By Rebecca Bull
Photo: SUPPLIED
Southland's Waiau Area School swapped school bells for wedding bells last week as one of their own tied the knot (again) on campus.
Christopher Wedderburn, a teacher of four years at the Tuatapere school in western Southland, on Friday remarried his new bride Emily Serafini.
Wedderburn is South African and Serafini is American so they knew they wanted a destination wedding.
The pair got married on 7 July in Casertavecchia, Italy, a small village where Serafini's grandmother is from.
The couple's first wedding in Italy took place on 7 July. Photo: SUPPLIED
However, with such a deep connection to the school - including Wedderburn's mum also working there and the students so excited in the lead up to the big day, the newlyweds had to throw a second event.
"Leading up to the wedding all my students and the other students I previously taught were so excited, and sad they couldn't be there. Some students would say things like 'Can you take me with you in your suitcase?'," Wedderburn, who has taught years two to six, told RNZ.
"The students so wanted to be a part of our day so with the help and organisation of the WAS (Waiau Area School) faculty we hosted another ceremony at the school. All the students received cordial invites, learned what to wear when attending a wedding and brought plates to share with their classmates.
"We and the WAS faculty wanted to give them a wedding experience as some students had never been to one before. We wanted to show them a real-life fairytale from the beautiful wedding gown to the commitment you make to your partner.
"The quick nuptials were followed by a lively reception for the students with dancing and singing."
Serafini said she did not take much convincing to put on her gown again for a second wedding.
Photo: SUPPLIED
"When Christopher told me the school wanted to host a ceremony for the students I was absolutely thrilled," she said.
"From time to time I visit Chris and his classroom, they were always so interested in our wedding plans. So I could only imagine how much they would love being a part of our day. And come on, what bride gets to wear their dress more than once?
"All the girls were so blown away, gave me hugs after hugs. I truly felt so special with their kind words 'You look like a real-life princess', 'You are so beautiful'. It was so great to show them dreams and fairytale weddings do come true."
Serafini said it was also incredible to see all the students' excitement and effort they put into wearing their best clothes.
"From three-piece mini tuxes to a handmade dress from their grandmother in India," she said.
"Of course [we] had to incorporate classic wedding rituals such as the bouquet toss."
Principal Andrew Pardoe-Burnett told RNZ the celebrations were a testament to the whānau-friendly culture in Tuatapere.
"The staff and students were absolutely thrilled for Mr W (Chris) and Emily. Our WAS tamariki love Mr W and really wanted to share his wedding journey," he said.
"The Wedderburn whānau are a big part of WAS. Everyone was out in force celebrating our WAS wedding."