Former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern and Clark Gayford finally married each other in an intimate ceremony at a winery in Hawkes’ Bay.
Wedding bells finally went off for former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford. They held an intimate ceremony in Hawke’s Bay at Craggy Range Winery.
The Guardian reported the pair were supposed to be married in 2022, but got postponed due to COVID restrictions. The couple spent about a decade together and have a daughter named Neve as per BBC.
Simple yet classy ensembles
CNN reported that the wedding’s venue is an “important horticulture area” and is home to globally-acclaimed wineries.
Fashion designer Juliette Hogan designed Ardern’s wedding frock. It is a simple yet elegant fitted ivory halter dress with a long tulle veil. Mount Maunganui designer Chaos and Harmony did the bride’s shoes, the New Zealand Herald added. She donned a chignon updo hairstyle where the veil sat in place.
Gayford sported a black Zambesi suit and white shirt as per the New Zealand Herald. The dashing groom paired the look with a black tie and a corsage on his suit’s lapel, matching Ardern’s bouquet.
The couple’s daughter Neve wore a gown made from her grandmother Laurell Ardern’s wedding dress as per BBC.
A friends and family-only affair
The New Zealand Herald mentioned that Ardern gave a five-minute speech showing immense gratitude to the attendees. She acknowledged her friends, close colleagues and family, especially those who traveled “great distances” for the special occasion.
The couple’s friend and former deputy prime minister Grant Robertson officiated the private ceremony.
Political guests in attendance included former corrections minister Kelvin Davis, former member of parliament Dame Annette King, former member of parliament Darren Hughs, opposition leader Chris Hipkins, and Ardern’s former press secretary, Andrew Campbell.
The crowd cheered once Ardern made her way down the aisle to marry the love of her life.
Five years in the making
Ardern served as New Zealand’s prime minister for five years and resigned last January. She said in a speech that she “did not have enough in the tank,” BBC reported.
Her resignation speech last year included her saying “let’s get married,” addressing Gayford. She showed appreciation to her family as well in her speech, saying she looked forward to spending time with them again.
Ardern and Gayford spent five years being engaged before marriage as per The Guardian.
Banner photo from Felicity Jean Weddings.
