TVNZ'S ANDREW & HELEN OUR IDYLLIC BEACH WEDDING

The television lovebirds share their joy after their fun-filled big day

- Jo Bailey

TVNZ sweethearts Andrew Saville and Helen Castles didn’t have to look far to find the perfect spot for their dreamy January wedding. In fact, they tied the knot right over Helen’s back fence on Northland’s idyllic Karikari Peninsula.

“Tokerau Beach is my backyard and because it’s our piece of paradise, we were always keen to get married there,” explains Helen. “We wanted the ceremony to be casual and fun, followed by a big party. It was a brilliant beach wedding in true Northland style.”

Beaming on to our television screens on  presenter Andrew, 54, aff ectionately known as “Sav”, and Northlandbased reporter Helen, 41, have more than 26 years between them at the state broadcaster. Given their prominent profiles, it’s perhaps no surprise the couple chose intimate, relaxed nuptials, witnessed by about 60 of their closest whānau and friends.

The newlyweds both have twin sons from previous relationships and on the day of the wedding, Andrew, who looked smart in khaki shorts and a white linen shirt, arrived with Helen’s boys, aged 20, and his sons, aged 11, to accompany her to the beach ceremony.

As he got his first glimpse of his lovely bride, who looked stunning in a gorgeous off -white vintage dress, with her hair in a beachy up-do and wearing natural makeup, Andrew was overcome with emotion.

“Helen looked like an angel – so beautiful and radiant!”

Andrew and Helen followed their sons down to the beach, where their guests were already gathered beside a striking sun-bleached piece of driftwood decorated with fl owers, which served as an altar.