Anatia + Luke by Keepsake Wedding Albums

Anatia + Luke

JANUARY 20, 2024

THE MILK STATION, OTAKI

Luke’s Vows

People asked me how nervous I am leading up to this moment, the whole lead up I haven’t felt nervous at all.. Nervous to speak in front of people - yes but no, not nervous to get married to you, my very soon to be wife, the most beautiful, kind, caring, loving person I’ve ever met. To me, I’m the biggest winner, so why would I be nervous? I get to spend the rest of my life with you. Which when you think of it.. kinda sucks for you.

There’s a saying J Cole sings in his song that goes “take a chance because you never know how perfect something could be”. Thank you, thank you for taking a chance on me and although I’m far from perfect, I feel what we have is perfect.

I promise to always look busy, because if I don’t you for sure are going to make sure I am. We have had a lot of highs and lows and been tested at times but we have battled through it all.

I know we are both hurting that Tracey couldn’t be here physically, but I know she would be up there watching us with a wine in her hand and a tear in her eye with a biggest smile on her face as we take the next step in life.

Anatia I will forever have your back and I know you will forever have mine. I promise that no matter where we go or whatever life has in store for us I will always be your safe place. I promise that my jokes will always be straight fire, and will always pretend to laugh at your trash ones.

Anatia, babe, I will forever love you and give you my all. Churr.

Anatia’s Vows

Luke, who would have thought after that beautiful night at Garden Road six years ago that we would be standing here, granted it did take you a while to warm up. I’m preaching to the choir here with all the nice things I’m about to say to you, cause we all know (especially in my family) that you are the favourite. I must admit, I found these really hard to write, so I went to sit with Mum so she could help me, and of course all I could hear was her favourite thing to say: “Anatia will you just be nice to him! You don’t know how good you have it!”

So, I thought that’s where I’d start. From the moment I met you I couldn’t believe that someone could be so nice, so gentle, so patient and so loving. You are a literal Golden Retriever in all the best ways. You may still be learning that asking “are you okay?” when I’m crying doesn’t work out in your favour, but with everything we’ve been through, all the ups and immense lows you’ve stuck by me. But not only have you stuck by me, you’ve picked me up from literal heaps on the floor over and over again and given me a reason to keep getting up every day (that is, you and your fricking dog that won’t sleep past 7am).

The amount you do for me never goes unnoticed, from getting me water at all hours of the night, going to the four square for me every time I’m hungover, helping Dad with his call outs and anything else he needs, constantly checking in on Marcus and doing things like looking after his puppies, to literally building me an entire house.

Although you may not have been that interested from the start, I knew my 100 Facebook messages would pay off in the end and somehow, we’d end up here. But it really sealed the deal when Mum got sick, and you would do anything in your power to try and make her have a better day than she was having. Whether it was the conversation you’d have with her when you’d get home asking her how her day was, to pretending you’re driving around Hataitai for fun, just so you could check on her while she was on her walks, to giving her a hug and helping me tuck her in like a burrito when she’d go to bed, to sitting by her hospital bed and letting her have you as her safe space, to searching the whole of Wellington to get her a pack of her favourite drinks. But what you did the most, is you showed her that when she left and was no longer here to look after me, that I would be safe and I would be looked after by you, and so would Dad and Marcus. My Mama trusted you and loved you so much, and I know she found peace in knowing I had found you. I don’t know what the rest of our lives will look like, all I know is I’m excited to have my best friend by me for the rest of my life. If it’s anything like the last six years, I’m in for a treat.

So Luke, I promise to always be the Rottweiler to your Golden Retriever, I promise to always text Marcus to give your clothes back when he goes shopping in your drawers, I promise to always let you drive me round and show me every house you’ve ever built, I promise to always be proud of all of your achievements, I promise to always let you be the one to take the rubbish out, I promise to give you a hongi whenever you want, I promise to be there for you with whatever life throws at us, I promise to always try and halve your problems and multiply your successes, I promise to pick you up when you’re down, I promise to keep falling more and more in love with you every day, and I promise to keep loving you to the very end.

Thank you for choosing me to be your wife. I love you and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

Marcus + Tracey

Evening all, I’m sure I don’t need any introduction after the engagement party but I’m the big brother to the bride. Firstly, I’d like to wish Luke the best of luck with the challenge he has ahead of him, you changed her last name so she is no longer our problem.

