Jasmine + Aaron Proof 2

Jasmine + Aaron

Jasmine + Aaron JANUARY 16, 2021 THE RED BARN, WAIKATO

Jasmine’s letter Dear Aaron, Happy Wedding Day – future-hubby! Today, in front of everyone we love, I declare my commitment to you. I love you with all my heart and cant wait to marry you soon. I’ve been “Your girlfriend for 3621 days, your fiancé for 796 days, and your wife in a few hours!”

I’m yours, forever, and I look forward to this next chapter in our lives. Jaz xx

Aaron’s letter Hey Lover, On the morning of our wedding, I wanted to give you something to set the tone for what is to come in our married life. Remember this moment when things get tough, because we will be tested. Remember this moment as we succeed, because we will win.

What struck me as being so powerful in this picture is that you can imagine my presence being metaphorical. Remove me, and you are just as beautiful and strong. Any time you feel alone, reflect on this image and know that my presence is fierce, relentless and unwavering. I will always support you, whole heartedly, whether im with you in person or not. Let even the thought of me bring you solace and forever know that I love you unequivocally.

To Aaron and Jasmine’s family, old friends, new ones and the wedding crashers who quietly sidled in for the free feed, welcome. We have come together today to celebrate Aaron and Jasmine’s relationship and to witness the beginning of a brand new chapter in their lives. They are some of the lucky ones in this life. Out of the routine of ordinary life, they have found the extraordinary: a best friend to fall in love with. Jasmine and Aaron have chosen you to be the witnesses and supporters of the commitment they have to one another. You are here because each and everyone one of you is important to them, and have supported them over their years together. It is only fitting that you are the ones to share this big moment with them. Aaron and Jasmine would like to acknowledge those who couldn’t make it: Jasmine’s Oma and Opa (Truus and Jacob), Aaron’s granddad Keith and Nanna and pop in Auzy. Also in Australia Blair and BB, and those from Finland who couldn’t quite make it here to the bottom of the world. And last but not least, Jasmine’s granddad Ray who is with here with us today in spirit. All who in a perfect world would be here celebrating with us today.

Aaron + Jasmines Story Aaron and Jasmine’s love story is one of serendipity: the effect by which one accidentally stumbles upon something truly wonderful, without seeking anything at all. Whilst both at the party of a mutual friend, and both being fairly adamant they were not searching for anything long term, they caught each other’s eye. Aaron said, “I thought she was hot. I was also instantly drawn to the fact that she was a fellow Woodstock drinker.” Aaron was intrigued to find that this clearly-not-bogan-Woodstockdrinking-good-looking woman not only had good taste in drinks, but also was so easy to talk to, engaging, and kind. Jasmine said, “Although I was intrigued, I made the assumption he was too good looking to be “boyfriend material” because all the girls would be after him. I kept my distance, all-the-while secretly admiring him through social media.” They remained friends for a year or so, until Aaron decided he wanted more. At 10pm the eve of Valentines Day 2011, Aaron drove to his best man Daniel’s house in search of some courtship advice. After the duo discussed the possible scenarios that could arise at length, Daniel imparted as much wisdom on the subject as he could via the pep talk of a life time, and Aaron, wearing his badass leather jacket, driving his sick silver BMW, headed for Jasmine’s house to ask her out. By the time Aaron pulled up outside of Jasmine’s house, it was nearly midnight and Jasmine was asleep: a flaw in the plan that Aaron and Daniel had overlooked. However, it was Aaron’s lucky night. A sleepy Jasmine answered his calls, came out to the street in her pyjamas, and agreed to go out with Aaron. Mission successful. About 8 years on, Aaron hatched a plan to propose. Just prior to leaving for France late in 2018, Aaron got the sign off from his future father-in-law Mark, and went ring shopping with his sister Kristy. He stuffed the ring inside some shoes and filled his travel bag to the brim with socks in an attempt to hide it from Jasmine who he undoubtedly knew would tidy up and empty the contents of his bag in due course. Aaron and Jasmine hiked to the top of Le Brevent and found an impeccable picnic spot with a panoramic view of the French Alps. In a mixture of exhaustion, panic, fear and exhilaration, Aaron popped the question.

