We are thrilled to share the enchanting details of the wedding of Shortland Street actress Charisse Uy (known for her role as nurse Lovely Rivera) and her husband, Chris Groen, as originally reported by Now To Love NZ which took place at our beautiful estate: Auckland’s Settlers Country Manor.
This celebration was not just a wedding; it was a bespoke, narrative event that flawlessly executed two contrasting, yet equally romantic, themes. Charisse and Chris created a truly personalized spectacle that blended the whimsical, rustic romance of The Lord of the Rings with the opulent, sophisticated elegance of Bridgerton.
This extraordinary fusion demonstrates the boundless possibilities available when you choose a truly flexible and versatile themed wedding venue in NZ.
Middle-earth Meets Mayfair: The Themed Transformation
The magic began with the choice of setting. Settlers Country Manor provided the perfect foundation—a beautiful estate that could host the informal, natural charm of a hobbit celebration and the formal grandeur of a Regency ball.
The Rustic Beginnings and Cinematic Vows
The ceremony utilized the stunning natural grounds of our garden wedding venue, transforming the exterior into a scene worthy of Middle-earth. The seven acres of manicured gardens, willow-lined waterways, and arched bridges confirm that our heritage estate is the premier outdoor wedding venue in Auckland. The air was filled with music from the Shire, specifically the beautiful strains of Concerning Hobbits, as guests arrived.
Charisse ensured her lifelong dreams were realized as she walked down the aisle to Turning Page by Sleeping At Last, a song she had cherished for years. The atmosphere was enhanced by the gentle scattering of petals by their beloved "flower families," showcasing the venue's flexibility in accommodating large, personal processions.
The reception hall was then reimagined to transport guests straight to the high society of Bridgerton.
The Regal Reception and Elegant Entertaining
The interior spaces, with their high ceilings and elegant architecture, were perfectly suited for the period drama's grandeur. The celebration was filled with royal flair: the MCs introduced the entire wedding party as Lords and Ladies, leading up to the grand entrance of "King Chris and Queen Charisse," whose path was lit by indoor-friendly sparklers.
Details reinforced the theme at every turn:
The Seating Chart: A visually striking centerpiece, the map of Middle-earth acted as the seating chart, delighting guests and reinforcing the Lord of the Rings wedding theme.
The Cuisine: The couple cut a magnificent Earl Grey tea and lavender-flavoured cake, a sophisticated choice befitting a Regency tea.
This successful dual-theme transformation highlights why Settlers Country Manor is a leading Auckland wedding venue for couples who refuse to compromise on their creative vision.
Culture, Vows, and Surprise
Beyond the stunning décor, the most impactful elements of the day were the personal and cultural touches that made the wedding truly unique to Charisse and Chris.
Vows Seven Years in the Making
The couple’s commitment to each other was uniquely captured when Charisse read excerpts from personal letters she had written to her future husband a full seven years before they had ever even met. The vows beautifully detailed her hopes for constant growth, openness, and learning—a manifestation of the love they ultimately found. Chris noted that the vows "beautifully showed how much Charisse has grown, but also that her core values have remained the same."
Honoring Deep Filipino Traditions
A crucial component of the celebration was the embrace of Charisse’s Filipino heritage, demonstrating our commitment to cultural inclusion.
The Lechon Feast: The most anticipated cultural detail was the Filipino lechon (a whole roasted pig), which was brought in and expertly carved by Charisse’s uncles. As Charisse shared, "It felt like they were doing it with a lot of heart and about to serve the whole village!" Our team ensures that your cultural catering, no matter how unique, is accommodated seamlessly.
The Gift of Music: The music choices were deeply personal, from signing their legal documents to Radiohead's High & Dry, to the spectacular first dance.
The Singing Surprise
The first dance—a choreographed three-step waltz—culminated in the biggest surprise of the evening: Charisse took the mic and sang the romantic track Buwan by Juan Karlos. She sang the song in her native tongue, Tagalog, translating the chorus for Chris.This unexpected, deeply personal moment exemplified the joy and flexibility our venue supports. As Charisse stated, "It felt really good to finally sing the song in my mother tongue... I couldn't keep my eyes off him."
Planning Your Own Themed or Cultural Wedding at Settlers Country Manor
Charisse and Chris’s wedding provides an essential guide for couples planning a highly personalized event. Our venue offers multiple distinct spaces—from elegant ballrooms to rustic country grounds—that allow you to easily segment and transition between themes. We encourage creativity, providing the perfect canvas for your themed wedding in NZ.
We have a proud tradition of honoring and accommodating diverse cultural and religious requirements. Our kitchen and catering staff work seamlessly with specialty external food requirements, like the Filipino lechon, to ensure your traditions are celebrated authentically.
Fittingly, Charisse and Chris kept the fantasy alive by visiting Hobbiton in Matamata for their mini-moon, showing that our venue is the perfect starting point for any New Zealand-based fantasy adventure!
The Ultimate Flexible Auckland Wedding Venue
The marriage of Charisse Uy and Chris Groen was a powerful example of what is possible when a couple is given the freedom to merge personal history, beloved fandoms, and cultural heritage. From the personalized vows to the spectacular lechon and the Hobbiton follow-up, every detail showcased authenticity.
If you are seeking a rustic country manor wedding location in Auckland that offers the space, resources, and enthusiastic team required to realize a complex Lord of the Rings wedding or a sophisticated Bridgerton themed NZ wedding, look no further than Settlers Country Manor. We are dedicated to turning your most ambitious wedding dreams into reality.
