A busy day exploring the local area, collecting our marriage licence from Napier, and shopping for rings in Hastings. We were looking for something special so got Paua rings for the ceremony. "The gift of the God of the Sea", the ancient Maori people see the Paua Shell as a transcendent treasure. Each piece of jewellery made with the Paua is different and unique in colour and tone comprising of blue, green and purple shimmering shades.  The iridescent quality of the shell creates a new colour and pattern in every light. Perfect!
Napier was hit by a massive earthquake in 1931 and within 3 years a new town had been built retaining the Art Deco style and regarded as the most beautiful Art Deco towns in the world. Hastings does not have the architectural advantage, or the Marine Parade of Napier, but was celebrating their "Blossom Festival" whilst we were staying in Hawke's Bay and the place was looking very nice with flowers everywhere. We had lunch at Breakers and followed this with a walk on Ocean Beach with Alfie. It was a beautiful sunny day so we decided to take a quick peek at our wedding location- Te Mata Peak! We chose the 'spot' and headed back for a cosy evening in front of the fire.