you submit to Together Journal.
By completing and returning this form both the couple and the photographer are giving Together Journal permission to publish and feature images on our website and social media platforms. As well as published in our annual book publication, if selected.
Photography- Nisha Ravji, Bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits- Roop Darshan, Henna- Rachana Pala, Dress- Juliette Hogan, Grooms outfit- Suits on Boradway, Styling and flowers- Envy Events, Stationary- Harlan Creative, Rings and earrings- Zoe and Morgan, Brides Shoes- Schutz, Bridesmaids jewellery- my mothers, Venue- The Stables Matakana, Robe- Miss Crabb, Brides Hair and MUP, bridesmaids MUP NatalieDent, Bridesmaids hair- Sarah Knight, Cake- The Caker, Manicure and pedicure- Pop nails,
