With This Ring: March 23, 2018

98 With This Ring
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
in Hanmer Springs
Paul Flanagan’s a romantic at
heart and he chose the perfect
spot to ask his now-wife, Anna,
to marry him – on a boardwalk
over a lake in the picturesque
alpine village of Hanmer Springs.
“It was perfect,” says Anna. So, when
it came time to tie the knot, the
Christchurch couple headed back to
Hanmer Springs to look for venues.
“We’d looked at a lot – and I mean a
lot – of venues around Christchurch
but nothing seemed right. As soon as
we arrived in Hanmer Springs to look
around, we relaxed and immediately
knew it had to be there.”
Just over a year later, Anna and Paul
said “I do” under the gazebo at the
Heritage Hanmer Springs.
“It was an absolutely stunning day
with a glorious blue sky. Being close to
Christchurch meant that most of our
friends and family were able to come.
And, because so many of us were away
for the weekend, everyone was relaxed
and in no rush at all.”
On the morning of the wedding, Anna
and Paul managed to sneak an hour to
themselves so they headed back to the
boardwalk and gave each other a gift.
“That was such a lovely way to start
the day,” says Anna. “From there, the
boys headed off to one holiday home
and the girls stayed at another to get
ready.”
Together Anna and Paul have six
children from previous marriages so
they wanted to allow plenty of time for
photos.
“We decided to take some before the
ceremony. We did capture the ‘first
look’ when Paul saw me. It was a really
lovely moment and, of course, it took
place on our boardwalk,” says Anna.
With forests, mountains and
incredible views over the Waiau River,
Hanmer Springs has numerous photo
locations – all within minutes of each
other.
“Our photos are sensational,” says
Anna. “And, after it’s all over, that’s
what we have to remember the day.”
Was it hard to organise a wedding
away from the city you live in?
“Not at all,” says Anna. “It’s close
enough to take things with you and
there are plenty of suppliers in and
around the village. In fact, I think it
worked out cheaper overall.”
Her favourite part of the day?
“There was this moment, just after
the ceremony, when Paul and I were
walking back down the aisle holding
hands. We just looked at each other and
both had the biggest, most stupid grins
on our faces... after months of planning
we were married and it was time to
relax and have fun!”
...everyone
was relaxed
and in no rush
at all.
RELAX & INDULGE
At Every Stage
You’d be hard pressed to find a Canterbury
couple that hasn’t experienced Hanmer
Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. The awardwinning
complex, which consistently
tops ‘must-do lists’, is a popular wedding
destination and not just for the big day.
“I couldn’t fathom a guess at how many
proposals have been made in Hanmer
Springs. It’s also a great place for prewedding
parties and honeymoons,” says
Debbs Moody, a wedding celebrant and
Amazing Days event coordinator based in
the village. “You’ll often see groups away on
hens’ and stags’ weekends unwinding in the
pools.
“It’s a great place to get married or have a
‘day after’ function. The thermal waters and
landscaped setting look fabulous in photos
and you can arrange exclusive use of the
pools outside normal operating hours.”
And, of course, with everything from
massage to manicures on its menu, The Spa
is also popular with brides wanting to look
and feel their best.