Staring out at Rangitoto Island while on a blind date, marriage celebrant Lois Hawley-Simmonds couldn’t stop thinking about one woman. The only problem was, it wasn’t her date.
It was in this moment that she realised how smitten she was with the woman who is now her wife, Gaylene.
At the time, the pair worked together as teachers at the same school and had bonded over helping each other set up online dating profiles. Fearful of risking their friendship, Lois was hesitant. But having officiated at more than 40 weddings, she has been around love enough to know when you’ve found “the one”.
“I started practising writing my surname, the design of our wedding rings... I just knew,” says Lois, 55, who features in Aroha Nui: Say I Do, a new TV series following Māori celebrants as they guide happy couples to the altar.
But it was taking Gaylene home to her marae, Pikitu, in South Waikato, and seeing how quickly her whānau accepted her that really sealed the deal.
“I asked Gaylene, ‘Are you in this for the long-haul? Because I want to take you home and I don’t want to take someone there that’s not going to look after my heart,’” she recalls.
Esta historia es de la edición May 9, 2022 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 9, 2022 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Mamma's milk bar WENDY'S HERBAL HELPER
When she had trouble breastfeeding, she found a solution that's got mums pumped
IVF egg-swap babies 'IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!'
In a bid for a deeper connection, the loving couple carried each other's baby and sometimes feed the other one's bub too!
Ahoy there, Verity! THE PIRATE OF GARNET STATION
The local legend's making a swashbuckling return to the stage
Take Two & add a farm! HOW DANIELLE FOUND HER BLISS
The Kiwi author's country crush is contagious and has led to some bestsellers
Nobody mention air fryers 'THE GADGET WE CAN'T AGREE ON!'
Parents Andrea and Mark run their busy households in very different ways
Bonnie's next chapter 'QUEEN CAMILLA MADE ME CONFESS!'
The bestselling author's next project is top secret... to everyone but Her Majesty
Davida and the Dames OUR MOTHER'S DAY MAGIC
It's a special celebration for Miranda Harcourt and her daughter - their beloved matriach Kate is back on her feet
NO GOING BACK
Harry's preserving his dignity after having to move out of home
Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS
The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids
It takes a village HEATHER'S MOTHERHOOD SECRETS
She may have lost herself a little, but the radio star's embracing life with Iggy