Unbeknown to her partner of 7 years, Toni Wright entered the competition to Win a Whirlwind Wedding. The twist? The couple wasn’t actually engaged! Damian Saunders was still in his dressing gown and eating breakfast when we arrived. He was quick to accept a marriage proposal from Toni and the day began.

Damian and Toni joined the MORE FM team in studio to hear about what we had planned and were soon joined by Bridesmaids Rael Wright and Katie Prestidge and Best Man Dan Parker.

Northland Limos collect the wedding party and we hit the road.

Whangarei Suit Hire had the boys measured and dressed in less than half an hour

Meanwhile on the other side of town the girls look for the perfect dress

Elite Design Jewellers gave the couple lots of options for wedding rings. While they were there Damian got a call from his mum in England. Then it was back in the limo and off to Kerikeri.

Toni had indicated on her form that she wanted a pink and silver theme as they are the colours of the uniforms of the cheerleading squad she coaches.

Bridesmaids Rael Wright and Katy Prestige really know how to shop! They made an instant decision and then it was on to lunch.

Steve White at 88 Below put on a fantastic spread. Hew also gave the couple their first wedding present of 88 Below wine glasses.

Celebrant Heather Townsend popped in to finalise the ceremony and then it was back on the whirlwind tour of Kerikeri.

The team at Keri Shoestyles was extremely organised and within half an hour the whole bridal party had new shoes.

Fleur, Janine and Kim of Smith & Howe closed the salon to the public for the afternoon so they could focus on getting the bridal party looking fabulous. There was a lot to do and time was fast running out.

Lynette Watson of Heavenly Faces gave the girls the glamour treatment. As the groom was later heard to say “they scrub up pretty well really”. They looked absolutely gorgeous!

Toni arrived at the Pear Tree exactly on time and was overwhelmed to find that her cheerleading squad had travelled from Whangarei as a surprise. They formed a guard of honour as she walked up the aisle to Chocolate Girl by Deacon Blue. Heather Townsend had written a beautiful ceremony that had the crowd laughing and crying at various times. John Markby was the Emcee and Pete Gentil gave a very moving reading.

Photographer Nathalie Giacomelli of NGP Photography had to work fast in the fading light but there are some gorgeous pictures of the bridal party

Speeches and cake cutting and lots of laughs.

After an incredible 3 course meal it was time to dance the night away. Musician Beau serenaded the couple for the first dance and the party continued till midnight.