St Matthew-in-the-City

Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony

Wedding Reception

Airbnb TBC

The Day After BBQ

Our Wedding

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Ceremony Dress Code

Reception Dress Code

Dress Code

Our Story

November 2019It all started with a slightly unconventional sales strategy..At the time, Kerry’s boss had set her a target of meeting two new people in the banking industry every day. Having exhausted the more conventional options, she downloaded Bumble and started arranging drinks with people who worked at banks, reasoning that she could ask a few questions, learn something useful and call it networking..Alex, meanwhile, was ready for a date..He arrived at Honey Badger after work on a Wednesday night looking great and ready for a fun evening. Kerry arrived intending to have one quick drink, gather some useful banking intel and go home..They haven't stopped talking since..One drink turned into several, Kerry’s networking agenda disappeared almost immediately, and when they finally realised they should probably eat something, they headed to One Red Dog - the only place they could find still serving food..After they had sat down, the waitress came over three times to take their order before they managed to stop talking for long enough to open the menu..A few dates later, they were officially a couple.

An Accidental First Date

2020A few months later, in January 2020, Alex confidently told Kerry that everyone (in the world) was overreacting about this Covid-19 thing and it would all blow over in a few weeks..By March, New Zealand was in lockdown..Still relatively early in their relationship, they spent the months of Level 4 in separate bubbles getting to know each other over Messenger. Kerry's friends even met Alex for the first time over Zoom during a lockdown birthday call..As restrictions eased, they joined bubbles and got to spend more of normal life together. By October, Alex had moved into Kerry's family home in Silverstream, and a few months later they were getting ready for their next adventure.

The Early Days

2021In February 2021, they moved to Auckland for Kerry's work and got their first place together. Auckland quickly became a city they both loved..Later that year came Auckland's very long lockdown, which meant three months of seeing almost no one but each other. They emerged from it stronger than they started, but also very ready to see a bit more of the world..By the end of the year, they'd decided it was time for something new.

Our First Home

2022At the beginning of 2022, they packed up their lives in New Zealand and, in March, set off with plans to travel the world..They started with seven weeks in Thailand before realising that long-term backpacking wasn't quite the life they wanted. London had always been an option, so they changed course and decided to move there instead..After stops in Berlin and Amsterdam while Alex's UK visa came through, they arrived in London, found their first flat in Hackney and started building a new life..They were lucky enough to have Sarah, Mark, Travis, Claire, Yemo and Lauren all make the move around the same time, which made a city on the other side of the world feel like home surprisingly quickly.

A Change of Plans

2022 to now London quickly became home, and more specifically, Clapton. Three flats later, they've made their way around Lower and Upper Clapton and now live on the canal overlooking the Hackney Marshes and, much to Kerry's delight, the cows..In May 2023, their household grew by one with the arrival of Mouse, their British Shorthair cat, who has since become a hugely important member of the family..There have been plenty of adventures along the way. Trips to Egypt, Italy and Spain, snow days in London, Wimbledon, Harry Styles, Coachella, Glastonbury, the Olympics in Paris and Disneyland for Alex's 30th..These days, life is very settled. They enjoy dinners out, tennis, cards and board games, and plenty of time spent happily doing their own things together..Kerry and Alex are chalk and cheese in plenty of ways. They have very different tastes in music, furniture and activities, and very different ideas about the ideal temperature of almost anything. But on the things that matter, they're remarkably aligned..For now, London is very happily home. Whether it will be forever remains to be seen.

Life in London

A Short Interlude for Mouse...

18 April 2024For Kerry's birthday in 2024, Alex arranged a trip Italy, visiting Rome, then Florence - Kerry's favourite city..Alex had planned to take her to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset on the evening before her birthday to propose. The weather (and Kerry) didn't entirely cooperate. It was raining on the way there, Kerry was tired and in a grump, and by the time they arrived, there wasn't much of a sunset to be found. However, Alex persisted..The silver lining was that the usually packed viewpoint was unusually quiet, and Florence was still looking spectacular below them..Alex proposed..Kerry said yes.

