So you wanted it NZ. It's supply and demand and if there wasn't the hunger for McCaw wedding pics there wouldn't be the ducking and diving behind umbrellas. There wouldn't be lurch-like security loitering on the venue perimeter and there wouldn't be a no-fly zone over a function centre.
The McCaws went to great lengths to protect their special day from rival publications, to safeguard the rumoured six-figure sum they're receiving for their wedding pics.
Don't forget, Gemma Flynn was happy to publically share her hunt for the perfect wedding dress when she appeared on the TV reality show Say Yes to the Dress. The centre piece of many a wedding - the gown - sought out via a very public arena. The telly!
The Richie McCaw movie - it seemed no topic was off limits. Training, girlfriend, breakfast. Richie pops up promoting cars, homes, banks, dairy companies, airlines. He weighed in on the flag debate and commands a handsome fee for public speaking, and good on him. Make hay while the sun's shining. He's a public figure, he's using his fame, sold his brand to the commercial world and now his private one too. So was it about privacy? Or earning big off a big day. You be the judge but it's his call entirely.
But the very media that people berate and begrudge are the same media who'll be bringing you the snaps. Candid and formal. Authorised and papparaized.
You wanted it and you'll get it. Of course, if you're in the camp of cursing the media on this one - and that's totally your right - you'll never know if the bride actually wore pink or white, because you won't be interested in the pictures. Will you?
