Amy + Jeff Proof 3

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 McDonald’s 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, 10 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.

Please find your seat Bridal Table BRETT

ALAN DION JEFF AMY CHEYNNE EMMA DERRYN

One JASON

BRAD

PENNY

CHELSEA

RACHAEL J HANNAH JESS SHANE RHYS KELDON FRANKSA MERISSA KELLY JOHN H

Two JONATHAN ANNE

BRENDA BLAIR

ALEKSANDRA

JANE

JAMES O

STEVEN H

RON

ALLANAH

NICK T LAUREN C SONIA RAMEEN RACHEL W GEMMA SCOTT NATHAN LISA B

MICHELLE JOHN M

KARI AMBER

RICKY

DANIEL M

KAREN

ASHLEIGH

GRANT

JORDAN

ROSEANNE

NICK R

PAUL

JO

TOM

BROOKE

DANIEL T

MATT G

LISA H

KRYSTA

STEPH

MATTHEW B

JAMES B

RIDGE

BRETT S

CHARISE

GEORGIA

TAMSIN

Three KIM

TOMMY

TRACEY

JENNY

DAVID

BOWIE

STEVEN G

CHRISTINE

ALSON

JEREMY

JOSHUA

MARTIN

LEONORE

TANIA

NOEL

SUE

ANDY

PATRICIA

DANIEL S STAN JOANNA VICTORIYA LAUREN F ASVINI MAEGEN

NICOLE LOVKESH JAMIE DANIEL W JAMES D FLETCHER MICHAEL

Maid of Honour + Best Man Dion: Hey guys if you don’t know us I’m Dion and I am Jeff’s Best Man and this is my sister Cheynne who is Amy’s Maid of Honour, it’s a real family affair. Jeff is like a brother to me and Amy is like a sister to Cheynne, so with keeping it in the family, Jono not only do you gain a second son today but as the Best Man you are really gaining a third… Now I only say this because I’m hoping that puts me third in line for that Ferrari (we will discuss the details later).

Cheynne: But on a more serious note we would like to say a quick thank you to everyone for coming today and making it so special. Jeff you’ve scrubbed up so well, so thank you to the Groomsmen for making sure Jeff didn’t turn up in his shorts, singlet and jandals.

Dion: I would also like to thank the Bridesmaids (you all look amazing by the way) for getting Amy here on time (or relatively on time). I know it must not have been easy and Amy you look absolutely stunning tonight. Now onto to you Jeff…where to begin? I think I’ll start with the first time you saw Amy or should I say scrolled upon Amy. Jeff didn’t have the classical love story moment where his eyes locked with Amy’s across a crowded room. Rather, we had Jeff scrolling Facebook and coming across Amy’s Facebook profile and shouting to my sister “Hey Cheynne, who’s your cute blonde friend” and the rest they say is history.

Jeff you are an absolute amazing friend and I’m sure everyone here can agree or has experienced it. If anyone has asked for a helping hand you never say no and you are always there to help no matter the time or place. I mean most times we don’t even ask for your help but you volunteer/invite yourself to help anyway. The same goes for turning up unannounced, this is a classic Jeff move. In fact I’m pretty sure Jeff used to spend more time at other people’s places or out and about eating food than he did at his parents house. When Jeff went to Hong Kong I don’t think Tommy and Kim even realised until he had left until a few months later. It’s fair to say you are definitely a people person. You are also a jack of all trades, or as Amy so accurately put it the other day Jeff’s a “jack of all trades…but a master of none!” I have to admit you do like to dabble in a lot of different things, from building your outdoor table and fireplace to scuba diving, biltong making and the list goes on and on. However today you add a new trade to that list… that of being a husband. The difference with this one is I know for a fact you will master being a husband as the immense love you have for your family and friends is only a fraction of the love you have for Amy. Cheynne: Amy, I’m so incredibly grateful for the many years of friendship. We’ve been there for each other through some of the hardest times in our lives but also the happiest times too. I’m so glad that we share a love for crazy adventures, like when you rang me one night saying that you had found a sick hedgehog and you had found a lady all the way in Pukekohe that would look after it. So, off we went in the pitch black to save this hedgehog. Upon arrival, we were met by a rather odd lady who introduced us to the many other hedgehogs that she had saved. Your kind, caring and some would say crazy nature is one thing that I love about you. One of my favourite memories is when you came to Canada when I was living there. You gave me a taste of home when I really needed it and it was so special exploring Canada together, side by side. It’s been a joy to see yours and Jeff’s relationship grow and to watch your confidence blossom with Jeff by your side. Watching you become fur parents to Pumpkin Loaf Girl and Ricka Ricka really shows that you two are made for each other. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to call you one of my best friends and I will be forever grateful that you are in my life. I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you.

