Couple renew vows, this time as lovers

By PAUL YANDALL

One year on and the bond is growing strong.

Almost 365 days after they tied the knot in one of the country's most public marriages, radio wedding couple Zane Nicholl and Paula Stockwell renewed their vows yesterday.

The ceremony was followed by a party reported to have cost $10,000.

The pair married as strangers in Hamilton last October 1 in a radio ratings promotional stunt that won them a trip to Venice.

Similar weddings in Britain and Australia have barely lasted past the honeymoon.

But under a marquee at Tainui Novotel Hotel in Hamilton, the scene of their marriage, the couple celebrated their Paper Anniversary by affirming their love for each other before dozens of family and friends.



After exchanging vows, Mr Nicholl then presented Mrs Stockwell-Nicholl with a new ring "signifying our true love for each other," before the pair were toasted. And then they kissed amid cheers.

Marriage celebrant Ewing Stevens presided over the ceremony.

Mr Stevens, who married the pair last year, said he had been criticised for doing so.

"One marriage celebrant offered to have me struck off the register for daring to marry these two. I'm glad I took the risk.

"Zane and Paula want all the world to know that they are in love, and they are daily growing in that love."

That love looked set to grow stronger still.

When asked what the worst thing was about being married to Mrs Stockwell-Nicholl, Mr Nicholl replied: "She doesn't kiss me enough."