New Zealand’s ex-prime minister Jacinda Ardern wed her longtime partner Clarke Gayford in a private ceremony on North Island.
Originally planned for 2022, the wedding was postponed due to stringent Covid restrictions implemented by Ms Ardern’s administration.
At the wedding, Ms Ardern delivered a five-minute speech to the assembled guests. Ardern and Gayford, who have been together for ten years, share a daughter, Neve, aged five.
Their wedding was held at the Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, situated on the eastern coast of North Island, approximately 310 kilometers north of Wellington.
For the occasion, Ms Ardern chose an ivory gown designed by Juliette Hogan, a reputed friend, complemented by a flowing veil affixed to a chignon hairstyle.
Her footwear was crafted by Chaos and Harmony, a designer based in Mount Maunganui, as reported by the New Zealand Herald. She also held a white cascading bouquet.
Neve, their daughter, participated in the ceremony, wearing a dress created from the fabric of her grandmother Laurell Ardern’s bridal gown.
Tane Tomoana, the bride’s hairstylist, shared images of the “paua and snapper” rolls served to guests.
Ms Ardern, who is 43, led New Zealand as prime minister for over five years. She stepped down from the role last January, citing a lack of energy to continue.
Her leadership style gained global acclaim, especially following her response to the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019.
In her final parliamentary address, Ardern, addressing her now-husband Mr Gayford, 47, expressed her wish to marry him.
Following her resignation, she has accepted three fellowships at Harvard University.
Ardern is also actively involved as a trustee for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize and serves as a special envoy for the Christchurch Call, an initiative aimed at eradicating online extremist and terrorist content, established in response to the Christchurch attacks.
