Weddings & Families

Our niece was married this afternoon in a lovely outdoor setting at Riverhead which is to the north west of Auckland city.  It is the oldest river side tavern in New Zealand.  This photo shows the groom and his best men.  They are wearing green stone pendants that had been carved for them by the best man who is looking down.  I liked the combination of Maori and European flower button holes.  This blending continued when the speeches were made.  A nephew of ours was master of ceremonies and he introduced himself and welcome us in fluent Maori.  He has been learning for about two years.  After the groom spoke about four men from the guests tables rose and performed a stirring Haka.  I had tears it was amazing.  After the grooms father spoke the grooms mother and auntie joined him in a Maori song.  
Nicole the bride works as a nanny and in the extra you can see the children she presently cares for and her past children having their photo taken with her.  The Maori children in the photo are related to her husband.  This blending of cultures was a highlight  of the day for me.