How could Jasmine refuse? Ten years on, the pair are still happy as Larry. And what a time they have had together. They have dated long-distance, flatted together, moved to Ireland to for their first taste of farm life, lived the ski bum life in France, run a Spartan race together, bought and renovated their first home here in the beautiful Waikato, and adopted Willow the fur baby. Not to mention, it is that perfect proposal atop their second home of Chamonix that brings us to today.

The meaning of marriage Marriage is a funny thing that some of us do in life where we know a bunch of strange and wonderful things about someone else. We know them at their best and their worst. We know a lot of things that many of us wouldn’t want to know, and we still choose to say ‘yes’. We still say, “Despite, and because of who you are, you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.” Ultimately, marriage is love. And love is a condition in which the other’s happiness is quintessential to your own. I asked Aaron and Jasmine what marriage and love means to them, and what they look forward to in the future. Aaron said: “Love is having that person who supports you through the good and the bad times; someone to talk to, to cuddle and to rely on, no matter what. Marriage is the invisible bow that ties you together forever. It removes any fears or doubt and allows you to just be. It is proof that you fully love and support your partner, and would go to war for them. I was first drawn to Jasmine because she is clearly banging.

But I fell in love with so much more. She is truly beautiful inside and out. Jasmine has a wicked sense of humour and the uncanny ability to make me laugh at anything and everything. Like when she defines words with unwavering conviction despite absolutely not knowing what the word means in the slightest. Or when she uses completely made up words with such gusto. I love how she is willing to poke fun at herself, and me. It keeps me on my toes.

Jasmine is so caring, which comes across in the relationships she has with her our families and friends. She is always seeking to improve herself. I love that she is always up for an adventure whether it be living the winter ski bum life or completing a Spartan race. But what I admire about her most is that she is selfless, and has always had unwavering support for me. I am overwhelmed by the significant sacrifices she has made to support me in achieving what I set out to do. I am so incredibly lucky to be in the company of a gorgeous, independent woman who is game enough to move half way across the world so I can manage a farm in Ireland because there clearly aren’t enough farms around here. There are so many things that I look forward to; To continuing to be each other’s number one hype man, to enjoying and sharing in each other’s successes in whatever forms they may take, to travelling more, having kids, more pets and to live life to the fullest with my beautiful Jasmine next to me. Always.” Jasmine said: Marriage is a partnership of two unique individuals who can bring out the best in one another and celebrate each other’s differences. It is understanding that while fate may have bought us together, we are only fated to do things that we chose. That we need to work hard at our marriage, each and every day, and chose to stay in love through all that life throws at us. To me, love is about all the little things: a kiss before I fall asleep, a surprise visit one week early, or you holding me tight in your bear hugs. It’s those little acts of love that occupy the greatest part of my heart. The trait I love the most about Aaron is that he is the biggest perfectionist I know. He sets the bar incredibly high for everything in life, whether it is putting up a tent or competing in sport, there’s no room for error. He goes hard or goes home, and he rarely comes home not having won whatever he has made into a competition on any given day. I’m one of the few that sees the hustle behind it all – how he literally eats, sleeps and breathes whatever venture he’s dreamed up. And I for one know that his endless life achievements are testament to his persistence and diligence. I love the profound impact this has had on my life as well. The way that Aaron challenges me to never settle for less. To work hard and appreciate the struggle as it always pays off in the end. Aaron has helped me get outside of my comfort zone and find my inner fire to pursue dreams I never thought imaginable. For example, me telling Aaron as a little girl I’d always wanted to move to France and learn to speak the language. He set out to make this dream happen and made it our reality. Nothing makes me happier than seeing Aaron 100% happy, present, and in his element.

