Danielle & Tamasoalii Keresoma
07.01.23
“When I interviewed the two of you, I asked you… why him, why her? Tamasoalii said, I have found my purest love. “ Pastor Larry
After first meeting Dani & Tama, I could tell they had something really special. <3 They filled their wedding day with love, kindness, sweet glances, and a little bit of silly. What a perfect way to celebrate the joining of the Mill and Keresoma families.
Tama brings with him an incredibly strong and large (6 brothers & sisters!) family who together have overcome so many challenges to create a beautiful life here in Aotearoa. They brought with them a rich Samoan culture that I was privileged enough to learn some of, as it was intertwined throughout the wedding day.
Dani too honoured her South African heritage, her bouquet’s star feature was a magnificent protea - the national flower of South Africa. She also had her mother, Gran, brother and sister alongside her every step of the day.
Both Dani & Tama spent the morning of the wedding surrounded by their closest family and friends at the spectacular Carrington Estate on the Karikari Peninsula, Northland. The girls popped some bubbles, while the boys danced to some wicked tunes!
All of the bridal party members had ili (fans) engraved on the end with their name! The guests also got one on their seats at the ceremony! These came all the way from Samoa! How special is that! And definitely well needed as the day may have been overcast but was incredibly hot! And gratefully so as Northland has been pummelled with rain and storms for days!
The ceremony was set up on the helipad location at the resort, and Dani arrived in style by Golf Buggy, and even their dog Millie made an appearance down the aisle! Dani’s father was definitely smiling down from above as her brother walked her down the aisle, Dani on one arm and their Dad and his cap in his other. <3 Both Dani & Tama wrote their own vows, and it is safe to say that there were not many dry eyes left in the hous. Finally pronounced:
MR & MRS Keresoma they raised their arms in the air as they walked down the aisle, being showered with dried rose petals! Dani had dried these herself over the course of the past year, both roses and hydrangeas, and funnily enough told me that to keep the colour in the petal you need to dry out the flowers in water! Say what?
Dani & Tama took off from the crowd in the Golf Buggy with just married cans rattling behind them on the road! Not long gone, they were back for group photos overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
We then whisked the bridal party away for some creative photos, as it began to shower with rain! Typical! Golf buggy racing across the golf course we captured some stunning images of Dani & Tama despite the overcast sky and dodging rain drops. When you are this in love, that shines so much more!
We joined the guests to a massive applause back at the reception held at the Karikari Community Hall. At beautifully decorated tables, everyone enjoyed a hearty meal with some family favourites including chop suey and oysters! Speeches were made, and a special toast to Dani’s dad was made with his favourite Captain Morgan, and Kraken rums!
Dani had also prepared (with help from Tama’s mum Ruth) to perform a siva (dance). Absolutely phenomenally dressed and dancing like an absolute queen, Tama could not help himself but join in with all enthusiasm - as did the rest of the family.
We ended the night with one spectacular sunset, HEAPS of group photos, and the first bright star of the night being the Bride’s Dad shining bright to wish the happy couple a lifetime of happiness and love.
Thank you so much for having Aaron and I join your for your wedding day Dani and Tama. We are so grateful to have shared in these special life moments with you.
