FREE SPIRITS

When they married in June 2023 at Castlepoint, Tom and Jordan Tasman had already been together for 10 years. And they’re both only in their early 30s.

Doing life their way, the English couple has been touring the world for much of their time together. They settled in New Zealand before the first Covid lockdown, have residency here, and are currently travelling the country in a camper van.

“We’ve wanted to get married ever since Tom proposed seven years ago,” Jordan says, “but we were waiting for family and friends to be able to share it with us. We finally realised in May this year that it was difficult for people to come all this way, so we just went ahead and took the plunge.”

Tom has given Jordan permission to speak on the couple’s behalf. “I usually do,” Jordan says with a chuckle.

With just two weeks planning, they decided on an ocean setting for their wedding. “The ocean holds deep meaning for us both,” Jordan says. Passing through Wairarapa with their van, they engaged Wendy Morrison as their celebrant: “She reminds me of my mum”. Wendy suggested Castlepoint as the wedding venue, and her husband and

Lucia Zanmonti, their photographer, agreed to act as witnesses. The couple drove to Castlepoint’s campground a few days before the wedding and parked up in readiness.

When Tom and Jordan left behind UK careers in the police and in property, respectively, Jordan made an undertaking he was never going to wear a suit again. For their wedding outfits, therefore, they made a trip to Cotton On and decked themselves out in pastel-coloured linens with a beachy feel.

Their wedding rings are matching white gold and diamond made by Michael Hill. “We bought antique rings in a shop in Tauranga which we were intending to have remade to our design, but that turned out to be a costly palaver.”

After a moving ceremony on the beach and Lucia’s wonderful photographic record of their wedding, Tom made his famous chilli margaritas and they had a disco in the van. “We plan a big honeymoon next year,” Jordan says, “back to Europe and the UK for a while.”

But they won’t stay away. “We experienced life as restrictive in the UK,” says Jordan. “In Australasia, we feel free.”

Follow Tom and Jordan’s travels on www.tasmantravels.com and Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @TasmanTravels.

Spoilt For Choice With Accommodation

When organising a wedding or civil union in Wairarapa, you’re spoilt for choice for accommodation options. There are possibilities to suit your budget, size of gathering, and preferred proximity to the venue for the ceremony or reception. If you want to ensure the bridal party, the groom’s family, and key guests are coming to the wedding no matter what, it might be a good idea to have them stay near the wedding venue.

At Le Grá Vineyard and Winery just outside Masterton, for example, newlyweds have their own hideaway for the wedding night, situated right next to the vines which could also be the setting for one or both of their vows and reception.

Lismore House in Martinborough has the Lismore Barn for the newlyweds and five luxury bedrooms in the House itself for friends, family, or the bridal party. The Lismore setting is also a suitable venue for small weddings or elopements, so you could package it all up.

Brackenridge Country Retreat and Spa has eight two-bedroom cottages, two fourbedroom cottages, and eight studios available, accommodating up to 64 guests onsite. All guests receive complimentary continental breakfast provisions and have use of the indoor heated lap pool and gym.

The Claremont Motel & Apartments, also in Martinborough, have eight self-contained motel units, eight executive studios, and five twobedroom apartments – perfect for the bridal party, the groom’s party, and even some guests. Boutique weddings and elopements are also possible at Claremont’s five acres of gorgeous private gardens. Lansdowne House on the edge of Masterton can hold ceremonies and receptions for up to 150 guests, but also has accommodation on site. In the House itself, there are two large suites and a further substantial double room. In the Lansdowne Villa, you’ll find a self-contained spacious retreat with three double bedrooms with queen sized beds – great for the bridal party.

When you’re booking the venue and the catering, you might want to think about booking accommodation at the same time.

Transport can be the last thing on your mind when planning a wedding but it’s one of the most responsible things a host can organise. It eliminates logistical, organisational, and drink driving issues for your guests. It offers you flexibility when choosing a venue for your special day, especially if the venue is remote. And you’ll be confident your guests will arrive safely, in comfort, and on time.

Booking a Tranzit coach or coaches will ensure everyone is transported safely and without hassle. They’re experts in event transport. Before the big day, simply confirm with Tranzit your passenger numbers, times, and pick up-drop off locations. Tranzit has different vehicles to cater for any number of people: from mini vans to double-deckers.