Captain Stubing aka actor Gavin MacLeod performs the ceremony. Photo / James Morgan
Captain Stubing aka actor Gavin MacLeod performs the ceremony. Photo / James Morgan
It's almost 54 years since Beverly and Colin McConachie walked down the aisle, but the pair looked every bit the lovestruck sweethearts as they renewed their wedding vows on board a real-life Love Boat.
The young-at-heart couple had the added novelty of the popular 1970s television show's Captain Stubing, actor Gavin MacLeod, performing the ceremony on board the Sun Princess after it docked in Auckland this morning.
It was the same cruise ship they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on four years ago, and they brought along an album they created to mark their golden anniversary, with their original wedding photos taken two years after they met as a bridesmaid and best man at a wedding.
"I don't know where the time's gone actually," said Beverly, 74.
The secret to a long, happy marriage was never letting the sun go down on an argument, the grandmother-of-three said.
"I say it's because he's patient with me, and he says it's because he always tries to make me happy, that seems to work," she said.
MacLeod has worked as an ambassador for Princess Cruises, who own Sun Princess, since the 1980s. Five of the company's ships were used in the filming of the show, including the original Sun Princess.
Beverly and Colin, 76, said they were big fans of The Love Boat and excited to win the chance to renew their vows with Captain Stubing.
They were among 14 Kiwi couples who landed the opportunity through a radio competition timed to coincide with the run-up to Valentine's Day.
The romantic setting - on the top deck of the luxury liner - was completed with a large white wedding cake, rose petals on the ground, and a champagne fountain.
Captain Stubing with his guests onboard the Sun Princess after the mass wedding vow renewal ceremony. Photo / James Morgan
They were cheered on by guests of the cruise ship, who delayed their sightseeing in Auckland to watch the ceremony.
"It's just wonderful, love is in the air," MacLeod, 82, declared afterwards, saying the event should take place every year.
"I've been reading the stories, it's very meaningful. Some of the things they've been through are horrendous."
He was referring to Karamea and Presley Matthes, who were celebrating almost 10 years of marriage - a wedding that almost didn't happen after Karamea was critically injured trying to stop her car rolling down a hill with her 3-year-old son inside five months before the big day.
But she vowed she would be able to walk down the aisle, and she did.
The childhood sweethearts said they were "on cloud nine" to be on board the ship renewing their vows.
"It's quite cool, it's something different. Just being here is actually quite out of it," Presley said about the experience.
Karamea, who still watches The Love Boat, said: "It's very memorable. We would never have thought of doing something like this, so to be given the opportunity to do it ... I'm just so honoured and appreciative."
