JJ'S DREAM COME TRUE 'GETTING MARRIED BROUGHT US CLOSER!'

The Friends Like Her actress and her cinematographer husband are a perfect match

Whether it's starring in Step Dave, making global headlines with Creamerie or working on new local series Friends Like Her, JJ Fong can rest assured the camera's always capturing her best angles. It's one of the perks of having husband Marty Smith working as cinematographer on many of her projects.

"I love it because my face is in the hands of someone who can light me really well, knows my angles and always makes me look really good!" laughs the Wellmania actress, 37. "I don't have to worry, 'Is my hair out of place? Do I look OK?' And he's just so good with actors - always knowing what to say and understanding the emotional mindset we have to get into."

JJ has enjoyed working with Marty, 53, ever since the two met on local comedy Step Dave. Nine years later, they've marked their first wedding anniversary and, for the first time, JJ's sharing snaps from the big day and opening up about their romance.

While the couple were conscious of keeping things professional when they met, JJ says they soon bonded over their passion for supporting Kiwi film, TV and talent. They also both loved running and dining at hole-inthe-wall restaurants. The former Celebrity Treasure Island contestant found an ease with Marty she hadn't experienced in previous relationships.

"Actors do 10 to 12 hours on set and night shoots, so it was always hard dating someone with a nine-to-five job and trying to explain how I can't reply to texts when I'm on set. I found it easier dating someone in the industry because there's an automatic understanding."

Marty, meanwhile, hit it off with JJ's whānau and adapted to Chinese customs, like taking shoes off at home.

"I have a big family, so he's become used to big, rowdy gatherings and lots of opinions," she tells. "The first time they met him was at a restaurant and they thought he was cool. Nine years later, here we are, married!"