by Johanna Osborne and Susan Philp

I’ve always been a big believer in love and romance, which is just as well really, considering we write about all things “Cupid” here at the Wellington Wedding Show and Mr and Mrs magazine. And what I find most exciting is when Hollywood movie-type romances actually occur in real life, and even better – right in front of my eyes. And so begins the story of one of my oldest and dearest friends Susan and her beau Victor… Their tale is nothing but a super romantic whirlwind. They met, they fell in love, and soon after their son Oliver was born. Not a minute was wasted, because when it’s right, it’s right. You just know. What makes the whole thing extra cool, is that their love literally found them, they weren’t looking for it. Their journey through from first meeting, to the spectacular proposal, to finding out they were expecting, to the most amazing wedding in the lap of luxury – it’s all pretty fairytale! Yet together they have also faced great loss, and whilst they were down, they weren’t beaten… they have weathered the storm and their love is all the stronger for it. Meet Victor and Susan and their little boy Ollie – to say I’m proud to be their friend is an understatement!

When and how did you and Victor meet?
“We had known each other through work, in fact he was one of my favourite customers at one point! And when he came “back on the market” he had a lot of single ladies hopeful and vying for his attention!”

First impression when you met him?
“What a hot (seriously hot with a six pack!)and nice guy – I was very flattered he was interested in me!”

Moment when you knew he was the one?
“Probably after we had been dating for three months and I cancelled my one way ticket to London. Not that I thought I was going to marry him – I enjoyed his company and life was just easier with him in it, so I thought I would stick around and see what happened. Ten years later and there have been many (and there will no doubt be many more!) moments I realised he is the perfect man for me. He is my best friend, and I can see myself helping him push his zimmerframe when he is a decrepit 80 year old, and I am a sprightly young 70 year old!

The big proposal – how did it go down?
“We were in Queenstown and Victor had bought me a helicopter ride for Christmas. Normal girls would have suggested jewellery or hand bags, but I had never been in a helicopter so was super excited! We set out on New Years Day 2005 for the helicopter ride, which to my delight was going to land on a glacier. Yah! Snowball fight! So as soon as I was out of the chopper I was off running away from Vic and gathering snow…. It took me a few minutes to realise that while Vic was chasing me, he was not returning fire… In fact he looked a little exasperated! I let him catch me and he grabbed my hand and pulled out a box, which contained the most beautiful ring with a huge diamond and asked me to marry him. Problem was I didn’t really want to get married… Not because I didn’t love Vic enough…. I just didn’t want to get married, but I really wanted that sparkly ring! So I think my actual response was “yes I think I want to…… Can I keep the ring while I keep thinking about it?” Victor later informed me if I had of said “no” he would have pushed me over the side of the mountain so just as well I said yes!”

Did you see it coming?
“Not in a million years! He knew I wasn’t keen on getting married. In fact he used to take great pleasure in tormenting me by taking me into wedding stores and baby shops telling me he would make my mother and father happy and settle me down one day! If he pointed rings out in a jewellery store my snorted response was usually what a waste of money that would be, and I could get a new horse float for that price!”

How soon after meeting was Ollie born?
“Less than two years. He was our surprise 9 months into our relationship, and even the doctors said somewhat a miraculous conception.”

Special memories of your amazing Wharekauhau wedding in 2008?
“Losing my mum and my brother to cancer 12 months apart suddenly gave me a different perspective. I went from not being interested in getting married, to it being a “bucket list” item. And 16 weeks later we were getting married! It was just an awesome day shared with our nearest and dearest, in a stunning location with amazing weather. I spent so much of my day laughing and enjoying myself I didn’t want the day to end! Favourite memories include my dad walking me to the ceremony offering me a get-away vehicle if I wanted to run, the look on Victor’s face when he saw me in my dress, Oliver telling me I looked like a princess and having my face ache from laughing so hard while getting ready with my best friends.”
Which of the many amazing moments in your relationship would you most like to re-live?
“Tough one! I am more excited about the new experiences we will have than re-living the past. Although breaking the news to my mum and dad that we were pregnant would be fun to do again! The look on Mum’s face was priceless – I think she thought Victor had stolen her daughter and replaced her with an imposter! Dad couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.”

Most memorable thing Victor has ever said to you/done?
“The three page handwritten letter he wrote to me trying to understand my commitment issues when I was struggling with the idea of moving in together… the first example I was to see of how Vic makes the effort to understand things that upset me, so he can work out how to make me happy.”

The big proposal

Oliver had a blast on his parents' wedding day!

The happy couple

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