Put a ring on it

22 January 2027And that brings to our wedding..Auckland was where Kerry and Alex had their first home together, and it remains one of their favourite places in New Zealand..So it feels very special to be coming back to get married here, this time with so many of their favourite people travelling from around New Zealand and the world to join them..Seven years on from that accidental first date, they've built a life together that they love..They can't wait to celebrate the next chapter with all of you.

It's timeeeee

Meet our Wedding Party

We feel incredibly lucky to have such a fabulous group of people by our sides on the big day. Get to know our wedding party a little better below.

How old are you?Isla: 4Lily: 3Mara: No (1).Who is Alex and Kerry to you?Isla: They are my familyLily: My Uncle Murphy my Aunty Kerry!Mara: No 😠.What flavour wedding cake would you choose?Isla: Vanilla but not banana!Lily: Not banana! [Authors note - Lily is allergic to Banana]Mara: No!.What song would you girls like played?Isla: Who let the dogs outLily: Let it go by ElsaMara: Nose?.Why do people get married?Isla: So they can have the same last nameLily: Just becauseMara: Mama.What do you love most about Uncle Murphy?Isla: He is silly and collects Pokemon with meLily: He’s a poo poo head and is like MeowthMara: Mmmmmm.What do you love most about Aunty Kerry?Isla: She got me a big ice cream and is really prettyLily: She makes me happyMara: (Gurgles).What does love mean?Isla: Being kind to peopleLily: Cuddle and kissesMara: 😛.What do you think Murphy and Kerry will be wearing?Isla: Aunty Kerry will be in a white dress with flowers and Uncle Murphy will be in a Tshirt, a tie and pants!Lily: Aunty Kerry will be in a tutu and Uncle Murphy will be in Pokémon top!Mara: 🏃‍♀️💨

Isla, Lily and Mara McPhee, Flowergirls

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.Real life golden retriever, just happy to be apart of whatever’s going on. Loves a craft and is always down for a boogie.⁠Where do you live?Kirrwiller, France.⁠How do you know Kerry?She was the coolest girl at our school and after a few years of chipping away at her I finally convinced her to be my friend. I think it was our combined excellent skills and competitive natures during games of knuckle bones and speed that really solidified it in the end..[Note from Kerry - the cool bit is absolutely not true but also explains why I love Eddie so much].⁠Describe the couple in three words.CohesionSupportiveHarmony.⁠What's your favourite memory with them?The small moments. Sitting together after dinner and discussing our lives, the world and the smallest things that make us all laugh. And watching them get engaged.⁠Who will cry first?Alex when he sees Kerry walking down the aisle.⁠What’s your dance floor song?There’s nothing I won’t boogie to, but if I had to choose Woman by Doja Cat

Eddie Brunton, Maid of Honour

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.Collector of shiny things, questionable decisions, and stories probably best left off the wedding website..⁠Where do you live?Wellington, New Zealand.⁠How do you know Alex?Cousin.⁠Describe the couple in three words.“Chaos meets patience” or I’d also say “Genuine, hilarious, perfect”.⁠What's your favourite memory with them?Alex and Kerry came back from the UK and spent Christmas with us as a family. Meant a lot to have them there..⁠Who will cry first?Alex of course.⁠What’s your dance floor song?Toxic

Eli O'Donnell, Best Man

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.Just a gal who loves her dog and husband too much (in that order).⁠Where do you live?Copenhagen, Denmark.⁠How do you know Kerry?We met at the ripe age of 11/12 yo at Chilton - I called her Kerry McNutty.⁠Describe the couple in three words.The best ever.⁠What's your favourite memory with them?We went camping in Sweden 🇸🇪 and despite all our efforts, we couldn’t start a fire for HOURS (only minor panic for how we were going to cook our dinner).⁠Who will cry first?Me.⁠What’s your dance floor song?Every Time We Touch by Cascada

