SHORTY STAR COURTENAY'S - BEAUTIFUL BIG DAY

The actress and her long-time love Chris tied the knot in an intimate, emotional ceremony

It's not unusual for the wedding day to be all about the bride her dress, her hair and her flowers. And make no mistake - when one of our favourite Shortland Street actresses, Courtenay Louise, married the love of her life, Chris Read, all eyes were on the beautiful 30-year-old as she embarked on a somewhat nervous walk down the aisle.

But not before Courtenay, who plays Monique Strutter on the TVNZ 2 soap, had ensured her special guy had his moment in the spotlight too.

"I organised a surprise for him," explains Courtenay, speaking exclusively to Woman's Day as the couple relax on their "mini-moon" on Waiheke Island.

"I recorded myself making a speech to Chris and saying a lot of really nice things about him, which our MC and good friend Tyler Christie played, mixed in over the top of some music, just before I made my entrance."

Laughing, Courtenay adds that the desired effect would have been "Chris out-of control crying", but her groom appeared cool, calm and collected. Chris begs to differ.

"It actually really lifted the heart rate and got the emotions up,” the 32-year-old confesses. “Hearing Courtenay’s voice was a lovely, totally unexpected surprise. It was a nice way to set the scene for the wedding day, and for our friends and family to appreciate the way she feels about me.”

Smiling, Chris adds, “With Courtenay, life’s never boring – I’m constantly on my toes!” 

The newlyweds, who fell for one another while both working at an Auckland bar, have been together for 10 years. Life has changed and their careers have evolved, but their commitment to one another has remained steadfast throughout.