Our story begins at the Birkenhead RSA. Not many people can say they met at a Friday night dance these days but technically we did. It was the last day of work for the year. Claire had just started a new Placement Coordinator job at AUT and was meeting her friend Elisabeth for a quiet drink - or so she thought. Claire arrived a little late - not at all like her, to find Elisabeth at a table with three good looking guys - including an Irish fellow called Ciaran and his landlord James. A pleasant evening followed of chatting over a few drinks (more like shouting to be heard over the loud music) and dancing to the rock 'n' roll band.

It was just before Christmas and Claire was heading up to Mouturua Island in the Bay of Islands where Elisabeth would later be visiting. Meanwhile, Ciaran and James were planning a camping trip around Northland in James' campervan. Claire and Elisabeth hatched a plan and invited the two guys to visit them for a night at the island. A huge weather bomb blew up and unfortunately Ciaran and James were stuck on the island for several days. In spite of the terrible weather, the four had a great time swimming in the rain, walking around the island in the rain, playing Cluedo and enjoying Ciaran's amazing cooking with Ciaran and Claire forming a great team in the kitchen.

Once back in Auckland, Claire and Ciaran didn't waste any time getting together. Ciaran enjoyed showing yet another Kiwi their own country with camping trips to his favourite spots including Sullivans Bay, Tawharanui and Kai Iwi Lakes. There was much to explore together including discovering new restaurants and markets, bush walks, dive/snorkel trips to the Poor Knights Islands and skiing at Whakapapa.

Getting engaged on Christmas Eve 2024 was the best present ever and we celebrated with a trip to Sydney to visit Claire's son Alex. With Ciaran's heart issue now resolved we have been enjoying getting back into hill walking and camping and are looking forward to beginning married life together as Mr & Mrs Breathnach.

Thank you for celebrating our special day with us in the beautiful Bay of Islands, a place that holds many special memories for us both over the years. We greatly value your support and friendship and whether from near or far it means a lot to us that you have travelled to be here with us on our wedding day.