Melissa Pedersen, Bridesmaid

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.When I’m not chasing after my daughters, you’ll usually find me creating something, baking, or counting down to Christmas..⁠Where do you live?Kapiti Coast, NZ.⁠How do you know Alex?I am his favourite cousin.⁠Describe the couple in three words.Loyal, constant and tall.⁠What's your favourite memory with them?Asking them to be my youngest daughter’s godparents, Pokémon party and the golden turkey! If not more….⁠Who will cry first?Smurf [Alex], in the morning if not before.⁠What’s your dance floor song?Cha-Cha slide

Orla O'Donnell, Groomswoman

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.Happiest under the sun, singing along at a live show, or making memories surrounded by my favourite people.⁠Where do you live?Melbourne .⁠How do you know Kerry?Year 10 at Chilton. But we did do ballet classes together when we were very young. Kerry’s mum remembers us prancing around in our matching glasses and cute outfits. We were destined to be friends from the beginning.⁠Describe the couple in three words.Passionate, unstoppable, loyal.⁠What's your favourite memory with them?Amazing China town feast in London. Lots of laughs and seriously good food with the best couple ever. What more could you ask for! .⁠Who will cry first?Definitely Kerry.⁠What’s your dance floor song?Bennie and the Jets - Elton John. Can I do two? Pink Pony Club 🐴

Amy Bennett, Bridesmaid

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.Longtime fan of the bride and groom, recently returned to Auckland with my wife and a toddler from living in UK..⁠Where do you live?XXX point chev road Auckland [Authors note - address redacted].⁠How do you know Alex?Uni halls of residence.⁠Describe the couple in three words.Grounded. Really-Funny. Ambitious..⁠What's your favourite memory with them?The four of us living in a one bed flat while finding our feet in London.⁠Who will cry first?Alex 100%.⁠What’s your dance floor song?Gutter black - hello sailor

Mark Williamson, Groomsman

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.Think Monica Geller energy, but with a little more chill (mostly) - the one most likely to lint roll the aisle when no one's watching.⁠Where do you live?Melbourne, Aus.⁠How do you know Kerry?We met in the dark on the way to a Wellington flat party through a mutual friend - we instantly moved into D&amp;M territory after a couple of drinks and there was no turning back..⁠Describe the couple in three words.Charming, Devoted, Unstoppable.⁠What's your favourite memory with them?Last summer after celebrating New Years together, we had dinner at El Matador in Wellington before farewelling them home to London. We did what we do well - share stories, thoughts, goals, and plans. The silver lining was knowing when we next saw each other it would be for the wedding!.⁠Who will cry first?Alex (soon after me).⁠What’s your dance floor song?Whatcha Say - Jason Derulo

Zoe Sabonadiere, Bridesmaid

Wedding Party

We know lots of you will be travelling to Auckland for the wedding - whether that's from elsewhere in New Zealand or quite literally the other side of the world. Here's everything you need to know.

Welcome to Auckland

Both the ceremony and reception will be held at St Matthew-in-the-City, in the heart of central Auckland..The church is on the corner of Hobson and Wellesley Streets, right by the Sky Tower and within easy walking distance of plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars.

Where is the wedding?

Stay near the church! There are loads of hotels within a couple of blocks, which will make life particularly easy during the break between the ceremony and reception..A few options at different price points:.$ Auckland City Hotel157 Hobson Street · around 2–3 minutes' walkA straightforward, more affordable option very close to the church. . $$ Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland80 Wellesley Street West · around 1–2 minutes' walkModern, comfortable and basically next door..$$ SkyCity Hotel Auckland72 Victoria Street West · around 2–3 minutes' walkRight in the SkyCity precinct, with plenty of restaurants and bars on your doorstep..$$$ Horizon by SkyCity85 Hobson Street · around 2 minutes' walkA newer, more premium option almost directly opposite St Matthew's..$$$ The Grand by SkyCity90 Federal Street · around 2–3 minutes' walkA luxury option, and still only a couple of minutes from the wedding..There are also plenty of Airbnbs and other hotels around the CBD. If you stay within walking distance of the Sky Tower, you'll be well placed for the wedding.

Where should I stay?

