'Til Death Do Us Part Brittnea's Bittersweet Wedding

A dying bride makes magical memories

- Cloe Willetts

On a freezing Saturday morning five months ago, surrounded by snow-capped mountains at Lake Brunner on the West Coast, Cameron Mill dropped to one knee. At the edge of a pier he grew up playing on, the Christchurch drainlayer held out a ring and asked Brittnea Chambers to marry him.

It was the perfect proposal setting for the loved-up pair, who created some of their best memories at Cameron’s family bach there. In months to come, former professional cyclist and triathlete Brittnea will have her ashes scattered at the same spot. Sadly, the 33-year-old has terminal bowel cancer.

It’s a hot afternoon in Christchurch as Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” fills the grounds of Harpers Homestead, a breathtaking wedding venue on the northern banks of the Waimakariri River. The song is poignant, chosen by Brittnea as a symbol of what today represents – capturing special memories for Cameron, also 33, to hold on to when she’s no longer here.

As three bridesmaids walk down the grass aisle wearing floating gowns in a mix of blush, blue and plum, the lyrics sing out, “We keep this love in a photograph …Where our eyes are never closing/our hearts were never broken/and time’s forever frozen.”

Seventy guests fill seating overlooking an arch adorned with summer flowers, as a nervous Cameron waits for his best friend to appear in a backless champagne and silver gown.