Joseph Terrill, who drowned on Marine Parade Beach, died not only on the spot where they had their wedding photos taken but on the anniversary of moving in together.
Wife, Anahera, said it got worse - as a week prior to the Tuesday incident Mr Terrill had been swimming off Marine Parade Beach again and lost his wedding ring.
"We both had a pounamu wedding band and when he was out in the surf it fell off. It is so sad that it all happened on Marine Parade but he loved the water and I guess he went peacefully, as it was meant to be our special spot," Mrs Terrill said.
Mrs Terrill said the time she spent with him was some of the best.
"We met on an NZ dating site and when his profile popped up I thought 'he looked alright'."