Whether we are out having a brilliant time snowboarding or simply having a coffee date at the local; enjoying each other’s company is always just the same. I love having Aaron as my partner in crime. He forever keeps me on my toes but can pull me back down to earth when I need it. He helps me loosen up and laugh at myself yet gives it as good as he can take it. He knows everything about me and loves me all the same. I also love that, while Aaron has many a ‘bromance’ and others may be fairly, and perhaps rightly concerned about just how close Aaron is to his boys, I admire how he can have such a close relationship with his besties. I look forward to the next chapter; the ups, the downs, whatever we do, wherever we go, so long as I have Aaron by my side, I’ll be the happiest girl alive.

Jasmine’s vows Aaron - I never knew what love was until you came into my life. Love can come from the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time. While I certainly wasn’t expecting you, I thank the universe for bringing you into my life when I needed you the most. From the first moment I met you, everything felt right. You were the missing piece to my heart I didn’t know I was missing. I felt safe and at ease – and it was hard to ever imagine you not existing in my life. You quickly became, and always will be - my reason. I fell in love with everything about you; from your fierce spirit and your strength, to your kind and honest heart. From your loyalty and sincerity, to your brilliant mind and aspirations. I loved your ability to make me laugh until I cry, to snap me out of a bad mood or simply hold me in your arms when I’m feeling needy. I love how bizarrely in-sync we are; and our instantaneous, soul-deep connection was frankly unexplainable from day one Our journey has, like any other, come with its challenges. No one will ever truly understand the highs and the lows we have gone through to get to where we are today. We have overcome many obstacles together and come out stronger each time. We couldn’t have become the resilient couple we are today without the struggle. May that forever be the foundation that has keeps us solid. Aaron – I promise to always pursue you, to fight for you and love you unconditionally. I promise to always be patient with you, with our dreams and with our ongoing love story. You’ve taught me that patience is everything, which is why while you were away on your stag do, i got the words patience tattoo’d on my wrist – as a reminder our journey together and the promises I make to you today. I promise to laugh with you and comfort you. To celebrate all our little wins and be your number one cheerleader. To keep building memories together and to never stop expressing how much I appreciate you. I promise never to hurt you or to hold a grudge, and to work through whatever problems we face together. And most importantly, I promise to show you love and support through the good seasons and the bad. Like this ink on my wrist, my love for you is permanent. You’re the one I want to travel the world with. The one I want to keep climbing mountains with. And you’re the one I want to watch the entire Friends series, over and over, with. I make these promises because I love you with all my heart, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. You’re my best friend, my soul mate, and I can’t wait to call you my husband!

Aaron’s vows 11 years ago I told my parents I had met a hot shore girl, 2 years ago I told them I wanted to marry her. What a wild journey it has been. You started off living the dream life on the beaches of Auckland - to then milking cows in a remote town in Ireland, which led to Ngatea, Paeroa and now Hamilton. Boy, haven’t you cracked it with me. Our first encounter was profound. We connected on a level so pure, but the timing wasn’t to be. Though we weren’t together, the thought of each other remained and our reconnection some time later makes me believe unequivocally that we are soul mates. I love how genuine and compassionate you are with the people in your life. I truly admire this quality and try to emulate it in my own life everyday. I love how calm you are in the face of crisis. Resilience is a key quality I look for in those around me, and you have this in abundance. I love how you entertain my crazy ideas. You have shown me loyalty beyond what is reasonable to expect from a partner. I love your smile and knowing when you are sneaking over to give me a hug. Little things like these make me love you more with everyday. I vow to be patient with you and allow you the time and grace to develop and grow. I vow to be your fiercest supporter - to console you in the hard times and help guide you through the good to unlock your truest self. I vow to protect your freedom, because although our lives are intertwined, your choices are still yours alone.

I vow to always strive to meet your needs, not out of obligation, but because it delights me to see you happy. I vow to always continue fighting for us, because we will be tested - and we will win. Jasmine - You are the moon, illuminating the sky with your brilliance, and I am the wolf - howling with longing for your soul.

Send me through either 664 or 671 and I will add here!

