After Naomi was born, and after COVID-19 happened, Jamie's father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We booked the first flight we could. It was especially difficult figuring out how to travel back to the UK to spend time with his whanau, while the whole world is dealing with a pandemic - but for Jamie's father to meet his granddaughter before he passes on is pretty incredible. We knew time was the most important thing we can give.

We wanted to celebrate our relationship by doing something positive and wonderful and meaningful. We wanted to do something special, just for us. We organised the whole thing in ten days, with the alert level for COVID-19 lifting three days before the ceremony. It was small and it was magic - because of the spontaneity, as much as the occasion.”

Starting a family is terrifying, awesome and overwhelming! You can never really imagine what it will be like until suddenly your child is here. Now that Naomi is ten months old, we feel a lot more comfortable as parents. We can't wait to share our favourite things with her. A love of the mountains, respect for our wild places, how to be kind, and resilient, and honest.

She was ready, even when we weren't. For that, and plenty of other things this year, we're very grateful.” 

- Elicia