Eliot is from Rotorua and grew up with two loving older sisters. They spent their childhood making cherished memories exploring the diverse landscapes of New Zealand, with summers spent enjoying the sun and sea on the coast.

Rachael grew up at a summer camp in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. She is from a dual-hemisphere family with a kiwi mum. After completing her undergraduate studies in 2019, Rachael moved to New Zealand on a one-way ticket.

We first met in 2019 while working at Allbirds in Tāmaki Makaurau. Rachael was 6-months into living in New Zealand and Eliot was a full-time student. From the beginning, a friendly bond existed between us as co-workers. However, it wasn't until a game of pool and the encouragement of mutual friends nearly 2 years later that our relationship took a new turn. Following that one-off game, we found ourselves gradually spending more time together and making space for each other in our busy lives.

Although we grew up in different parts of the world, we both cherish childhood memories of Ōpōtiki. Each of us spent time visiting our grandparents in Ōpō, but never crossed paths. Our respective grandparents were even friends through Rotary and quilting club. We discovered this early in our relationship, nearly 12 years after Rachael’s grandparents left Ōpōtiki.

Our relationship started off quietly, so it came as a surprise to many when we decided to isolate together during lockdown from August to November 2021. Though it was a risky move, we passed the ultimate relationship test and realised we had a good thing going.

After some persuasion from Eliot, Rachael finally agreed to relocate to Rotorua, which is his hometown. The transition from city life to the tranquillity of lakes and forests was a welcomed change. For the past few years, Rotorua has been our home, so it feels appropriate to commemorate our marriage in a location that holds a significant place in our hearts.

Eliot and Rachael visited New York in November 2022 to celebrate the marriage of Rebecca and Alex, who are Rachael's sister and brother-in-law. This trip was a significant moment for us, as Eliot was able to meet the people and places that Rachael associates with home, and Rachael was thrilled to share it with him.

We got engaged in April 2023 while away on holiday in Martinborough. Eliot’s initial plan was to stroll through the vines at Moy Hall Vineyard, but Rachael wanted to go take a nap after eating a big lunch. Eliot quickly regrouped and ended up getting down on one knee later that evening, under the stars.

It was perfect.