All jokes aside, I’d like to congratulate you both with finally getting here, the roller-coaster of life hasn’t made it easy but today is definitely one for the memory books. Luke, solid 2-10 and zero back bone and Anatia you look stunning, funny what makeup can do to a person. Groomsmen, you fellas scrub up aiite and bridesmaids not bad.

Luke, I know it took a bit of time for us to get to really know each other but the month we spent in Aussie together really showed me what sort of man my sister was marrying. You’re a genuine, good person with nothing but the best intentions for my sister. I know she has a solid person that will give her the world and take care of her. You are the back stop a girl can only dream of, that will stand by her through thick and thin. I really want to see the Doritos and air guitar in play tonight, and the form I saw at Rainbow’s Bowls Club that one Friday night. I know I’m obligated to call you my brother-in-law, but in my eyes you are a brother to me and I am looking forward to seeing what other mischief we can get up to together.

Anatia, I know todays been hard to look forward to since we lost Mum. But know she’s here, not only with you and your attitude but in the wind, the rain/sun/moon, the stars and in spirit. It has been a pleasure being your big brother and getting to watch you grow into the woman you are today. It warms my heart to have been with you every step of the way. From growing up together, having you as my shadow when we were young, giving you your first haircut …. I still think you would look good with a fringe, slamming the door on you and giving you your first black eye… having you humble me when I needed it by stabbing me with a pen and making me run away crying, to you turning 18 and me chasing poor guys around pool tables cause they made you cry in town.

These are all memories of me being a protective big brother. I can wholeheartedly say that for me, and I’m sure I can speak for Dad who’s been our protector and provider, we can now pass the reigns on to your forever partner, protector and provider. You’ve always been there when times were tough, to pull me into line or if I needed advice. I can’t wait to watch this next chapter in your life and look forward to creating more memories that we can talk about in the future. As time goes on, I see a lot of Mum in you, and that brings me comfort to know we will always have a part of her in you.

If you get the chance, there is a photo of Mum here. Go and see her and have a drink or a chat. I do have some words from the Mother of the Bride, to both her and the Groom.

Hi Bub and Lukey, I’m so soooo proud of you both making it to the big day and how it’s all turned out. See Anatia, you could do it without me, you need to back yourself, you are the backbone of this family. Don’t be sad bub that I’m not there, I may not be there in person but I’m there in more ways than one. It’s your big day, I want you to party like I was there. Lukey, you look very handsome, my daughter sure knows how to pick ‘em, gets that from her mama. And Bub, OMG, I can’t get over how beautiful you look, remember, I’m closer than you think and as I said 5 years ago, stay sassy, stay classy and that I love you sooooooo much. One last thing, Nige, look after your Pat tonight. Make sure he doesn’t get too drunk or doesn’t get you too drunk so him and Mat can make their own party without you, and make sure Marcus mixes and mingles and isn’t being a hermit.

So, from Mum and myself, can we all please raise our glasses, wipe our tears and toast to the loved ones that we wish were here, the Bride and Groom for a life time of love, memories and good times. Love you, God bless.

Scott

Kia ora everyone.

My name is Scott, I am Luke’s brother and one of his Best Men. For those of you that know Luke, know that he hasn’t really been one for speeches, always keeps it short and sweet. So, in honour of Luke and his amazing speeches, I’d just like to say, “Churr and up the ‘mata”. I’d like to start by acknowledging the loved ones who can’t be here, the beautiful Tracey, and our amazing grandparents Gran, Pop, and Nana.

I met Luke 28 years ago, when he was brought into this world and took my lime light. But from that day onwards we had made a connection and a bond that not many siblings could make or have. Being the youngest in the family, Luke was the family guinea pig for us. When Josh bought his first car, he got a brand new towing kit. He thought it would be a great idea to tie the rope around Luke’s waist and tell him to climb the fence. He was also Victoria’s model when she was into fashion designing, she would make skirts and dresses and have Luke try them on to see if they were a good fit.

We have tackled this word together, side-by-side from playing sports together and sharing the same friendship group. He’s my ride or die and forever will be. The day Luke met Anatia, he came home after getting dropped at 7 Halladale Road with the biggest smile on his face. But it wasn’t because he had met a girl. It was because he managed to convince Anatia that he had Church the next morning after a night out in town to avoid spending the day with her. Luke was never too good with talking to girls, he would always stutter or mumble his words. But little did Luke know, he had really found the love of his life, Anatia.