Father of the bride Many months ago when chatting about our kids with my lovely wife, Sarah (“Mum #2” – you can’t have too many great mums, right?) Sarah said something which really struck me and which encapsulates it. “Jasmine sets the standard to which she compares all other young women and daughters.” I realised I do exactly that myself – subconsciously and sometimes consciously. And that is testament to the sort of character, strength and integrity we all love about our Jasmine.

Aaron surpassed all expectations and the high standards I had in mind. Like Jasmine, he is intelligent and hard-working, loyal and committed, gentle, loving. He’s very respectful, polite, which we really appreciate. And, very important for a father. He looks after Jasmine and treats her with respect and as an equal.

If I say so myself, we have set a very high bar with the daughter, son and stepson we are lucky enough to have in our family, but we have been able to welcome Aaron into that august group with ease as he definitely achieves the standard. And then some.

It is traditional for the Father of the Bride to conclude by sharing some of his so-called marriage wisdom. The piece of advice I would pass on, I only worked out for myself as so important well into my adult life. And that is to not just communicate, communicate, communicate (good advice, although rather cliched for marriage advice) but also make the effort many times a day to show affection and tell the other that you love him/her.

Go to sleep each night knowing that through the day you have made your abiding love as clear as possible to your loved one. And that definitely goes for telling your kids regularly as well…

So… love you both, and congratulations again to my wonderful (new) son-in-law and my absolutely wonderful daughter.

Best man I saw it. I saw true love. I saw Aaron run to her, and pick her up. Tears streaming down his face.

I saw a man clutching at something he had briefly lost. It was beautiful. They were holding each other under a streetlight and starlight. Both in disbelief. Like out of movie. Id never been so moved in my life..

Fast forward a few years.. having travelled with these two and seeing them go from teenagers to being adults.. I am only graced to have experienced their relatonship in snap shots. With every moment i have spent with these two has always been full of adventure. They have this undeniable energy, they compliment each other in many ways. And here they sit in full bloom.

Im sure everyone in this room knows the meaning of the word harmony. Harmony is what these two people are. They have brought together all the parts of their lives. And they have matched every single piece perfectly. Through all adversitys and the past. These two look at their future with a resonate goal, as being one. And thats what brings us here today.

I can’t help but look at these two in the wonder of their love. I have never been so proud of two people in my life. They have found the peace in each other in this chaotic world. They have broken all the boundarys of what a relationship should be.. They have sun rise to sun set found each other to this day.

To Aaron, you know you will always be my brother, I am the 2nd happiest man alive right now.

Because I know you are the 1st. You are my day one. And you know I always be there for you.

My heart is overflowing for you right now because I know that you are going the best husband to me and probably to Jaz.. I love you bro. You have achieved so much and I couldnt be prouder of you than I am today.

And to Jaz, as the other man in the relationship. Id like to let you know.. that you complete him in ways that I cant. You are his harmony, you are his peace at the end of day. You are his harbour that he can come home to when the seas are rough. And you are the star that guides him when the nights are dark. This man will protect you with every fibre of his being. Know that you are always safe by his side and that he is always safe by yours.

Brother of the bride On that note, I think we all owe it to Jasmine & Aaron for persevering and sticking to their original date for the wedding. It would have been all too easy for this couple to put their plans for their big day on hold but that was never a serious option. A thought, perhaps. But drive, ambition, grit, and confidence are some key words that come to mind when I think of this beautiful couple, enabling them to see their plans through. Not just for today, but throughout their relationship. Right from the start their love and support for one another has got them through every challenge that they have been presented with. From what at times was a longdistance relationship with Aaron’s studies, purchasing their first home or moving away to Europe, these guys have always stayed focused, endured, and equally embraced every obstacle in their path – enabling them to grow both as individuals but more importantly into the power couple we see before us.

