Craig & Nicholas Wedding Day in the Abel Tasman
Read Craig & Nicholas’s true story here
LGBTQIA+ Friendly
The Ceremony
Beautiful Flax Floral Decorations
Character Wedding Cake
Tasty Tasman Picnic Flavours
The Boat Charter
Mesmerizing Live Music
Beautiful memories of their day
Supporting Love in All Its Forms
At The Dream Maker, our approach to same-sex marriage has always been the same: proactive support for the LGBTQIA+ community — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and beyond. Honestly, I prefer to simply see people as they are. Your sexuality does not define you, and it certainly does not define your celebration. My role is to accept and assist anyone legally able to marry in New Zealand, regardless of orientation.
New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, which happens to be the same year Craig and Nicholas were planning their civil union weddingmoon in the Abel Tasman and Nelson Tasman regions. They travelled all the way from Scotland, accompanied by a small group of ten, to celebrate their love. Over time, we became great friends, and I was truly privileged to be part of their big day. Both Craig and Nicholas were meticulous in their planning, and I don’t think they were entirely confident that I could pull it off — but as the photos show, everything went perfectly.
Initially, Craig and Nicholas were planning a civil union, a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, which grants most or all of the rights of marriage except the title itself. When the law changed midway through their planning, I was thrilled to tell them that they could now be legally recognized as a married couple in New Zealand. At first, they were unexcited about the change, but later asked if I would officiate their ceremony.
At that point, I wasn’t yet licensed. I took the necessary steps, joined the New Zealand Government Register of Celebrants, and Craig and Nicholas became my first same-sex couple and only my second wedding to officiate. That day remains forever in my heart as a beautiful memory, and I am endlessly grateful to them for trusting me, supporting my business, and allowing me to share their story.
If you would like a complimentary chat about how we can help create your dream day, please get in touch. I would be delighted to help you celebrate your love, your way.
If you would like to have a complimentary chat about how we can help you create your dream day, contact me