And then it happened...in Australia

In Australia...

Something special happened last weekend...we gained a new member to our family. Actually, not just one member, but in fact, I think we gained a good portion of a village..at least that is what it felt like by the time we all departed the wedding and it felt wonderful. 

But let me back up a few hours. We arrived, to the wedding...the mother, the father, the brother and one of the sisters (the other one is studying in Cameroon) and wondered how this would work. We were four of 80+ guests and we did not know a single person other than the bride, the groom and the maid of honor who we met the night before. And then it happened, we were met by the warm embrace of the other guests who as it turned out were one big extended family. They mostly hailed from Canberra...I now love Canberra. Canberrians are people to love!

If you know Aussies, you will know that they are some of the most genuine, fun loving and outgoing people on the face of the planet. I thought Americans and Canadians had this covered but I think the Australians might have one up on us. Being a dual citizen, both American and Australian, I feel honoured...but I digress.

I knew from the first heartwarming welcome that I was going to kick myself for forgetting to bring along a case of tissues to hold back the tears...for they did flow.

They started flowing

when I looked up at my smiling son, 

in his military whites,

waiting for his bride-to-be...Cherie.

(tissue alert)

Patrick...the wait.

And then they started again when

Cherie turned the corner,

looking joyfully radiant.

(tissue alert)

A beautiful bride...Cherie

and the tears flowed again

when they tied the knot

and then another knot...

the Celtic knot, a symbol of unity,

and their pledge to 

spend their lives together.

(tissue alert)

The Mother and Father of the Groom

can not begin to describe how happy 

we are for both of them.

(tissue alert)

Captain and Mrs. Henriques..in black, white and a touch of red
on their wedding day.

The new Mrs. H is a very talented woman.

An artist and fellow Virgo, she designed 

and produced nearly everything herself, 

including many of the details

 on her wedding gown.

The wedding reflected their personalities

 in an exicting way with a "Burtonesque" theme 

that was playful and enchanting. 

I know for a fact that everyone in attendance

absolutely loved the candy bar..complete with 

black and white striped candy bags.

If you are planning a wedding...think candy bar!

 The American Welcome...
Next up is the American family reunion at Tahilla Farm in December 2015. Our first Christmas at Tahilla Farm and the first chance for everyone to meet Cherie on home territory. We are all so so excited...and I have so so so much to do! Finish building a house is first on the list... ;)


About the MOG dress...

Some of you may be wondering about the mother of the groom dress. I arrived with three dresses and a floral jacket. A menagerie of colour, one each in midnight blue, teal, lavender and pink.   Not to confuse myself or anything. It all fell together in the end...my eldest daughter said no, no and yes. Lavender and pink for me. 

As for photos...we have to wait for those. Today...it is just about the bride and the groom and the many many happy wedding wishes you have sent their way over the past few blog posts. 

Thank you all!!!

Jeanne xx

Patrick, Cherie and a sunset over the Yarra Valley in Australia

(tissue alert)

Wedding photographs

taken by Jerome Cole Photography

with exception of my photos 

(Patrick and Sourstraps)