Prior to Aaron, Jasmine seemingly only went for morons. When I first met Aaron, my big brother radar was going off the charts, I was protective, weary, indecisive, defensive. After realising that this specimen vastly excelled over me physically, I backed down and decided to embrace the change. It only took a few interactions before we were soon on the path to becoming the best of brothers. I knew he was the one for Jasmine when he was coming over to our house, ditching my sister and playing playstation with me for hours on end. With Jasmine’s innate ability to avoid huge red flags, I soon realised what my sister saw, and that was love and dedication. From day one, he has been a backbeam of support and a pillar of strength in supporting my sister.

Right from the start, Aaron and I have clicked, and he had fitted right in with our friends and family, and I can honestly say that he has felt like my biological brother the entire time I have known him. If Jasmine had not “whipped” him into shape by this stage, the lads had made sure to get that covered at the stag. We got ya mate.

Similarly, to what has recently been released from Wuhan, Jasmine & Aaron’s love is highly infectious and not going away any time soon. I think every one of us can agree that they are perfect for one another, and that we have all loved watching both of your journeys together.

Right from the start, we all knew this day would come, and as both mothers would agree should have happened earlier! But, like what you both strongly believe in – whether it be fate, destiny, or Mufasa looking over us, everything happens for a reason and these values will ensure you both have a long, happy life together. So please, raise your glasses once again to two of the most amazing people we are all privileged to know Jaz and Aaron!

Maid of honour The girl that I met all those years ago and the woman I see next to me now are worlds apart, but in the best way. It’s been amazing seeing you evolve into the incredible woman you have become and will continue to be. Your values and the core of who you are has remained the same throughout and those are the things I cherish about you the most. The loyalty, love and support you show your friends and family is an emanation of your kind and genuine heart and the warmth that draws people to you. Your resilience and determination are inspiring. You set your mind to something and you achieve it, no matter the obstacles, you never give up.

2020 was a pretty crazy year for most, but that said, there is one thing I am 100% sure on, as I stand here today - I couldn’t think of a more perfect match for Jaz. You complement each other so well and your love story is beautiful and inspiring. I know that ‘patience’ is a word that means a lot to you both, and your relationship is truly a testament to your patience with each other and the world around you. You two are the definition of a power couple!

Aaron, thank you for loving Jaz the way that you do. Jaz, thank you for being a soul sister, and thank you both for having me as part of your special day. I am so happy that you have both found your true soul mate and I am so excited to see what the rest of your journey together will entail.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

So, don’t marry the person you think you can live with, marry the person you can’t live without. And most of all, congratulations and a lifetime of happiness wished to you, the newlyweds – Mr and Mrs Traynor

Damion Rice - The Blowers Daughter

Grandmother Happy life is.. When you live with your friend. When you support each other.

When you share some interests, but also give each other freedom. When you enjoy every-day life. When you want to have happiness, content, enjoyment and peace in your lives together.

Paula + Brady It’s a momentous day and we’re thrilled to be there to witness this new beginning.

You’re a wonderful couple – principled and purposeful, kind and generous – these are great qualities to build a future on! Wishing you all the best – but knowing that it’s your consistent effort and positivity and compassion that’s going to bring you the joy together than you deserve. And if the road gets bumpy, never forget you can call on us – that’s what aunties and uncles are for you know!

Mum To my darling precious daughter on your special wedding day. It has been so exciting watching you and aaron grow both as unique individuals and as a loving couple. I pray that this time of celebration goes smoothly and leaves wonderful memories on your hearts. Thank you for including so many friends and whanau of your lifes journey. Know that I am always here for you as a friend, support, mother and may god bless your lives generously. So much love, Mum

Dad + Sarah To our dearest daughter and son in law. It is hard to describe how happy I am for both of you, and for us, the people who love you so much. Seeing your love for each other blossom and grow into this wondeful union is one of the highlights of my life.

The best thing is that I know this is just the beginning for a wonderful couple. I love you as individuals and as a couple. You are both so gentle with one another. That’s so precious. As parents we always want the best for our children. I believe you have found the best. We are so proud and so happy. Enjoy married life. It’s something never to be tossed aside. Treasure it always. Loves of love, mum #2 and Dad

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