That brings me to the beautiful bride, Anatia. I’m not gonna lie, the day I heard Luke had met someone, I was sad. I didn’t think the day would ever come where I would have to share my best friend and brother, but I am soo happy you have chosen him. You are an amazing person and the best person to take my brothers heart. And now that it’s official, no backsies.

Luke and Anatia, as you both set out on your future adventures, I wish you a lifetime of happiness, and just remember to always have each others backs and continue to look after each other and live life to the fullest.

Love you Godbless.

Sav

Kia ora & Talofa Lava

I’m Savannah but many of you will know me as Sav. Today I’ve had the absolute privilege of being in Anatia’s wedding featuring Luke. Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge their parents, especially Tracey. She would be so proud of both of you, especially you Anatia. You have planned the perfect day, exactly what she wanted for you both. Finau and Gail, you have raised one hell of a man. Lukey has such a huge loving heart. Pat and Tracey, Anatia is a true depiction of you both. Anatia you are selfless, fiercely loyal and an absolute rock for your family. But you have your dads sense of humour though/unfortunately.

I reconnected with Anatia about 9 years ago. But what I didn’t know was that for the next 3 years, Len and I would have a permanent third wheel who would do everything with us including sleeping in our room on a mattress right next to us. This is a true representation of our friendship, where you usually find one of us you’ll find the other one right behind with Luke and Leni in tow, wondering why the hell they are there as well.

I distinctively remember when Anatia first saw Luke. She asked me who the hot guy was sitting in my lounge. It’s been an honour having been a part of your relationship and watching you evolve and grow as individuals and as a couple. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter has for you both.

We aren’t the lovey dovey type of friends so Anatia, you’ll only ever hear this from me today, so enjoy it. You are the most beautiful person I know. The strength you give to everyone around you is incredible. I cherish our friendship so much and you truly are one of a kind. You are the best Aunty Dia and I couldn’t imagine this crazy journey we call life without you. I hope everyone has a best friend like you in their life.

Lukey, I dont think I have ever had a chance to say this to you. But thank you. Thank you, for taking my best friend and loving her for everything she is. I’ve watched you love, appreciate her and be her safe space over the years. And for that I am so thankful, but she is all yours now though!

Finally, I hope you know wherever you go in life, you will always find home in each other. Lets raise a glass, Cheers to the newly weds!

Leni

Kia ora e te whanau, He tu noa ki te mihi kia tatou katoa, kua tae a tinana mai ki te whakanui I te ra marena a Luke raua ko Anatia.

Noku te waimarie ki te tu ki te korero I tenei ra. Hei mangai mo taku nei hoa a Luke.

A me te mihi nui ki a Anatia me tana whanau hoki.

Tena tatou katoa

Ia, ona muamua o’u fa’atalofa atu Le paia male mamalu ole aufie ua

fa’apotopoto mai ile aso o Luke ma Anatia.

Fa’afetai lava mole avanoa.

I’m Leni and for those who don’t know me, that’s very unfortunate. I think we can all agree how beautiful the bride Anatia and the bridesmaids look today. Lads we tried our absolute best, didnt we. I want to thank you all for joining us in celebrating the love of Luke and Anatia. Luke mate, thanks for asking me to be one of your best men.

A little bit of background: Luke and I’s friendship began back in school where he claims (to this day) that I only hung out with him so that he would drive me to Subway for lunch. But over a few foot longs, we became pretty close. If i was to describe our friendship I would use the word loyalty. There have been a lot of ups and downs but through it all I know that no matter what Luke is always in my corner.

Of course a few years later, he was swept off his feet by Anatia. I remember when Luke first started dating Anatia. Believe it or not, I had actually warned him against it. I myself, had had first hand front row seats to Anatia and Sav as a combo and I didn’t want to put my best mate through what I had to deal with?? Luckily enough, he didn’t listen to me anyway. And Im so glad you didnt Luke. Anatia, thank you for bringing out the best in Luke. He has grown into an amazing man with your love.

Luke and Anatia, i appreciate you both dearly. The love you have not only for myself but also for my family does not go unnoticed. I love you both so much and if i can’t take credit for being cupid in this relationship then i guess i owe Luke $1000.

Here’s to happily ever after and i wish the newly weds all the best in what is to come.

Ofa atu xx