His story
I was meant to be in Fiji partying it up, however days earlier I received word a fire had broken out on the resort and 'Fiji Spring Break' was cancelled! So on May 4th, 2013, I went instead to 'Cinco de Mayo', my friend Alana Harrison's Mexican-themed party in Lincoln. This is where I saw Shannon for the very first time.
She was the girl in the unfortunate poncho. Fortunately, her radiant smile more than atoned for her costume! I can't say we instantly became the best of friends at this party, but this was due entirely to my own stubborness (many of you reading will know this story!) However, her remarkable smile stuck with me and so the very next day I tracked her down [on Facebook] and asked her on a date.
We had our first date, dinner at Costas Taverna in Christchurch, on May 10th, 2013. This was the beginning of an unbreakable bond of friendship and love which I know only gets stronger with each passing day. Shannon is my world, I can hardly remember a time before she was in my life and I certainly cannot imagine a life without her. She is definitely worth getting a cold for!
I am so excited and lucky to be marrying my best friend! I also feel blessed to be able to share a part of our relationship with friends and family through our wedding day on January 30th, 2016.
I can't wait!
Her story
The day after a friend’s party I received a message on Facebook:
“Hey Shannon was nice to meet you last night ... hey so was wondering if you wanted to catch up for a coffee some time this week? ...”
During the week coffee was upgraded to dinner, however on the Friday morning I woke up with a head cold. I was torn about to do...cancel or not to cancel! I decided to go anyway. We had a great date and I was stoked when we organised a second date, Paddle boarding! I arrived at Aaron’s for our second date ready to head out but it wasn't long until Aaron asked “did you give me a cold?” I remember feeling so embarrassed! And of course I had to admit that I may have been sick on our fist date...
Months later I brought this moment up, as I hadn't forgotten my strong feelings of guilt at the time. Aaron admitted it was just as well I didn't cancel as he probably wouldn’t have rescheduled the date if I had (typical Aaron). I like to think he's also glad I didn't cancel! Looking back that may have been the best decision I ever made.
Aaron is the most honest, caring and generous person and I can’t picture my life without him. I’m thrilled he wants to share the rest of his life with me and that we get to share our special day with you. I can't wait!
