Volcanic attraction for special day

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 669, 14 January 1997, Page 5

Volcanic attraction for special day

Two unusual visitors to Ruapehu this summer were a bride and groom who, being fascinated with volcanoes, decided to 'elope' to Ruapehu. Julian Payne and Bonnie O'Shea, from Ealing, West London, had followed the events of Ruapehu' s eruption since the September 1 995 eruption and when they decided to get married, chose the slopes of Ruapehu as their chapel. Through family connections of a friend from Napier, they made contact with Amiria Teki who is custodian of the Police Ski Lodge in Raetihi. She sent advice on accommodation, brochures, names of marriage celebrants and many photographs of the area and soon the date was

set. Bill TeKaru from Ohakune was the marriage celebrant for what was intended to be a summer wedding. But Ruapehu's mood did not co-operate and Sunday 5 January turned out not only cool, but downright wintry with snow down to low levels on the mountain. Bonnie and Julian donned winter woollies and denim jackets, although Bonnie braved the elements and at the last minute took off her winter jersey to show off her special summery top for the five minute ceremony. Photos were taken with the Mangawhero falls and snow | covered trees in the background.