EXCLUSIVE
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has tied the knot with her long-time fiancé Clarke Gayford in a lavish wedding surrounded by friends, family and politicians.
The wedding took place on Saturday afternoon at Craggy Range Winery in Havelock North, in the heart of New Zealand's Hawkes Bay.
Ardern, 42, wore a white halter dress and a sheer white floor-length veil – remarkably similar to the one her mother Laurell wore 47 years ago when she married her father Ross Ardern.
Ms Ardern arrived from her adjoining accommodation in a four-wheel drive vehicle before strolling through the vines, shaded from the sun by an entourage of parasols.
The wedding took place under a large tree next to the vineyard. The former politician was shadowed by a bridesmaid who held an umbrella to keep her cool during the high-temperature ceremony.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has tied the knot with her long-time fiancée Clarke Gayford in a lavish wedding surrounded by friends, family and politicians
Ardern, 42, wore a white dress and a full-length sheer white veil – similar to the one her mother Laurell wore 47 years ago when she married her father Ross Ardern
Ardern exchanged vows with Gayford under a large tree next to the vineyard
Ardern arrived from her adjoining accommodation in a four-wheel-drive vehicle before strolling through the vines, protected from the sun by an entourage of parasols
The wedding took place on Saturday afternoon at Craggy Range Winery in Havelock North, in the heart of New Zealand's Hawkes Bay
The star-studded soirée featured a who's who of New Zealand society, including Dame Annette King, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia; celebrity chef Peter Gordon; and Labor opposition leader Chris Hipkins and his partner Toni Grace.
Guests began arriving at the sprawling property at 2 p.m., some in luxury vehicles, others in coaches with blacked-out windows.
Each guest was required to present their full name and photo ID to security before being allowed through the venue gates.
There was a heavy police presence due to several protesters carrying signs who still blame Ms Ardern for vaccine-related illnesses and Covid-era lockdowns.
Hours before guests were due to arrive, a male protester was seen patrolling the edge of the lavish property with a sign that read, “Lest we forget to get vaccinated.”
Another protester was seen brandishing “death signs” with photos of New Zealanders who had allegedly died from side effects of vaccines as a result of mandates.
A marked police car drove up and down the country road where the winery is located.
Speaking to Chron Australia from nearby Te Mata Peak, a local mother of three, who did not want to be named, said she was shocked more protesters did not demonstrate at the former prime minister's wedding.
Guests began arriving at the winery at 2 p.m. and were required to show photo ID before entering
Several anti-vaccination protesters (one above) marched near the wedding venue shortly after 9 a.m
Craggy Range Winery (above) is in lockdown mode as protesters and police converge on the property
“She is not the person the world media portrays her to be,” she began.
“In New Zealand it is referred to as ‘JABcinda’ because of its vaccination and lockdown agenda.”
Later, a protester was seen at Craggy Range holding a placard that read “These are Bananas” while playing anti-mandate propaganda on a large boom box.
The large number of demonstrators comes as no surprise to locals. They say rallies have become more frequent in the last year of Ardern's premiership.
The demonstrations included violent mass protests against vaccination regulations, culminating in a standoff outside Parliament House, and a barrage of death threats against the former prime minister.
“I wouldn't be surprised if someone put a sign on the summit of Te Mata Peak (overlooking the Craggy Range) in protest of Jacinda's big day,” one Māori local said.
A marked police car was seen parked at the summit of Te Mata Peak.
Several private security vehicles were also seen exiting and exiting the scenic venue.
Protesters (one above) have gathered outside Craggy Range, holding signs and playing anti-mandate propaganda on a large boombox
Anti-vax mandate protesters (above) flocked to Jacinda Ardern's wedding venue ahead of her wedding to Clarke Gayford
Clarke Gayford and Jacinda Ardern (above) are set to tie the knot at Craggy Range Winery today
The vineyard's electric gates are closed and a security guard stands nearby letting in suppliers and staff.
The ceremony comes almost a decade after their first date – and two years after a previously planned wedding that was scuttled by Covid-19.
Described as the “most Instagrammable vineyard in the world,” the venue features outdoor umbrellas next to an outdoor bar, as well as a large white teepee-style tent where post-wedding dinner and fine wines will be served.
Craggy Range was fully booked by the happy couple from Friday, including exclusive use of the accommodation and award-winning restaurant.
The guest list is expected to include many of Ardern's former colleagues in the now-opposition Labor Party, including party leader and former prime minister Chris Hipkins and his wife Jade, who were spotted at a nearby motel.
Grammy Award-winning singer Lorde is expected to entertain attendees.
British singer Ed Sheeran had previously expressed interest in performing at the wedding but was unable to do so due to a scheduling conflict.
The wedding day follows intimate wedding rehearsals on Friday at a neighboring property.
The couple, their friends and family have remained tight-lipped about details of the wedding as the venue is considered New Zealand's “worst kept secret”.
A marked police car (above) was parked at the summit of Te Mata Peak, which overlooks the Craggy Range
Ardern and Gayford were extremely tight-lipped about the details of their wedding, but the venue (above) was considered the “worst kept secret” in New Zealand
Preparations for the star-studded wedding were in full swing on Wednesday as workers arrived to set up the large marquee opposite the vineyard's manicured gardens.
On Thursday, the marquee was fully set up and equipped with large tables for guests to enjoy the winery's famous food, which has won two awards at the Cuisine Good Food Awards.
The venue's current summer menu includes venison tartare, roasted hohepa halloumi, fried local fish and glazed lamb shoulder.
Ardern is understood to have traveled to Hawke's Day earlier this week. She was spotted with 12 other women at nearby Hastings Distillers on Wednesday.
Top Kiwi designer and personal friend of Ardern's Juliette Hogan is rumored to be responsible for the former prime minister's wedding dress.
It is believed Ms Hogan will also attend the ceremony as a guest.
Reality TV star and celebrity hairdresser Tane Tomoana is expected to style Ardern's hair on the important day.
He previously styled Ardern's hair for her appearance on the cover of Time magazine.
Dan Awha, creative and fashion director at Viva and style editor at Canvas, said he had high hopes for Ardern's wedding ensemble.
The winery's preparations for the star-studded wedding were in full swing on Wednesday (pictured, a Bottle-O delivery arrives at the venue).
Jacinda (pictured 2 right) welcomed friends at a luxurious property nearby on the eve of her wedding
“Jacinda's fashion style is well documented and she has always been interested in supporting New Zealand designers,” he told the NZ Herald.
“She knows what works best for her and has developed some special relationships with the best in our industry, including Kiri Nathan, Juliette Hogan and Kate Sylvester.”
“Her style is contemporary and minimalist at its core and her wedding dress will reflect this. I'm sure Clarke will also wear something elegant, simple and complementary.”
The flowers for the event were created by Field of Roses, a small floral design studio in the Waingake Valley, outside Gisborne.