Here Comes the Bride!

Where was I? Ahh yes, The Wedding....

IT WAS SPECTACULAR!!

It truly looked like a fairy tale wedding. First of all, Penny looked like a princess in her gown. It was a dark gold/bronze color and required 2 layers of petticoats and someone [or two or three someones] to dress her! It was stunning!! Michael, aka the groom, was dressed in military dress uniforms--as were the groomsmen--except for Michael's brother, who was in a tux. Being a fall wedding, the colors were brown and orange. The bridesmaids wore mocha colored dresses--all the same material, but varying on design. The ceremony was short and sweet and I think I had the longest part--reading The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde. We had to do some liberal editing to get it short enough not to encourage snoozing, but I think we [i.e. Penny] did a great job of keeping the basics and allowing it to still be very poignant. It's Penny's favorite story and I did my best not to cry [or look at Penny, which would have ensured crying] while reading. I found it interesting that the readings/sermon were given after Penny & Michael took their vows, exchanged rings, signed the marriage licence, kissed, and were announced. The only technical difficulty arose as the couple were walking back down the aisle and realized that with there was no room for Michael to walk beside Penny, as her skirt took up the entire aisle [now THAT'S what I call a dress!!]

As the couple exited the church they were greeted not only by the guests, but by the guard, who presented their swords for Penny & Michael to walk beneath. Of course, as they reached each set of swords, the swords were lowered until the newlyweds kissed and only then would they be allowed to pass! :)

A bus was graciously provided to take us to the reception, which was held about 10 miles outside of Yass....so we [being NOT the wedding party] headed to the local pub to wait for the bus. After a drink [or two] a very nice soldier offered Jen Craig [a friend from football] and I a lift to the bus, so as not to have to walk 4 blocks in heals. Who says chivarly is dead?!?!?

The reception was held at an art gallery [the Crisp Gallery--check it out at www.petercrisp.com.au], which was beautifully decorated in fall colors and flowers galore [and I'm not just saying that because I helped!!]. Guests were invited to drinks and hors d'vors while waiting for the wedding party to finish with the photos. It was out in the gardens, which were lovely, but as the temperature was dropping, I was very thankful I brought my big coat!! Soon we were invited in and the cold [by now it was nearly 32F or 0C] was soon forgotten and dinner and more drinks flowed.....and flowed....and flowed.

Cake was cut--with a sword [too cool]! It was a chocolate cake, which for those of you not aware, in Australia "typical" wedding cake is fruit cake. bleh. I'm glad they went with chocolate!! The best, though, was the exact sugar replica of Oscar, the brown dog, who sat beside the cake. Even his nose was wet and shiny! It was a great topper--although a bit big to fit on the cake with the "traditional" bride and groom!! After the speeches, given by Mother of the Bride, Best Man, Bride & Groom, out came the band and the dancing commenced! Soon it was time for Bride & Groom to depart, so we bid them fare-thee-well and kept right on partying!!

After grabbing a few [okay like 7 or 8] beers for the road [I was willing to share!], we hopped on a bus and headed back into Yass and like moths to a flame found the ONLY pub still opened and, of course, continued drinking to Penny and Michael's happiness....

until some ungodly hour of the morning (4ish)....

to be continued.....
:) shez