Of all the places to start a love story, Charlotte and Anthony’s journey began in the unlikely setting of a spare room viewing. They first crossed paths at a local music festival in Wales, introduced through mutual friends. After the festival, they added each other on Facebook, and soon enough, a friendship blossomed into regular chats and a fair bit of flirting. Then came Anthony’s call for a new housemate. Charlotte went to see the room, and although they both tried to “friendzone” each other that last long!

Fast forward to 2023, and the pair found themselves halfway around the world, deep into a year-long travel adventure. They’d been engaged for three years but not made any wedding plans. But, in a burst of spontaneity, that they decided to get married in New Zealand! “From the moment we made the decision to the day of the ceremony, it was just six weeks,” Charlotte says. “It all came together so naturally.”

They picked Bastion Point in Auckland for their ceremony, a stunning clifftop spot with sweeping views over the harbour. Their witnesses, Merv and Pia, were fellow travellers they had met in Thailand earlier in the year. “We hit it off and swapped contacts, but I don’t think they were expecting us to reach out a few weeks later asking them to be our witnesses,” Charlotte laughed. “They were over the moon. They made the day really special for us, along with our lovely celebrant and fabulous photographer Mala.”

With just six weeks to plan, they leaned into the low-key nature of an elopement. Charlotte’s put together her own bridal bouquet and picked up her veil from a $2 shop, while Anthony found his snakeskin wedding shoes in a second-hand store the morning of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, they took to the streets of Auckland for their photo shoot. They clinked glasses of champagne and posed around a World War II army lookout at Bastion Point. Later, they moved to K Road, a colourful and eclectic strip known for its cafes, bars, second-hand shops, tattoo parlours, and music venues. It fit the spirit of their day perfectly.

When it came time for dinner, they splurged on a fancy tasting menu, before calling it a night by 10 pm. “Getting married is tiring work!” they joked.

Though they missed having their family with them on the day, the couple has plans for a massive, festival-style party back in the UK to make up for it. “We’re talking our favourite DJs, bands, and all our family and friends,” Charlotte said. For now, though, they have their photos, their memories, and the satisfaction of having done things their way.

“Stay true to yourselves,” Charlotte advises other couples. “And have fun! We laughed all day long and can honestly say it was the best day ever.”