Rachel Briscoe (left) and Jess Ivess, a Paihia couple, wasted no time in marrying when the new law allowing same-sex marriages took effect yesterday. Photo / Stephen Parker
Rachel Briscoe (left) and Jess Ivess, a Paihia couple, wasted no time in marrying when the new law allowing same-sex marriages took effect yesterday. Photo / Stephen Parker
A Paihia couple who were among the first in New Zealand to wed after same-sex marriage became law yesterday described the event as an emotional rollercoaster.
Rachel Briscoe, who works at Fullers GreatSights, and Jess Ivess, manager at The Base backpackers, won an all-expenses-paid wedding at Rotorua Museum in acompetition organised by radio station The Edge, and friends and relatives travelled from as far away as the UK.
The ceremony was broadcast live on radio and TV. It started with an exchange of promises, then a reading, a 20-minute break for the licenCes to arrive, vows and the signing. Christchurch couple Richard Rawstorn and Richard Andrew were married at the same time.
Afterwards, Ms Ivess felt relieved it was over: "It was completely nerve-wracking. It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. My favourite part was seeing Rachel come down the aisle, I had to hold my tears back."
Ms Briscoe felt overwhelmed: "I'm a little bit lost for words, seeing all our friends and family who we love, and having a beautiful woman waiting for me."
