Hanna & Matas
Bride Tribe & Groomies
Jon
Best Man
The youngest of my brothers, Jonny was always up for going on adventures and getting up to no good. Everyone always jokes that he's the third wheel to Hanna and I since we're always doing things together - we've lived together, poured beer at the same bars together, and played hockey together. Jonny has played a huge part in my life and has always been around in tough moments and happy ones. His integrity and attitude towards life make me proud to call him a brother and I am stoked that he's jumped at the chance to be one of my best men.
Andy
Best Man
Andy, the middle brother, is the other half of my best men duo. Andy is often found representing New Zealand at international weightlifting competitions - rarely coming home without a shiny medal around his neck! Andy lives in Christchurch with his fiancé Hannah, who's part of Hanna's Bride Tribe. As any growing boys do, we've had some moments that I'm sure gave our mum some grey hairs but its served to toughen the both of us up for the real world. Andy is always quick to offer a helping hand and will help those down on their luck - I feel pretty lucky to have a person like him in my life.
Matthew
Groomsman
Matt and I met in Dunedin, during the glory days of his hockey career - he could stop most pucks and he was sure to let you know about it! These days, Matt keeps busy running his own construction business while we play phone tag every morning. One of our fave couples, we hang out with Matt and his lovely wife, Greer, for 'escape club', beers, and games nights in Auckland. Matt's a standup guy and I am honoured to have a friend like him. Safe to say, I'm pretty excited to have him standing up there with me on the big day.
David
Groomsman
Hanna and I both met David when he moved in to live with us in Dunedin - we immediately got on like a house on fire. What better way to top off our new friendship than with twin puppies! We always found ourselves going on missions with the dogs, watching each play sports, and partying up a storm in Dunedin. Dave's a kind, caring person and has been a source of great advice when needed. He has always been there for me (and for Hanna) and it was a no-brainer to ask him to be there for me again on the big day.
Tom Griffin
MC
Tom is Hanna's younger brother. Plumber, captain of the North East Valley premier cricket team, and good mate to half of Dunedin. Our parents raised two strong personalities, and although we used to give each other grief as kids, we've grown up much better friends. Tom is the most sociable person we know, he has a wicked sense of humour and a huge heart. We couldn't think of a better person to provide the chat as MC.
Huxley
Groomsdog
Our personal shadow, Huxley never leaves our side and is always up for an adventure, whether it's hiking, swimming, or fishing! Most will know that he's a huge part of our lives and will be joining us on the big day!
The Girl Gang
Bride-Tribe
Cat, Fritha, Sophie, Sarah, Claire, Imogen, Sally, Lou, Mishka, and Hannah! This beautiful group of kick-ass women makes up my bride-tribe! In my true non-traditional style I knew each one of these gorgeous souls had to be a part of our big day, as they've each been a part of my (and now Matt's) life for so many years. So here's a little bit about how I met these amazing humans...
Cat
Bridesmaid
When I was little, I used to peer out my window into Cat's house (stalker) until I saw her... then I would ZOOM across to her house to play. Babysitter turned lifelong friendship has finally landed us in the same city again, and now Matt and I babysit her and Greg's kiddies Charlie & Luella. When Cat's not being supermum, you'll find her surfing with the kids, scouting vintage clothing for her online store, dancing, acting, modeling, or getting arty. Cat has always been family, she's such a wonderful loving person and I'm always in awe of everything she does!
Claire
Bridesmaid
I owe so much to this amazing woman! We met, just how many people in Dunedin meet - at a flat dress-up party. We really kicked it off a few weekends later when we met again at Richard Hydman's house birthday while we were hiding wine in the bushes! We've been through so much since then. Claire's been like a little guiding light, helping me with study, with work, and through ups and downs with my health over the years. I wouldn't have even got through university if it wasn't for this beauty sorting out my degree! Even though she's been living in London for years and I miss her to bits, our friendship has grown like she never even left.
Fritha
Bridesmaid
This ray of sunshine I'm lucky enough to call my godsister! Fritha's mum Pippa (my godmother) and mum met each other nursing back in 1978 and have been great friends ever since. Pippa, Jim, Cooper & Fritha are just the most wonderful family, with the kindest hearts. When they're not jet-setting across the world, Matas and I adore spending time with them (and dog Bailey) in Christchurch. Frith is the most down to earth chick you'll ever meet, she lights up the room and I always look forward to seeing her smiley face!
Hannah
Bridesmaid
My future sister-in-law! How excited I am to have sisters! Hannah is Andy's lovely fiancé. Both of us got together with the two Barakauskas brothers the same year, which makes it super easy to compare notes on the boys ability (or lack of ability) to do chores! Hannah is an absolute sweetheart and it's been awesome getting to know each other over the years. We are so excited to have them both as a part of our wedding party and to celebrate and share so many other milestones together in the future.
Imogen
Bridesmaid
Imogen and I also met in Dunedin at those infamous flat parties. Immy is the most beautiful person who I've absolutely adored spending time with over the years. We've gone from flat-parties - to weddings (with a lot in-between!) Imogen is married to Ben - another hobbyist (like Matas) they also have a furbaby Billy (black lab). Their little family is one of the reasons we love heading back to Dunedin so we can spend more time with these three!
Louise
Bridesmaid
Thinking of Lou makes me laugh about all the hilarious things we've been through together. We've supported each other through some hectic times - from working at Alibi and multiple nights out partying, to post-grad at University, which lead to many migraine episodes! It's been a wild ride - and nobody quite understands that like Lou does! I love that we've been through all that crazy stuff, and we've come so far - what an improvement! Thanks for always being there to 'debrief', provide the laughs, and remembering the snaaacks! You're an absolute legend.
Mishka
Bridesmaid
Mishka, hands-down the strongest person I've ever met. Mish and I met at Alibi in Dunedin - this beautiful friendship lasted the distance! We've spent the majority of our friendship living in different cities, but we've always been there for each other, especially for the big stuff. Mish is always the first person to jump in the car when her friends need her most. I've always been in awe of everything she does, from traveling around South America, from her career, to living in a tree-house with her German Shepard pup Mika, Mish you're an inspiration!
Sally
Bridesmaid
You might not have guessed it but Sally was actually friends with Matas before I came along! Sal was working at The Cook when I started and we immediately hit it off. We've pretty much been in each other's pockets ever since. We have shared so much together from work-life to home-life, flatting together in Dunedin and now in Auckland. We support and challenge each other, often knowing each other better than we know ourselves - which does comes in handy in a game of Articulate! When it comes down to hockey supporting and Huxley/Auntie duties, Sally's got it down pat.
Sarah
Bridesmaid
My wee friend Sarah - who now knows me as wee Han (thanks for the short genes Pip!) Sarah's beautiful nana Liz was one of my nana Val's best friends. We've been in each other's lives forever from High School, to University, to working for OUSA, I love how our lives intertwined and we've become closer and closer. Sarah has the kindest heart of anyone I know with the biggest smiliest grin! She's a blessing to be around and always picks up the energy in the room, I absolutely cherish her lifelong friendship.
Sophie
Bridesmaid
Sophie and I met at 6 years old at primary school and became fast friends - as did our families. We stayed in the same class through primary school and then on to intermediate and high-school. After school, we both traveled and ended up back at Otago University. Over the years we've gathered an epic stockpile of embarrassing photos! There's nobody I share more 'growing-up' stories than this hilarious woman! Funnily enough, we've both migrated north with our men and our dogs - which makes for some pretty epic road trips! I love everything about this chick - especially her sense of humour!