Gisborne couple Steve Middleton and Louise Savage tied the knot on course at Ellerslie, in front of an estimated 15,000 racegoers. Video / Jericho Nagel
Modest wedding plans became something far larger for a horse-loving Gisborne couple who said “I do” during the Ellerslie Boxing Day races.
Steve Middleton and Louise Savage’s wedding was witnessed by some 15,000 racegoers when they tied the knot at the front of the grandstand between race two and three.
The happy couple got hitched between race two and three at Ellerslie. Photo / Dean Purcell
“This track is incredibly sentimental for us,” said Middleton, explaining his family were part of Fortuna, one of New Zealand’s leading racehorse syndication companies.
“Getting married here feels very full circle – not just for us, but for my parents too.”
Equine sports have been central to the couple’s relationship as they met at the Gisborne races in 2020.
Louise Savage and Steve Middleton and first met in 2020. Photo / Supplied
“When we merged households later that year, we had eight horses, five cats, four teenagers and a dog,” Savage said.
“The kids are all adults now but the horses and cats are still very much part of our world.”
In another full-circle moment, Savage eschewed the traditional white bridal dress code for the nuptials, choosing instead to wear an orange, green and turquoise geometric print dress, which holds personal meaning as it’s the frock Savage was wearing when the couple met.
Before the ceremony, the couple gathered on a balcony with 35 of their nearest and dearest, including three of their children and Middleton’s parents, for private celebrations before heading trackside for the formalities.
Louise Savage wore the same dress she was in when she met Steve Middleton. Photo / Dean Purcell
The newly-weds, who got engaged in the US last year, didn’t set out to pull off what’s believed to be the largest wedding of the year.
“We were just going to have a small ceremony at a nearby hotel and then head to the races,” said Middleton.
“But when I was talking about getting a few tickets for family in the members’ area, we floated this wild idea and somehow here we are.”
After the formalities, Middleton said he was feeling “relieved”.
“Relieved and relaxed.”
Steve Middleton and Louise Savage got engaged in the United States last year. Photo / Supplied
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox was thrilled the couple didn’t rein in their ambitions, calling the wedding a proud, milestone moment.
“From the moment Steve and Louise approached us, we knew this was going to be something special and our team has been delighted to support them at every step.
“We’re honoured they chose the racecourse as the place to begin this next chapter.”
Asked what the races meant to them now, Middleton said they were now “another special day, and an easy day to remember”.
