Tall Blacks star Alex's: EMOTIONAL WINTER WEDDING

Even a cancer diagnosis couldn't stop the basketballer marrying the love of his life

- Cloe Willetts

On a still afternoon in Queenstown, basketball champion Alex Pledger and his fashion-loving fiancée Bailee Wilson stand inside New Zealand’s largest wine cave, nestled amid the quiet hills and mountains of Central Otago.

Surrounded by glowing candles and 40 of their dearest loved ones, the couple are tying the knot at Gibbston Valley Winery and Lodge, accompanied by their adorable Maltese-Griffon pup Boris, who is Alex’s “best boy” for the day.

At the end of the intimate ceremony, where Bailee’s vows described their nine-year relationship as “full of love, fun and surprises”, cheers can be heard across the vineyard when the make-up artist and her sports-star beau are announced Mr and Mrs Pledger.

“I was nervous walking down the aisle because although I can present as a bit of an extravert, most of the time, it’s all eyes on Alex!” laughs Bailee, 33, speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day shortly after the nuptials.

“But as soon as I saw Alex, I felt the nerves roll off my shoulders and we had a really fun ceremony. Our celebrant Luke Bird mixed a good balance of romance and off-the-cuff jokes because we didn’t want lots of tears. We just wanted to celebrate after what has been and where we’re going.”

The couple’s romance has certainly endured a rocky ride recently. Just three months ago, on the same day Alex and Bailee excitedly sent out their wedding invites – after putting all plans on hold because of COVID lockdowns – the Southland Sharks player was unexpectedly diagnosed with colorectal cancer.