Hospital Romance! Simon's Lucky Innings

The former Black Cap’s bowled over by his maiden

- Lynley Ward

Swathed in bandages and filled with painkillers, the last thing cricket commentator Simon Doull expected as he was wheeled out of the operating theatre was to meet the love of his life.

But a chance encounter in a hospital corridor with gorgeous mum-of-four Liana Herbert has led to a whirlwind romance and marriage just a year after they first met.

It’s been an exciting 12 months for the new Mr. and Mrs Doull, who sealed their devotion with an intimate ceremony at their Waikato home just before Labour Weekend.

The pair – each declaring they’ve found “the one” – confess they’re an unlikely match, but say the love they share has been healing and they couldn’t imagine life without each other.

Oozing vintage Hollywood glam in a satin champagne-hued gown, Liana, 42, wows fiancé Simon, 50, when she makes her entrance on a blustery spring evening.

The simple yet stylish garden setting sees the couple wed under a pergola, with Liana’s mum, celebrant Denise Herbert, uniting the pair in wedded bliss.

Around 65 friends and family have gathered to celebrate the special day, with the former Black Caps bowling star pledging to love and cherish his sweetheart for the rest of his days.

“Liana loves like no one,” gushes the smitten groom, who is a dad to Adam Carter, 31, and Hunter Doull, 15. “She showed me that you can be loved and in love and be vulnerable, and it’s OK.”

Liana, who has four children from two previous marriages, glows with happiness, saying since the broadcaster came into her life, she has rediscovered joy.

She tells, “Simon is the most incredibly kind, loving man. His kindness has healed a multitude of things in my life. He has taught me so much about myself.”