Trent and Paul – the day history was made and two hearts became one

Trent and Paul – the day history was made and two hearts became one

Category: Blog

by Johanna Osborne

August 19th 2013

(image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

8.30am on an ordinary Monday winter’s morning. But it really wasn’t that ordinary at all. Firstly the sun was shining like it was the middle of summer, and there was a group of 20 or so rather conspicuously glamorous people crossing the road from the Museum Art Hotel, in the direction of Te Papa. Dressed to the nines in heels, gowns and suits and with an air of ceremony they strode purposely towards Te Papa. Who were they? Having made the journey with Trent and Paul from Australia, these were the nearest and dearest in these 2 men’s lives –their treasured friends and family and their biggest supporters. Serious yet happy, Trent and bestman Jason were ensconced in the middle of the procession, their radiant skin and impeccable suits giving them away to onlookers, whilst the 2nd groom Paul quickly zoomed away to get the all important marriage license! At the head of the group, Paula Bevege, leading this grand wedding party towards a place where a milestone was to be reached and history made – the beautiful Te Marae in Papa Tongarewa.

Our ascent into Te Papa’s grand building was meaningful and touching. Hushed tones and awed silence filled the foyer as we entered, knowing we would walk out having changed the past forever. We were greeted by a traditional Maori welcome and beautiful garlands pointing the way towards the grand room, which awaited us bathed in warm sunlight. We walked in to see Te Marae’s stain glass windows reflecting Wellington’s early morning sunshine beautifully around the large space, and spreading a grand sense of occasion with it. It was almost surreal. Something big was about to go down and even nature seemed to know it. Rich with culture, it was clear to see why Te Marae was chosen as the ideal location for Trent and Paul’s ceremony, and it certainly did not disappoint. Vintage and Pretty had also decorated the space beautifully adding a touch of old school class to an already stunning room.

As we waited for the grooms to make their entrance and the media to gather I had some time to chat with Paul’s wonderful family. His mother Anne could not have been prouder, beaming with excitement and joy at her son’s big day. Even losing her handbag a few days before departure (which contained her passport!) did not thwart her attempts to be present all the way from Newcastle, and along with other family members she flew in the day before the nuptials, bright, fresh and ready to give her son away to the man he loves. Sister Sara, husband Mick and nephew Jacob Whale also spoke fondly of Trent and Paul, and what a wonderful couple these two have always made; “Ever since I was young, it was always Trent and Paul as a couple. They are the coolest, kindest and most fun couple I know. Being here today to see them get married is a dream come true for all of us.”

Violinist Elena marked the beginning of the ceremony with her hauntingly beautiful music, leading Paul and his mother Anne (who by all accounts was shaking with nerves and excitement!) down the aisle. The entrance was very special and all guests were hushed in anticipation. What followed can only be described as beautiful, meaningful and touching. Presided over by Kerry Prendergast, the official ceremony was simply wonderful. Paul and Trent’s love for one another was evident as their eyes met, as was their gratitude at finally being able to express their love this way. Despite there being many media outlets present, the ceremony felt personal, intimate and very precious. The men spoke to each other and took time to say exactly what was important. Trent and Paul’s vows were movingly personalised and they had obviously taken a lot of thought and time to perfect them. Paul’s were filled with promises with the last one being “I promise you to always love you.” I personally felt incredibly lucky to sit and witness something as significant as this, and to be allowed to share in this momentous occasion.

It was most certainly a day of freedom and liberation. Paul commented later to the media; ”I didn’t realise how much the inequality must have been eating away at me. Until a right is denied you don’t know you’re missing it.” As the pair commenced their first walk down the aisle and the media’s cameras furiously clicked, the pride and sense of victory was evident not only in the grooms faces but in the eyes of everyone in the room. Trent shared with the media; ”I felt a great sense of honour, and for New Zealand to be standing behind me and us, saying we believe in you and all you are.”

As Trent and Paul posed for more photographs and undertook further media interviews (which they handled like the champs they are), divine hors-d’oeuvres including apple turnovers with puff pastry, fruit kebabs as well as champagne and juice was handed around to the awe-struck and deeply moved guests. Steve the Crooner ensured the atmosphere stayed jovial with his lovely tones.

This was a big deal and how lucky were we to have shared in this experience! Everything was perfect, the decorations, food, ambience, and it was no wonder it was all planned to a T… Paula Bevege had stayed up until 2am the night before ensuring everything was perfect at Te Papa, Martin Bosley’s and of course also at The Museum Hotel for the early morning beautifying session for all the bridal party, courtesy of Salute Hair and Day Spa. Paula had put her impeccable final touches on everything and it all had the Paula Bevege Events seal of approval. She did an exemplary job!

After the formal proceedings, the wedding party joyfully jumped into powder blue vintage Eastbourne Classic Cars and made their way to Martin Bosley’s restaurant, where fine fare was served with the Wellington’s beautiful harbour resplendent in sunlight, making for a perfect backdrop to the celebration and laughter that followed in bounds. Decorada’s cake aptly topped with Lego grooms (the pair is a big fan of Lego) was cut to many cheers and glasses were clinking for several hours. Horrobin and Hodge had transformed the reception area into a stylish and unique setting especially for Trent and Paul’s festivities. A grand Candy Buffet from the Couture Candy Buffet enticed guests as they carried on celebrating this extraordinary event well into the day. A day we are so glad and fortunate to have shared with you, thank you Trent and Paul. You have paved the way! The future has begun and you have led the way. We could not have been prouder to stand behind you today, and will always continue to do so.

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr Seuss

Scroll down for some of Johanna’s informal “snapshots” as well as some stunning photos from Penny at Inspire Photography

• Ceremony at Museum of NZ: Te Papa Tongarewa, in Te Marae
• Reception: Martin Bosley’s
• Celebrant: Kerry Prendergast
• Wedding Planner: Paula Bevege, Paula Bevege Events
• Accommodation: The Museum Art Hotel
• Cake: Decorada
• Stationery: Aneta from WE DO Photography and Design
• Transport: Eastbourne Classic Cars
• Music: Elena the Violinist, Steve the Crooner
• Styling: Horrobin and Hodge – botanical stylists, Vintage and Pretty
• Wedding Rings: Pacific Jewellers
• Photography: Inspire Photography: Ceremony, family and group photo and reception details
• We Do: Location creative photos and reception
• Videography: Jono Tucker Film
• Entertainment: The Amazing Travelling Photobooth, Steve the Crooner
• Sweets: The Couture Candy Buffet
• Suits: Frank Casey
• Pamper: Special day spa package and hair and make-up on the day from Salute

Paula and Steve the Crooner warming up for the big occasion

Paul's sister Sara with husband Mick and baby Sophie, son Jacob Whale and Paul's mother Anne

Fran Wilde with Paul's mother Anne McCarthy

Jason and Aneta from WE DO Photography & Design

Johanna with Lauren from Tourism NZ in Australia

Violinist Elena and Rhonda Paku, Senior Curator Matauranga Maori

Johanna, Paula and Rhonda Paku from Te Papa

Paula with Aneta from WE DO Photography & Design

Getting ready (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

Trent and Paul's affection for one another is plain to see (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

Marriage licence time (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

This is serious stuff (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

Hooray! (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

A quiet moment before the madness ensues (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

Here comes Paul! (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

The beautiful bridesmaids making their walk up the aisle (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

Kerry Prendergast did a wonderful job (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

The kiss! (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

The walk of life! (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

Beautiful stationery designed by Aneta from WE DO Photography & Design (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

Cheers! (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)

The happy couple with their close friends, family and some of the people that made their day extra special (image by Penny Towns, Inspire Photography)