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On a cold and wet Monday morning in July 2005 Lawrence and I boarded a private plane bound for Christchurch. Lawrence had organised the flight from Ardmore, South Auckland, a couple of months prior but Laura was left completely “in the dark”. Whilst cruising at 36,000 feet above NZ Lawrence said “would you like the fun to continue?” whereupon I answered “yes please” and he turned away and then presented me with a beautiful engagement ring, which he had chosen himself, in a white box. I immediately said “yes” and many kisses and hugs later we landed at Christchurch with both of us grinning broadly. On the return trip to Auckland we had our picture taken by the aircraft’s’ engineer, whom we had picked up at Christchurch, and that photo features in our wedding video.

Lawrence and I decided early on that we both wanted a say in how our special day would be. The planning started, about a month after we got engaged, with looking for a suitable venue for ceremony and reception. We agreed on the ceremony location but there was a difference of opinion about where the reception would be held. After numerous visits to the venue both with Lawrence and Vera (the bride’s mother), Laura finally relented and agreed to hold the reception at Tamaki Yacht Club. The rest of the wedding preparations progressed smoothly with the only “bridezilla” moment being Laura’s shoes dyed a pale pink instead of white but a quick trip to a professional dyeing business fixed that problem! We both enjoyed planning and organising our wedding together which made it even more special for us.

The last day in April started with sun shining in stark contrast to the previous day of persistent rain. At the groom’s home it was a relaxed morning where time was spent with the lads and Lawrence and Laura’s beloved cat T.C. (Top Cat). The bride’s mother’s home was a hive of activity with flowers arriving and make-up being applied. Unbeknown to both the bride and the groom each had arranged a wedding day surprise for the other – more about that later.

The ceremony location of Musick Point was chosen because of its historical aviation significance. Both Lawrence and Laura are actively involved with the operation of an airworthy World War II Catalina flying boat. This rare aircraft often flies over Musick Point on Sunday afternoons. The location was also chosen for the gardens and outlook to Waitemata Harbour and islands. Later in the day our guests were given a tour through the Memorial Building which was named in memory of Captain Musick, a pioneering flying boat captain.

Laura promised not to be late for her entrance and true to her word arrived promptly at 2pm. When the entrance music started Lawrence was concerned that Laura had not yet arrived. As the song “You Raise Me Up” began the bride and her father appeared through a hedge and walked along a rose petalled aisle to join the waiting attendants and guests under the trees. We wrote our own vows which at times were interrupted by the distraction of planes flying overhead.

Following the short service and register signing the celebrant announced that Laura had a special wedding gift for Lawrence and duly handed over her wireless microphone. A sound system appeared and Laura sang “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain. One of the wedding guests, a professional opera singer, had coached Laura leading up to the wedding day. It was an emotionally charged time for everyone as only the photographer, videographer and celebrant were in on the surprise. The euphoria made nearly all the women cry and some of the men emotionally teary eyed.

The group photo sessions on location were interrupted by the attacking approach of two formatting Harvards. The aircraft returned for a second overhead pass and a saluting barrel roll, still in formation, on their departure. Minutes later the Warbirds DC3 orbited Musick Point and wing waved the crowd. The thrill of seeing these aircraft perform for us was a treat for all. Our Catalina friends had arranged these appearances as our own aircraft was undergoing maintenance and was unable to fly at our wedding.

The wedding photography continued in the grounds and around the Memorial Building where we came upon a black rabbit – a sign of good luck. We then prepared to leave for the reception at Romfords at Tamaki Yacht Club. However, Lawrence had organised a detour to stop for more photos at Mechanics Bay. Under the pretence of a ‘pit stop’ Lawrence finalised details for his wedding surprise. He asked for photos in front of a helicopter – we both share a passion for helicopters and Lawrence has written numerous articles and taken many photographs over the years. The full extent of the surprise was not apparent until the helicopter pilot asked us both to climb aboard!

As it was such a spectacular sunset we were given the added thrill of a flight around the Sky Tower and then flew directly to the Tamaki Yacht Club carpark where our guests were outside waving as we approached. On viewing our wedding video later we realised Tamaki Drive traffic had come to a standstill and people walking nearby had stopped to watch our landing.

Photos were taken outside Romfords as the sunset. When we entered we were greeted by cheers and applause and announced as “Mr and Mrs Acket”. Our M.C., the bride’s uncle who had flown in from New York, then proceeded to introduce the groom, the bride’s father and the groom’s sister for speeches. The groom’s sister, Carolyn, wryly pointed out in her speech that the wedding date was chosen as there was no airshow on but corrected herself and applauded the aircraft that displayed today especially for us. At the conclusion of the speeches some amusing emails were read out from “Helen Clark” and “Mike King” followed by the traditional cake cutting. We enjoyed a lovely buffet dinner and as night fell the view changed from a beautiful sunset to a sparkling city skyline and water lapping against the shore.

Our wedding day was perfect and one that will be forever remembered by our guests and us. We received many comments and thank you notes saying how we had made the day so enjoyable for everyone who attended. It was a wonderful day full of fun, laughter and surprises!