The couple paid homage to Mr Verzosa's Hawaiian roots on their big day, even travelling from their nuptials together in an outrigger canoe.

Wollongong Five Islands Outrigger Canoe Club member Milton Stoyles was part of a 12-man crew who rowed the pair across Wollongong Harbour from their ceremony, admitting there was a bit of pressure on the team.

"We definitely didn't want them to fall in," he joked. "There was 12 of us taking them, so we felt pretty confident.

"We've done it once before for another member and we didn't lose anyone then, but we rowed a guy over for the New Year's Eve fireworks one year and he fell out, so you've got to be careful."

The pair were married overlooking the harbour, with around 40 guests watching on.

Mr Stoyles said the crew were thrilled to help the groom - a long-term member of the club and a retired sergeant and officer in charge of the Illawarra Police Rescue squad - on his special day.

"He's one of the founding members of the club and he's been with us for more than 10 years, so it wasn't even a question that we'd do it," he said.