JANUARY 23, 2021 K A U R I B AY B O O M R O C K , CLEVEDON, AUCKLAND
Our Story So how did we get here today? As many of you may know, Amy caught Jeff’s attention ten and a half years ago when he came across her at an ice hockey game. Jeff was on the side line, supporting Dion and the team and quickly noticed that Dion’s sister, Cheynne was sitting in the crowd with a lovely blonde friend of hers. Jeff’s curiosity got the better of him and he immediately started his investigation to find out who this blonde girl was and where she had come from! What he didn’t realise at the time was that this spark of curiosity was the start of something special. From there, Amy and Jeff found themselves at Dion and Cheynne’s family home more often than not, ensuring they had ample opportunity to spend time with one another. I believe that Andy and Sue became well accustomed to feeding and accommodating Jeff and Amy – although I am not sure that they had a choice in the matter. When I asked Jeff and Amy to elaborate on how their friendship escalated into something more, they shared with me the details of their first official date. One special night, Jeff felt it was time to pick up the courage and invite Amy out for a meal together. She quickly agreed, hopped into the car and enjoyed a short drive to the McDonalds drive through. On arrival, Amy proceeded to amaze Jeff by not only ordering a Big Mac but by showing him how they should be eaten layer by layer – I’m talking bun first, lettuce second, meat third and so on…. It’s no normal way to do this… but it seems to have made a positive impression… apparently enough to lead to a second date… This time, they decided on a trip to the movies… but no movie night would be complete without snacks! So off they went to the supermarket to fill their bag with goodies to get them through the night… To Amy’s surprise… Jeff piles out of the supermarket very pleased with his selection….. Of all things, he had decided to get himself a pile of shaved ham…. Now I can’t be sure as to where these habits came from, but Jeff and Amy’s love of food certainly brought them together in a perfectly unique way. 18 months on, Jeff and Amy made the commitment to continue their relationship from a distance – ensuring Jeff could pursue his dreams and join the team at Cathay Pacific as a Pilot in Hong Kong. During this time, Amy continued her studies in Medical School whilst Jeff worked his way up the ranks eventually becoming first officer for the 747’s. With long distance came its challenges… terrible whatsapp connections and working around different time zones… but some amazing benefits came to light when Jeff was rewarded with Staff Travel. As soon as this came into play, Amy took every opportunity she could to visit her other half whilst maximising on the so called ‘Jeff-Funded Adventures’ to many wild and wonderful countries around the world. Even in the 6 years of living apart, Jeff and Amy inspired one another to achieve their true potential. On Jeff’s return to NZ, they purchased their very first home together and became loving parents to two very fluffy cats – Pusheen and Patrick. So it was no surprise that in August 2019, whilst on a walk through Mongolia, Jeff got down on one knee and asked Amy to marry him. There is no question that Amy and Jeff are a beautiful couple. They have many plans to add mini Amy’s and mini Jeff’s to their family in the future and to continue to build on their careers. They are still exploring the idea of Amy becoming Jeff’s sugar mama but for now they will both continue to work and make enhancements to their wonderful home. It is very clear that in the years that they have been together, they have found a mutual love and understanding for one another, bonding over all that they have in common. Most importantly, they have come to realise that their personal dreams, hopes and aspirations are much more attainable and meaningful when they work towards them together.
Amy’s Vows Jeff, Ten years ago when I met you at the age of 17 you became my high school sweetheart and my best friend. I am so excited that today you will become my husband. You have the biggest heart and a laid back personality who sees the best in everyone. You are the calm to my storm who keeps me grounded. I love your loyalty to me and our shared love of cats, even though they give you allergies. With you, life is an adventure. We have travelled the world and endured six years of long distance. But what I have realised is that home is whenever I am with you. You have brought me out of my comfort zone, supported me through challenges and encouraged me to be a better version of myself. I promise to stand by you through the good times and the bad. I will encourage and support you in all your endeavours, no matter how crazy I think they may be. I promise I will work on my cooking skills and take on more of the housework. I commit to working through our disagreements as a team. I promise to be a loving parent to our cats and to our future children. I promise to walk hand in hand with you with love and laughter through the journey of life.
Jeff’s Vows Amy, from the day I first met you, I knew you were special. The way you ate your Big Mac on our first date, layer by layer, really sealed the deal for me. From then on it was a crazy journey with our long distance relationship and travel helping us to grow closer together. I promise to love you every day more than the day before.... Even when you run around the house screaming the cats names. I promise to continue to travel with you and share our love for food. I promise to support you through all your endeavours no matter how stressful they are. I promise that when times are tough, I will share the burden with you and we can face our challenges together, as we have done so many times already. Today I get to marry you, my best friend.
made with love by
keepsake.
made with love by
keepsake.