KEY POINTS:
After knowing each other for 26 years and being engaged for 17, it was always going to take more than an earthquake to stop Olive Wilson and Paul Lewis from tying the knot.
The couple are due to marry at Gisborne's Catholic Church today.
They have to: their
seven children and assorted grandchildren have come from around the world for the nuptials.
But it was a close call for Ms Wilson. She was having her toenails done about 9pm on Thursday when her manicurist's ceiling collapsed.
"She hadn't quite got the second coat on ... now it's all ruined," Ms Wilson said, staring forlornly at her toes. The two women were discussing "clothes and colours" as the earthquake struck.
"The nail polish went flying. We looked at each other, then the roof caved in. We just started running."
Ms Wilson and Mr Lewis were yesterday afternoon preparing for an early-evening rehearsal, having spent the day making frantic checks of those supplying the equipment.
Ms Wilson started by checking the cake was "still standing", then made a quick call to ensure all the rental glasses and plates were still usable.
Luckily, the church was still "in one piece". But then it had been standing for 200 years, the priest told them.
More superstitious people might see the earthquake as an omen, but Mr Wilson - a truck driver - was having none of that.
"It's a bit of a hindrance, that's about it."
There was never any real likelihood of cancellation, Ms Wilson said.
"If we had to have a barbecue, westill would have done it."
The Senator Motor Inn - where the couple are hosts - was not damaged, although some brittle masonry on an adjoining building meant part of their carpark had to be cordoned off.
But others were not so lucky. Friends had to stay with them after their own place was damaged.
"It's a bit surreal," Ms Wilson said. "But then you think about how much harder it is for the neighbours."
Ms Wilson was confident yesterday the wedding would go smoothly, though she was unsure if manicurist Mia would get an opportunity to apply that second coat. "She might just touch it up."
As for the honeymoon, it will be in Britain and Europe in April. They can't leave Gisborne now - the busiest time for moteliers.
