Come on Oz, say I do - Fashion Weekend 2013

 About:

'Come on Oz, say I do,' is a campaign launched by New Zealand fashion designer Annah Stretton, in conjunction with Fashion Weekend, to help Australia say 'I do' to same sex marriage. In a wedding to top all weddings, Annah gave one lucky same sex female Australian couple a wedding of their dreams on the catwalk at Fashion Weekend in front of a crowd of fashionistas and supporters of same sex marriage on September 7th.  

It not only celebrated the fact that from August 19th same-sex partners are able to legally marry in New Zealand, but will also encourage our pacific neighbours to follow our lead and legalise gay marriage.

“This is a cause that I am incredibly passionate about,” says Annah Stretton. “I have always been proud to call myself a New Zealander and even more so now that we do not discriminate against those who want to be married based on their gender. Because they cannot yet get married in their own country, I’m inviting our Aussie neighbours to jump the ditch and, using the platform I have been given at New Zealand Fashion Weekend, be married for the world to see in what is set to be a fashion show extravaganza that will be remembered for years to come.”

The couple were each dressed in designer gowns by Annah Stretton, received return flights and accommodation from their nearest capital city, a wedding after party attended by 250 guests, an exclusive video and photography package. Plus Annah dressed the entire bridal party and all invited guests as part of her show.

 

 

Watch the Wedding:

 

 

Meet the Brides:

An American and Australian have been wed in NZ as part of designer’s Fashion Week show

Brooklyn Edwards and Nicole Dean were the winners of the Annah Stretton ‘Come on Oz, Say I Do’ same-sex wedding held on the catwalk of New Zealand Fashion Weekend.

On September 7th Brooklyn and Nicole were married in front of guests at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland.

Victoria based, Brooklyn owns modelling agency, Brazen Talent and her American fiancé, Nicole, who works in client services at a finance company have been together for nearly 3 years.

“We actually fell in love before we saw each other in person,” says Brooklyn who tells how the couple met on the same-sex American dating site, Pink Cupid.

In March 2013, despite not being legally permitted to marry in Australia the pair became engaged.

“Nicole and I are very passionate about this issue,” Brooklyn explains. “We know our love is just as strong and we want to be able to make that same commitment to each other, as our heterosexual friends have. We’re not letting out-of-date Government policies prevent us from celebrating our love. We are getting married regardless. We are going to live as married partners like everyone else.
We love New Zealand's support of marriage equality. But it’s very sad that Australia is lagging behind. Hopefully it’s not long before Australia realises that love is love!”

Brooklyn and Nicole were each be dressed in designer gowns by Annah Stretton, received return flights and accommodation from their nearest capital city, a wedding after party staged as part of Annah’s fashion show, an exclusive video and photography package, custom made rings, and Annah dressed all of the bridal party and the couples' invited guests as part of her show.