Kerre and Tom McIvor's Coromandel Wedding

 

It may have been the perfect day but Kerre Woodham  confesses her wedding at Simpsons Beach, Whitianga has left her with a rekindled flame that’s now absorbing her: a love for the Coromandel.

The most joyous, happy day is how Kerre describes her beachside Coromandel wedding to husband Tom in sumptuous yet relaxed surrounds at the small coastal  settlement north of Whitianga.

We spoke to Kerre shortly after her wedding to ask about the experience, and the author and broadcaster talked openly like an old friend, happily sharing her memories of the day. Kerre spoke genuinely about how impressed she and her guests were with the local restaurant that catered for the wedding and the ease with which the whole event came together.

Only two hours before saying “I do’ to her love of 15 years –  Tom McIvor – the bride took a swim at Simpsons Beach, arriving at the ceremony relaxed and refreshed and of course, looking gorgeous.

 “It was the most joyous, happy day. Magical,” she said. “The weather had to be perfect because we had open-sided tents and it was perfect. It was calm and still. I managed to get a swim before the wedding and frolicked in the waves with my aunts and mum two hours before the wedding.

“I think being an old bride makes it easier: you are much more relaxed. Everything was just perfect,” joked the not-so-old newlywed.

Simpsons Beach was chosen because Kerre’s Aunt and Uncle own a bach there and happily provided it as a venue. The bach was set up with Indonesian day furniture brought down from Auckland to give a relaxed yet luxurious feel. Kerre gave a donation to local organisations in return for the favour of using her aunt’s property, and was then approached by the New Zealand Women’s Weekly who wanted to feature her wedding in the magazine.

In return for coverage, the magazine offered to provide – on behalf of Kerre – donations to Coromandel organisations: Mercury Bay St Johns Ambulance, Hot Water Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and the Whitianga Fire Brigade. So Kerre agreed.

“Those organisations are incredible and it will save them from cooking a few sausages on the grill for a while. When you feel so blessed and happy and if people want to read about you, that’s great and I’d rather spread the love,” she said.

Kerre and Tom’s joy among family and friends is captured perfectly in the photos  published in the 18 February edition of the New Zealand Women’s Weekly, which describes the loved author as “more bridechilla than bridezilla”.

“How many women go down to the beach for a swim with their mum and aunties on the morning of their wedding?” asks author Paul Little, who continued: “Although much of the event was low key, it was with a twist, beginning with Bollinger champagne. Yes, guests were served ­fish and chips in newspaper on the beach, but the newspaper was a reprint of the New Zealand Herald page that carried a story about Kerre proposing to Tom on Leap Day 2012. And along with the promised ­fish and chips there were lamb cutlets, mini burgers, spring rolls and, later, a sumptuous buffet.”

Whitianga restaurant Blue Ginger provided the catering and wowed guests with their service and delicious food. Says Kerre: “Guests kept going into the kitchen to tell them the food was incredible.”

She said transporting furnishings for the event from Auckland was hassle-free and the location on the Coromandel was appreciated by friends who’d ‘forgotten’ how much they loved the place.

“I’m threatening – as soon as I can, I’ll buy a piece of land and I’m moving [to the Coromandel], it’s gorgeous. I’ve been looking on Trademe already,” said Kerre.

After the wedding, Kerre and family went to Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu to relax in the good vibe over a woodfired pizza and cool beverage overlooking Kuaotunu Pt.

Read the full story in the New Zealand Women’s Weekly