Local couple renew their vows under the Moon
When Bryan and Mairéad Calder pledged their commitment to each other before an audience of noisy birds in Lough Wildlife Sanctuary in Ireland, they never imagined they’d be doing it all again, 19 years later, beneath a giant, inflatable Moon.
However – as winners of a competition inviting couples to renew their wedding vows under the Moon, presented by Nelson’s The Breeze 97.6FM in partnership with Nelson Provincial Museum – the couple did just that on Valentine’s Day last week, Friday the 14th of February.
The lucky couple first met in a nightclub called Redz in Cork city, Ireland. Bryan asked Mairéad if she wanted to dance and – in spite of his ‘unique’ dance style – they hit it off immediately. “I remember seeing Mairéad with her friend in the club and thinking she had a very cheeky smile” says Bryan. Mairéad thought Bryan was totally ‘fit’. After marrying in Cork in 2001 the pair shifted between New Zealand and Ireland for a few years until they finally settled in Motueka, Tasman. Bryan works as a Sports & Injury Therapist (although he has just taken on a new role as a Teacher’s Aide at Motueka High School), Mairéad is PA to the General Manager of DC Equipment in Brightwater, and the pair live in Motueka with their two boys Ciarán (aged 16 years) and Oisín (aged 13 years).
“About six months after our eldest son, Ciarán, was born we found out he has muscular dystrophy”, says Mairéad. “That was the most unexpected gift our marriage has produced.” Mairéad’s application to the Renew Your Vows competition talked about how wonderfully supportive Bryan has been to her and her children throughout. “I heard about the competition and thought how much I’d love to marry Bryan all over again,” says Mairéad. “I also remember being so worried about getting everything perfect for everyone else the first time around… this time I was able to just enjoy it!”
The key backdrop complementing the couple’s second ceremony was the spectacular MOON installation by British artist Luke Jerram, which forms a part of the Nelson Provincial Museum’s current exhibition Our Moon: Then, Now & Beyond, presented in partnership with Rātā Foundation, Cawthron Institute and the Embassy of the USA. “The MOON generates a heart-felt response from everyone who sees it,” says Museum CEO Lucinda Blackley-Jimson. “People are in awe, overwhelmed by the beauty and magnificence of the Moon artwork as soon as they walk in the door.” The experience was made extra special with thanks to Nelson City Mayor Rachel Reese, who acted as celebrant and the support of local businesses The Floral Bar, Tohu Wines, Michael Robertson Photography, Hair in Mapua, Amy Marshall Beauty, Glen James Jewellers and Pascoes Nelson. The couple was also treated to a free night’s accommodation with full breakfast the following day, courtesy of Rutherford Hotel.
“It was totally awesome,” says Bryan, “but I think the best thing about it was saying ‘I do’ this time around in front of my kids.”
“I had the best night ever,” adds Mairéad. “He's still the fittest, cutest and funniest guy I know, and I’m glad I pinned him down for the next 19 years!”