Sun wedding, shivering honeymoon

Their beach wedding on October 28 was conducted in beautiful sunshine on Rarotonga Island, one of the Cook Islands, famed for its blue lagoons, reefs, traditional Polynesian drummers and dancers.

As soon as the festivities were over, Darren and Catherine, set off on their honeymoon stopping off for a fortnight in New York before travelling to Ballintoy, where Darren was born, to reunite with family and friends.

The couple couldn’t have been happier spending time catching up with relatives before heading back to New Zealand which has been their home for the past four years.

Darren met Catherine while both were working in The Fullerton Arms and romance soon blossomed.

Catherine, a native Kiwi whose father came from Ballymena, worked in the Province for more than two years before persuading Darren to go back ‘Down Under’ with her.

That was in 2011 and although Darren returned home for a brief spell New Zealand beckoned again and this time he was staying for good.

Darren was delighted when his mum, Sandra, made the long journey to be at his side during the wedding ceremony.

“It was great to have my mum with us even though it was such a long journey for her. It helped make the occasion,” he said.

Darren works in the construction industry and his wife has a job she loves working at an animal shelter.

“We both love New Zealand but will make sure we never lose touch with home,” Darren added.

A family get together took place at The Fullerton when everyone had a chance to say goodbye.

“Only two of my family members couldn’t attend – my brother William who lives in Canada, and Uncle Trevor, but it was great to see everyone else including my granddad, Sandy,” Darren added.

The couple set off for home last week via Dubai where they will spend a short time before the final leg of their journey.