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Home / Lifestyle

'I do' 66 times around world, and now in Maori

Cherie Howie
By Cherie Howie
Reporter·Herald on Sunday·
10 Jan, 2015 09:25 PM2 mins to read

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Alex Pelling, 34, and Lisa Gant, 32 at Auckland's Unitec marae. Photo / Michael Craig

Alex Pelling, 34, and Lisa Gant, 32 at Auckland's Unitec marae. Photo / Michael Craig

A serial bride and groom who have "wed" 66 times are planning wedding number 67 in New Zealand.

Alex Pelling, 34, and Lisa Gant, 32, pictured above at Auckland's Unitec marae, will say "I do" in a traditional Maori ceremony this month. The pair have exchanged vows around the world since leaving their Yorkshire home in July 2011.

The unregistered ceremonies have taken place in Mexico and Valencia, Spain, as well as on horseback in Canada, in front of Martha Stewart in New York, in a castle on the River Danube and in a temple in Ecuador.

Mobile users: Tap here to view gallery

Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Texas. Photo / Morgan Lynn, Amir Razi
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Pakistan. Photo / O Shoot Photography
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Scotland. Photo / Graham Warwick
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Valencia, Spain. Photo / Susan Barbera
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Moorea, French Polynesia. Photo / Catherine Mead
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Argentina. Photo / Emiliano Rodriguez
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Mexico. Photo / Dean Sanderson
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Hawaii. Photo / Julia Bach
Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Banff, Canada. Photo / Supplied

Image 1 of 9: Lisa Gant and Alex Pelling get married in Texas. Photo / Morgan Lynn, Amir Razi

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Final details of their Kiwi "wedding" are not yet known but it is likely to take place on a South Island marae. The only services confirmed are those of Queenstown photographer Emily Adamson, who has been following the couple since their journey began, Pelling said.

Wedding days raise the blood pressure of many but not Pelling and Gant.

"We always keep it as close to tradition as possible and learn on the go. We're totally open-minded. It's been incredible, the perfect way to meet people," Pelling said.

The lack of minute organisation of guests and venues also reduced the pressure, Gant said.

"There's no aunties or uncles, nobody's telling us what to do. It's always just about learning the culture. It's never dull."

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There's no hint of nuptial fatigue either. Their last wedding in Pakistan, organised in three days by local teens, brought Gant to tears.

Gant and Pelling in Pakistan. Photo / O Shoot Photography

The aisle was obscured by marigold petals and a sari was held over her head. "It was emotionally overwhelming. I'm starting to cry now just remembering it," Gant said.

Their global wedding party will end in India in a year.

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Once the final "I do" is uttered they'll pick their favourite "wedding" venue and return with family and friends for the real thing. Although they've been "married" 66 times none have been official.

They have a world of memories, but little else after selling their home and business to fund their travels.

If anyone wants to help with Alex and Lisa's Kiwi wedding they can email alex@2people1life.com or go to 2people1life.com

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