Dion: People like to say that Jeff and Amy are a power couple because they are a Pilot and a Doctor. I do agree they are a power couple but not for the jobs they hold but because of everything they have been through, the similarities they have and how strong their love for one another is. As you all know Jeff spent 6 years in Hong Kong flying while Amy was here in New Zealand studying for Medical School. The distance alone would have been enough to break most couples but not for Jeff and Amy. Their relationship not only survived but flourished in this time as they made the most of Amy’s’ university breaks to travel the world and share time together to make up for the sometimes months of being apart. They both share a love of food, an unhealthy obsession of studying as well as both being crazy cat people just to name a few. You two truly are a power couple and are a testament to true love.

Cheynne: We just want to say a final thank you to Jonathan and Brenda and Kim and Tommy for raising such wonderful children and helping make this day possible.

Dion: Please join me in raising a glass and making a toast to the happy couple. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and love. Cheers.

Father of the Bride Firstly, we would like to welcome everyone and thank you for joining us to celebrate the marriage of Jeff and Amy. I would also like to mention loved ones who are not with us today. Amy’s Poppa & Grandad would have loved to be here to celebrate the occasion, but I am sure they are watching from above.

Welcome to the family Jeff although it would be fair to say you have been for many years already. I am sure you will agree that Amy looks beautiful today.

I told Amy that I needed 20 minutes for my speech but was given strict instructions from Amy I could only speak for 2-3 minutes. I will try and keep it short. I recall Amy telling us she had meet a nice guy at a friend’s place and he said he was going to ring her. Amy was very anxious (drama queen) having never had a boyfriend before. After a few phone calls Jeff persuaded Amy to go out just as friends which they did.

I have always had a great passion for flying and joined the Air Force after leaving school. When Amy told us Jeff was training to be a Pilot, I thought perfect he will fit in well. Their courting years have at times been challenging with their long-distance relationship due to their careers with Jeff being in Hong Kong and Amy in varying parts of New Zealand, however their love for each other has endured. They have shared their love of travel together seeing many parts of the world. Thank you, Jeff for funding Amy’s exotic tastes. All I can say now is that Brenda and I might finally be able to save some money for our retirement.

Here we are 10 years later, and they make a fine couple. If I may say so… not that I am biased!! We are all very proud of the team you both make and wish you all the very best for a long and happy future together.

Please raise your glasses to Jeff & Amy!

The Groom First off. Speeches. I am really terrible at them so forgive me, (squint really hard at notes) I am Asian so this is going to be quite difficult while I squint even harder at my notes. Don’t worry my eyes are open. We have so many thank-yous to say so here we go.

On behalf of my wife and I we all thank you for coming and making an effort to look so bloody good. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the people that can’t be here with us today, friends who can’t make it from overseas and our loved ones that have left us. I know your all watching and enjoying the view from afar and we wish that you could be here with us today.

As you all know organising a wedding doesn’t just happen overnight and we have been planning this for about a year now. Well actually when I say WE I mean Amy, she’s done all the hard work while I watched from afar and ran around as the errand boy collecting everything (I think this what married life is like)? But anyway she has put together a fantastic evening.

To new my Mother and Father in Law thank you for always making me feel welcome and a part of the family from the beginning. I hope I can live up to the expectations as a husband to your daughter that you have envisioned. Thanks again for all the support you have given me and Amy over the years. This day would not of been possible without your help. On a side note Jono, now I’ll take a half share as beneficiaries with Blair in that Ferrari, thanks.

To my Mum and Dad thank you for putting up with my shit (sorry for swearing Grandma) for the past 30 years and raising me to be the man I am today. I am happy and thankful to have such great supporting parents like you guys. To Aunty Jenny, thank you for always being there and supporting me though everything! You have been a huge part in my life and I can never repay you for everything you have done for me and of course Amy. Thank you Sue and Andy. As testament tells, both your kids are our Best Man and Maid of Honour and you have been a part of our lives and our relationship from the beginning. We would like to thank you and your revolving front door for always welcoming us, even letting the Groomsmen get ready at your place. So thanks.

Thanks Jess - for running around after everyone and herding the party together. Thanks Jason and Brad, for being the MC’s tonight and keeping the show on the road. Special thank you to a good friend of ours Lisa who did an amazing job today in getting us married and we were both so happy you were able to be a part of this day.

The Groomsmen - Dion, Brett and Alan you guys tidy up quite nicely, thanks for helping me get through today and thanks for always being there for me and for all the adventures we have been through. To the Bridesmaid and Maid of honour Cheynne, Emma and Derryn, you all look bloody amazing today and thanks for calming Amy and helping her throughout today. So thank you (even though last night she was running around on a high with excitement).

To my wife! You are looking absolutely stunning, and I am feeling privileged that you said yes to me in the hills of Mongolia and I am proud to be your husband. We have done so much and achieved so much in out 10 years together.

I can’t wait to continue to travel and have countless holidays and hopefully extend our family from the crazy cats we have to some little children running around some day. Today is just the beginning of what fantastic adventures we will have. Before I finished up I would like to raise a glass to everyone here and just a final thank you again for coming, weddings are not cheap so bowl piss and have fun.

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