After a five and a half year courtship, Alex Harrington and Louise Burns were married on 12 January 2002 in Rotorua. They met in 1996 while studying at Victoria University, and are now based in central Wellington and working in the public sector.

Louise grew up in Rotorua and they both decided that it would be the perfect place to celebrate their wedding. Fifty friends and family from all parts of the globe joined them for the outdoor ceremony amongst the trees in the Redwood Forest, followed by a reception at the Novotel.

After almost a year of planning, the day went off smoothly and the rain even held off until after the ceremony and photos. Louise's two best friends Sally and Karen were her bridesmaids and her five-year old cousin Georgia was her gorgeous flowergirl. Alex's brother Justin took a break from his OE to travel back from the UK to be the best man.

A highlight of the day was catching up with family and friends that had travelled from the US, the UK and Australia for the wedding. A relaxing week-long honeymoon in Surfer's Paradise followed the big day.

The wedding photos were taken in Rotorua's Government Gardens and Redwood Forest by Louise's uncle.