Trailblazing Rugby Star Campbell Johnstone Celebrates Love with Mountain-Top Wedding in New Zealand

Trailblazing Rugby Star Campbell Johnstone Celebrates Love with Mountain-Top Wedding in New Zealand

In a heartwarming celebration of love and authenticity, former professional rugby player Campbell Johnstone, who made headlines as the first openly gay All Blacks player, has tied the knot with his partner Ben Thomson in a picturesque ceremony in New Zealand.

Johnstone, who bravely came out in 2023 during an interview on TVNZ’s "Seven Sharp," expressed his desire to "take away the pressure" of coming out, revealing that living a double life had been quite challenging. His candidness and courage paved the way for greater acceptance and understanding within the rugby community and beyond.

In an exclusive interview with a popular New Zealand magazine, Johnstone, 44, and Thomson, 37, shared intimate details of their unique wedding day. Eschewing tradition, the couple secretly wed before hosting a celebration with family and friends at The Flaxmill in the charming town of Oxford, located on the South Island.

"Nobody knew what was going on," Johnstone recounted, adding that even their groomspeople and close family were kept in the dark. This element of surprise added a special layer of intimacy and magic to their union.

The couple chose to have a private day dedicated just to the two of them. As photographers captured their preparations at a local hotel, the soon-to-be husbands made their way to Castle Hill Station. There, on a majestic mountaintop, they exchanged vows in a deeply personal ceremony.

"It was literally just us, the two photographers, and the videographer on that hill," Thomson explained. "We didn’t even have a celebrant, which made the moment feel incredibly personal and unique."

The newlyweds cherished this exclusive time together, highlighting the importance of making their wedding day truly their own.

To share a glimpse of this intimate ceremony with their guests, the couple projected a video of their mountain-top nuptials onto a large screen at their wedding reception. "We wanted it to look like we had just come from the ceremony," Johnstone explained. "Some guests even thought it was happening live!"

The emotional day was filled with memorable moments, including Johnstone's sister delivering a heartfelt and touching speech. Meanwhile, Thomson fondly recalled a moment when the two snuck away from the lively celebration for a brief respite.

"While our guests enjoyed dessert, we managed to slip away to a nearby hill with a plate of food," Thomson shared. "It was a quiet moment for just the two of us to reflect and savor the joy of the day."

The celebration itself was a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful array of canapés, an indulgent pasta station, and delectable steaks. As the evening wore on, a vibrant nightclub opened up within the venue.

"It was like stepping into a glowing, luminous jungle," Thomson described. "We even had a saxophonist playing alongside the DJ, which added a fantastic vibe to the rave atmosphere."

Looking ahead to their future together, the couple is considering a luxury safari in South Africa for their honeymoon. "Traveling, eating, drinking, and enjoying each other's company," Johnstone said, outlining their plans for relaxation and adventure.

The wedding of Campbell Johnstone and Ben Thomson stands as a testament to love, courage, and the joy of living one's truth. Their story continues to inspire many in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond as they embark on this new chapter in their lives, celebrating love in its purest form.