Quick introduction: Haka is an ancient war cry of the Maori that was used before battles as an intimidation tactic. Today it's used as a battle cry before games or as a victory chant after a win, to show a sign of respect to someone, or to acknowledge, bless or honor a special occasion or funeral.
The video was filmed at Benjamin and Aaliyah's wedding reception in Auckland last week. In it, they watch with emotion as the groomsmen and guests surprise them with a heartfelt performance of the traditional haka dance, before joining in themselves.
"I wasn't planning on jumping in until one bridesmaid did. I felt the need to show love and respect back," said Ms Armstrong. "I was really blown away." Women do not normally perform the haka in Maori culture, but she said they can do at weddings. The nearly three-minute video ends with the couple emotionally embracing the performers.
The haka was organised by the 23-year-old groom's best man and was led by his older brother. It was filmed by her cousin's production company. Benjamin Armstrong thanks the groomsmen with a Maori greeting at the end of the dance "Ben is a Maori, he is probably more Maori than I am," Ms Armstrong said. "Because he has fair skin, some people have been saying on social media that 'he'd better not hurt the bride', but they're actually his family."