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city, towards the top of the North Island and built around two harbours. It's a proper city, but you're never very far from the water, beaches, islands or some very beautiful bits of New Zealand..January is the middle of summer, with long days and (hopefully!) plenty of sunshine. If you have time either side of the wedding, we'd definitely recommend sticking around to explore.

What's Auckland like?

Not for the wedding. If you're staying centrally, you should be able to walk between your hotel and St Matthew's..If you're planning to explore outside Auckland or turn the wedding into a wider New Zealand trip, hiring a car or caravan is probably worth it.

Do I need a car?

If you're flying in internationally, you'll arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL). If you're coming all the way from the UK or Europe, we'd recommend arriving a couple of days early if you can to deal with the jet lag..A few Kiwi basics: we drive on the left, use NZ dollars, don't expect you to tip, and the January sun is much stronger than it looks. Bring sunscreen.

I'm coming from overseas. Is there anything I should know?

If you've come all this way, please make a holiday of it!We've added some of our favourite places to eat, drink and explore in Auckland, as well as a few recommendations for anyone planning a bigger New Zealand trip in the Things to Do tab of this website.

What should I do while I'm there?

Coming to Auckland

If you're travelling all the way to NZ, we hope you'll make a bit of a holiday of it! We've pulled together some of our favourite places in Auckland, a few easy trips further afield, and some ideas for anyone planning a bigger New Zealand adventure.

Things to Do

Eat your way around the cityAuckland has an incredible food scene and we highly recommend making the most of it while you're here..A few of our favourites are Gemmayze Street on K Road for Lebanese, Amano in Britomart for Italian (and the bakery next door for coffee and pastries), and Crave in Morningside for brunch..Spend a day on Waiheke IslandIf you have a spare day, this would be our number one recommendation. Catch the ferry over from downtown Auckland, hire e-bikes and spend the day exploring the island, beaches and vineyards..Stop at Mudbrick for lunch or a glass of wine with one of the best views back towards Auckland, before making your way back to the ferry. It's a very good way to spend a summer day..Explore the waterfrontStart around Britomart and wander down towards the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter. There are plenty of places to stop for a drink or something to eat along the way..Head to the beachAuckland is surrounded by water, so you're never particularly far from a beach. If you have a car and a little more time, head west to see Auckland's wild black-sand beaches. Piha is the famous one, but the whole west coast is beautiful.

Our Auckland Favourites

If you've got a few extra days and a car, there's plenty worth exploring beyond Auckland..Tauranga &amp; Mount Maunganui - around 2.5 - 3 hoursOne of our favourite parts of the North Island. Spend the day at Mount Maunganui, walk up or around Mauao, swim at the beach and grab something to eat along the waterfront. It's especially good in summer and worth staying for a night or two..Coromandel - around 2.5 - 3 hoursBeautiful beaches, little coastal towns and classic NZ summer. Give yourself at least a night or two rather than trying to squeeze it into a day trip..Hobbiton - around 2 hoursIf you're a Lord of the Rings fan, this is your moment. Even if you're not, it's a beautiful part of the Waikato and easy to stop at on the way to Tauranga or Rotorua..Rotorua - around 3 hoursOne of the best places to experience Māori culture and New Zealand's geothermal landscape - geysers, hot pools, bubbling mud and the unmistakable Rotorua smell. Worth staying overnight..Taupō - around 3.5 hoursA huge lake in the middle of the North Island, surrounded by some of the country's best scenery. It's an easy next stop after Rotorua if you're turning a few days away into a road trip.

Get Out of Auckland

If you're coming from overseas, we'd really encourage you to see more of New Zealand while you're here..For a few extra days, we'd stay around Auckland and do Waiheke plus one trip north or south..With a week, you could road trip from Auckland through the Coromandel, Rotorua and Taupō before looping back..With two weeks or more, we'd seriously consider flying down to the South Island rather than trying to drive the whole country. Queenstown, Wānaka, Fiordland, Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding landscapes are a completely different side of New Zealand and absolutely worth the trip..And one final piece of advice: New Zealand is much bigger than it looks on a map. Don't try to see the entire country in a week. Pick a few places, take your time and enjoy them.

Alex & Kerry

Alex & Kerry

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