LEISEL & BRAYDEN'S FAIRYTALE ROMANCE

Love blossomed after they met on local TV series Down For Love

- Elisabeth Easther

Having found love on reality TV, Leisel Shepherd and Brayden Pettigrew are that rare thing, joining the ranks of The Bachelor's Art and Matilda Green, and Angel and Brett Renall from Married At First Sight.

This winning pair found their fairytale romance on the first season of Down For Love, TVNZ 2's warm-hearted dating show for Kiwis with Down syndrome, and return to the show for the second series this week.

"When I first met Bray, it was at mini golf in Auckland on Down For Love," explains Leisel, 24. "She played really well," adds Brayden, 22, not at all miffed that Leisel cleaned up.

Smiling, she notes, "I even got three holes in one." Which would be impressive at the best of times, but on a high-pressure date with cameras following you, it's even more amazing.

"I didn't know what to expect of our first date, but I wasn't nervous," continues Brayden. "Then I saw my queen for the first time and she was so very, very cute. She was also the cuddliest girl I'd ever met in my entire life. I just couldn't ask for a better girl." To show he means it, Brayden gives his beloved a big kiss.

It's been two years since that magical first date, with the happy couple's anniversary falling on 14 May, which is also Brayden's sister's birthday, making the day doubly special.