Gallery a stunning wedding back drop

The fine works of Toss Woollaston were the back drop for a very special ceremony in the Hastings City Art Gallery last week – the nuptials of artists Lynda McNamara and Graham Renner.

Hastings ceramic and print artist McNamara (now Renner) said the idea to hold their wedding in the gallery was a “brainwave that came at 2.30 in the morning”.

“We needed an indoor venue that meant something to us. It’s a beautiful building and I just love the whole concept of the gallery; a gathering place for artists and the community. It was a real privilege to be able to hold our wedding there.”

It was a popular choice with guests as well. “Everyone raved about it, and I’m happy that we had 30 people there, some of whom had not been to the gallery before, and will come back.”

Gallery visitor services co-ordinator Te Aroha Tauroa said the “lovely intimate ceremony” in the Holt Gallery was perfect. “Lynda was escorted down the aisle by her parents, one on each side, and the couple said their vows and exchanged rings before being toasted with champagne.

“This was a really lovely, very special moment, which I am glad that we were able to be part of.”

Hastings District Council’s gallery manager, Toni MacKinnon, said while the gallery was regularly hired out for things like artist’s workshops, the wedding was a first. “It is pretty magical for us; Lynda is a very good friend to the gallery and to be able to be part of her very special day is an honour.”

ENDS

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