Elopement on a sailboat in the Hauraki Gulf

Tatiana and Haley are both from the US and had planned on getting married in Sweden, but due to COVID restrictions, they had to cancel their wedding. So they decided to elope here in Auckland. Tatiana and Haley got married on a sailboat in the Hauraki Gulf. It was a relaxing half-day cruise, champagne and charcuterie filled afternoon on a gorgeous classic yacht Arcturus. These girls made my day easy, they were super fun, friendly and 100% in love. Despite the strong wind and big waves I would do it again and again, the day felt like a holiday.

Haley: We landed in Israel and I stood outside our Birthright tour bus for what seemed like hours (it was only 15 minutes). I knew I had to sit next to this sailing goddess, but up until this moment, we only had a two minute encounter where she responded to my ‘so what do you do’ question with a casual, ‘oh I’m a captain for a sail yacht’! I got on and off the bus 5 times, waiting for her so I could offer her the seat next to me. FINALLY, she saunters down the sidewalk to the bus. I try to be cool, ask her about her necklace, her equality tattoo on her wrist, then nonchalantly get on the bus (the bus driver side-eyeing me as I board for the 6th time). She comes on a few minutes later, looks at me and asks if she could join me. Hallelujah! The 2 hour bus ride that followed was nothing short of incredible as we chatted and giggled next to each other. We haven't stopped talking since.

Celebrant: Yvette Reid

Boat: Arcturus