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Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern shared her happiness with her 1.7 million social media followers after marrying Clarke Gayford over the weekend. In a heartwarming Instagram post featuring a picture of the newlyweds, Ardern captioned it with “13.01.24 ❤️ Worth the wait,” encapsulating the sentiment of their long-awaited union.
The couple, who had been together for almost a decade, chose the picturesque Craggy Range winery for their wedding ceremony, where they exchanged vows in a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter, cheers, and dancing.
Their romantic journey began in 2014 when Gayford, a marine enthusiast and host of Fish of the Day and Moving Houses, reached out to Ardern, then a Labour list MP, about proposed legislation in 2013. After five years of dating, Gayford proposed on Mokotahi Hill in northern Hawke’s Bay, using his grandmother’s ring. The proposal took place 10 months after the birth of their daughter Neve and 18 months after Ardern became New Zealand’s second youngest Prime Minister.
Despite not having any initial plans for a wedding, the couple eventually tied the knot at the Craggy Range winery, marking a significant moment in their journey together.
Originally, they had intended to marry at Nick’s Head Station in 2022. However, the arrival of the Omicron variant in late January 2022, coupled with pandemic-related restrictions, led to the disruption of their plans. Ardern, who resigned as Prime Minister a year ago due to exhaustion, included a special message to Gayford, expressing her eagerness to finally get married.
In the face of uncertainties and delays, Ardern’s message exudes joy and fulfillment, capturing the essence of their love story and celebrating their union after a period of patient anticipation.
