Fun Facts

Question

Why get married in Cook Islands?

Answer

Setephano is from the Cook Islands, which is a territory of New Zealand. It's about a 4 hour plane ride from Auckland and is in between New Zealand and Hawaii. It's a small island - about a 30 minute drive around the whole thing! Our favorite vehicle there is a motorcycle. It's easy to get around and park anywhere ('island style'!)

Question

Where did we meet?

Answer

We met at a bus stop in New Zealand. No joke! Ellen had just gotten off the train coming from work and walked over to the bus stop. Setephano was waiting there and offered her a seat. They struck up a conversation that lasted 45 minutes while they waited for the bus. It turns out they only lived one bus stop away from each other too. The rest is history!

Question

Our Engagement Outfits

Answer

Fun fact - Phano's aunty (Aunty Jean) was teaching me some sewing skills on the day of the engagement. She and I sewed Phano's purple shirt and my purple dress hours before we went to the restaurant!

Question

What is Ellen's favorite thing about Setephano?

Answer

I love that Setephano is always willing to grow. I admire his tenacity to solve problems with outside the box thinking, his big heart for family, and his playful side & sense of humor!

Question

What is Setephano's favorite thing about Ellen?

Answer

My favorite thing about Ellen is her ability to see the best in others. She has a strong compassion towards helping others and a big heart towards those close to her.

Question

What is Ellen's favorite memory of them?

Answer

A few days after we met at the bus stop, we took a ferry to a town across the sea from Auckland. I wasn't sure about Phano at the time and was taking our hang out quite casually. We went to a coffee shop where he shared he had never in his life tried coffee. I convinced him to try it on the day and the best thing happened - he made the funniest faces & I laughed the hardest I had in months! I still remember the image of him to this day. It showed me his goofy side and I was sold. He still makes me laugh every day and we have the same sense of humor.

Question

What is Setephano's favorite memory of them?

Answer

I have a lot of favorite memories with Ellen. One of my favorite memories of Ellen and I was our first date, she calls it a meet up, I call it a date (haha). We had our first walk and train catch to an area we were both unfamiliar with. I knew then that I enjoyed spending time with her and she was really funny yet reserved. Knowing how she was then and knowing her now, I think she was really into me, she just didn't wanna admit it. That's why I call it a date :)

Question

Has it been all roses & butterflies?

Answer

No! We've been together long enough that we have faced many ups and downs. We met when we were immature kids but helped each other grow into mature adults. Now we are taking the step into marriage with eyes wide open. We are so excited to take this next step & publicly share our commitment to one another!