Two years after making history in rugby, Campbell Johnstone's back in a familiar spotlight. This time, he stands beside his husband, Ben Thomson. Campbell made waves as New Zealand's only international men's rugby player, past or present, who has openly come out as gay. When he first shared his truth, he and Ben had been together a couple years. Fast forward, they're now celebrating a new chapter as a married couple.
The magic on their wedding day
Campbell and Ben tied their knot in a touching, personalized wedding ceremony in Oxford, a picturesque town near Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Although it took place last month, their breathtaking wedding photos are just surfacing, bringing back all those warm and fuzzy feelings from their unforgettable day.
“The response has been incredible. It's like we're reliving those beautiful moments from our wedding,” Campbell shared. Ben chimed in, “It was an amazing day, but it went by so fast!”
Breaking away from tradition, Campbell and Ben put their own spin on their celebration. They announced their engagement in September 2023 and spent months planning every unique detail.
Ben, who used his competitive skills as a dressage competitor and now manages a beverage company, and Campbell, a former rugby player turned property valuer, made a grand entrance at their wedding. They arrived by helicopter, flown by none other than Richie McCaw, All Blacks legend and Campbell's former teammate.
In a fun twist, they let their guests vote on whose surname they'd carry. The crowd picked Campbell's name, which Ben found quite amusing. As a nod towards creativity, Ben's tuxedo had a special lace pattern on its back—an idea from Pinterest and brought alive by a local designer.
Instead traditional wedding cake, they chose a giant mille-feuille, a delightful surprise that thrilled their guests. Their first dance took a unique turn too, as they recreated a flashmob scene from Netflix's hit show “The Perfect Couple,” enlisting friends and family in on fun.
A surprising reveal
In true surprise fashion, Campbell and Ben had actually married in a private ceremony back in October. They captured this intimate moment on video and shared it with guests during their wedding celebration.
Campbell, who had confided in close friends and family before 2023, decided it was time he shared his truth with everyone as he looked forward towards his future with Ben. “Once we got engaged, I knew it'd become public, so I wanted control that story,” he explains.
Though New Zealand Rugby had privately supported him, going public was a huge step. The overwhelming support and positivity that followed affirmed this was right time.
Inspiring community connections
“This journey has been filled with unexpected turns,” Campbell muses. Many in LGBTQ+ community reached out, sharing how they'd walked away from sports they loved because they didn't feel they fit in. Inspired by Campbell, some are reclaiming those passions.
"Coming out lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders," he says. “I no longer had worry about media scrutiny and could just live freely.” Ben proudly notes Campbell's impact as a role model, as they continue receiving messages full gratitude and admiration.
Their wedding celebration also echoed a strong message within rugby community. Notable rugby figures attended, highlighting sport's inclusive and respectful spirit.
Empowering future generations
Campbell and Ben hope their story spreads joy and confidence throughout LGBTQ+ community, especially those in sports. “Rugby's about respect and family,” Campbell mentions. “It's about embracing who we are.”
They believe their openness will help future athletes live authentically. “Whether you're getting married or coming out, make sure it's on your terms,” Campbell advises. “Be happy in your own skin and take those steps when you're ready.”
Their wedding photos capture a beautiful love story and shine a light on a brighter future those ready follow their hearts.
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