Lania + Shaun
MARCH 4, 2022 ATAAHUA GARDEN VENUE PYES PA, TAURANGA Lania + Shaun
After an exciting month spending time together, Shaun left on his planned 6 month OE to Europe. They thought that this is where their story would end, but they have never been happier to be so wrong. They kept in touch while Shaun was away and for the last month of his trip he asked Lania to join him – and off she went. After nearly a month of drinking European wines and adventuring through 8 different countries they thought - that this could be it. Fast forward a few months and they are both back in New Zealand, but with a craving for more travel, Shaun decided to move to London and he asked Lania to join him. She admits the prospect of moving countries at 22 was quite scary and initially her answer was no. This was again, where they thought their story would end. But after a few encouraging words from her family and friends she took the plunge and agreed to join him. They spent 2 years working, travelling across differ ent continents, making new friends, and having endless adventures. On coming back to NZ in mid-2018, they quickly settled into life back in Hamilton, buying their first home together - getting engaged on the beach of their hometown on Boxing Day 2020. Then starting their family –adopting Mowgli, a fluffy ball of mischief that Lania says Shaun loves far more than he will ever admit. And now today they stand here in front of us all, as we witness their promises to begin their greatest adventure yet, as Husband and Wife.
Our story
Meeting at the beginning of 2016 through a mutual friend, Troy, Shaun and Lania were both training at the Unirac gym when Lania complained to Troy that there were no decent men in Hamilton. Troy promptly pointed out his mate Shaun who was doing bicep curls in the corner. Love at first sight you might think? Quite the opposite, Lania simply shrugged her shoulders and went back to her workout. A few days later Lania came into the gym where she saw Troy chatting with Shaun, so she proceeded to head over and say hi and it was then that Troy introduced them officially. And so, knowing who the other was, they would say hi most days after that while at the gym, and so began less time training and more time chatting. It wasn’t long before they realised, they had a connection and so organised to have an official date. But, Lania couldn’t wait that long and when out with friends the night before the said date, she messaged Shaun to come into town for a drink. Well, sparks flew, they shared a kiss …. And the rest is history.
Meagan’s reading I am honoured to be here with Lania and Shaun, on this day with their beautiful friends and family to celebrate love. What do we know about love? We know love is friendship, it’s trust, its respect, it’s happiness. Love can also be disagreements, healthy debates and sometimes the occasional silent treatment. But at the end of the day, true love is stability, it’s our biggest supporter and our greatest accomplishment. Today we celebrate these crazy, beautiful lovers; may your life together be filled with joy, laughter and copious amounts of love!
I never could of imagined that at 21, I would find the person I would get to spend the rest of my life with, but 6 years later, with a passport full of stamps and a fur baby at home, here we are. The places that we’ve been, and the experiences we’ve shared, I truly believe have bonded us for life and no matter where in the world we are, home is wherever I am when I’m with you.
You have taught me so much on our journey so far. From how to be more patient, that with hard work comes high reward and - learning that it’s ok to say no sometimes. You’ve also taught me other things - like how to stack a dishwasher properly, how to save a dollar, and even though I have absolutely no use for it, you’ve taught me enough about maize that I could probably sell a few bags.
We have accomplished so much together and every day with you, life just keeps getting better, and so …. I promise to love you unconditionally, even when you annoy me. Like when you scream at the TV when the warriors are winning, but more commonly, when they are not, or when you chew with your mouth open or when you try to tell me something important as you are walking away in the opposite direction and then get grumpy when I ask you to repeat yourself. But most importantly I promise to always be your biggest supporter, your confidant, your best friend and that I will always do my best to make our house a home. We would always dream of our future together; the things we would do and the life we would build as a family. But nothing quite prepared me for this. Thank you for allowing me to be unapologetically myself every day. Thank you for working so hard towards our future and thank you for showing me everything good the world has to offer. Shaun, finding someone like you is a rarity and it is truly my life’s greatest privilege to be loved by you.
Lania’s vows
When we first met, I remember the instant connection we had and even though I was due to leave for Europe not long after I had a feeling this was going to be different. Our journey hasn’t been your typical love story, mainly due to me dragging you around the world, but I’m so thankful that you took a chance on love as I couldn’t be any happier standing here in front of you today.
Shaun’s vows Lania, who would have thought all those years training at the Unirec would have led us to this moment. I always knew there was more to the gym than just bicep curls.
Lania, my life has changed for the better with you in it and I am so happy you chose me to do life with.
We have had so much fun over this time, and you have taught me so much. I love how you are such a go getter and that you will do anything to make sure those around you are having a good time. I love are road trips together, even when you start singing to the radio before we get out of the driveway or are fast asleep ten minutes later. I love how you always support me in everything that I do and your ability to put a smile on my face when times are hard. I couldn’t ask for a better person to share my life with.
I will strive to be the husband you have always dreamed of marrying and the person you can rely on to support you as we begin this next chapter together. I promise to be in your corner and look after you through the tough times. I promise to be your biggest fan, to cherish and respect you, and be the person you can always come to on the days it feels too much. But most importantly I promise to be your best friend. I love you so much and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.
keepsake. madewithloveby
