Louise and Jeremy had been going out for several years when they eventually became engaged. They had planned their wedding many months in advance, and had decided to have the ceremony at St Clements on the hill at Stafford, and then the reception at Clear Mountain Resort.

The wedding day proved to be such a spectacular event. Everything went according to plan and apart from the heat, everyone seemed to have a great time. Louise looked absolutely resplendent in her bridal gown as she stepped into the awaiting limousine that was to take her to the church and later to the reception.

Louise had chosen her two sisters and Jeremy’s sister Naomi, to be her bridesmaids. They all looked beautiful in their pale blue satin dresses, with their hair covered in a spray of flowers.

Unfortunately, Naomi had been in a football accident in Canberra and needed to wear a cast on her foot. She managed to hobble down the aisle with the aid of a crutch and a groomsman.

Alan, the father of the bride was beaming with pride as he accompanied Louise to the altar, where Jeremy was waiting for his soon-to-be bride.

I was in a bit of a daze during the ceremony and filled with mixed emotions. I was so happy and yet melancholy at the same time. The exchanging of vows was a very poignant moment, which was sealed with a loving kiss.

Cameras were constantly flashing throughout the church as everyone tried to capture the precious moments on film.

Outside the church, family members and friends congregated together to catch a glimpse of the newly wed couple who seemed to be floating on cloud nine.

Its sometimes hard to believe how quickly your children grow up. One day you’re watching them take their first steps, taking them to kindergarten, seeing them in school plays, when before you know it they’ve spread their wings and flown the coop.

After some quiet reflection and several more photos it was time for everyone to make their way up to the Clear Mountain Resort.

On arrival I booked into my room with a balcony, which overlooked the surrounding lakes and countryside. The room consisted of a bar fridge, two beds, a TV and bathroom with dispensers of soap, shaving cream, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

I eventually made my way towards the gardens, where the bridal party was being photographed. There was a lot of laughter and giggles, and I suspect the champagne they consumed on the way up in the limousine, may have had something to do with it.

It was getting late as I made my way towards the reception. On arrival I spotted my parents engaged in conversation with some of the guests. I decided I would have a lemon, lime and bitters and helped myself to the sumptuous hors d’oeuvres being passed around.

The dining area consisted of tables and chairs covered in white damask, with rose petals and candelabras for the centrepiece. Blue and pink helium balloons danced on the ceiling, with their silver ribbons dangling in mid-air. A disc jockey played both contemporary music and songs from a by-gone era.

After the pre-dinner drinks on the balcony, everyone made their way into the reception area for the entree, which comprised a choice of either pasta or beef portions. Roast chicken or steak with vegetables was the main course, while dessert came in the form of miniature caramel mud cakes covered in white icing.

It was time for the speeches and Alan spoke candidly about Louise needing Jeremy to do the cooking for her, which caused some amusement among the guests. After he had finished his speech that reflected his love and best wishes for the happy couple, I shared the following poem I wrote.

Friends and lovers for life

As Jeremy takes his brand new wife

Gazing into each other’s eyes

They slowly begin to realise

The day that had seemed so far away

Has arrived in all its fine array.

Louise pristine in her gown

Is really quite well renowned

For working towards her goal

By putting in her heart and soul

To build a better and brighter future

With Jeremy as her loving suitor.

May you share many precious moments together

And find comfort from life’s stormy weather

Never forget to say, “I love you!”

Always remember to see things through

Live it up on South Molle Island

And come back home happy and smilin’.

My poem was well received and both Alan and I were given a heartfelt round of applause.

Next on the scene for speeches were Jeremy’s parents George and Noela. They worked as a team in the portrayal of Jeremy and his cousins as children, dressing up in Ninja Turtles outfits and carrying their swords. George commented on the fact that Jeremy needed to stop borrowing his 4-wheel drive and get his own. They reminisced over the time that Louise and Jeremy lived with them for 18 months and how there was a dramatic decrease in the utility bills after they had moved out.

Noela also mentioned Louise’s initial introduction to their whole extended family. I remember the day she was to go to that function, and how her knees felt like jelly and her heart was beating overtime.

The guests by this time were quite lively with the outpouring of stories, and then the best man gave his rendition, after which he quickly had a swig of beer to calm his nerves.

When the speeches were all over, Jeremy and Louise stole the limelight once more by dancing the bridal waltz followed by their parents. The floor was eventually packed with guests as they danced the night away.

Finally the night came to a close and some of the guests stayed over in the resort accommodation and had a breakfast buffet the following morning. My family and I enjoyed the buffet menu which included cereal, fruit, yoghurt, fried mushrooms, poached eggs, baked beans and bacon.

It was great catching up with my extended family whom I very rarely ever see, except on special occasions. Everyone’s lives seem to be so hectic, and nobody seems to have much time for each other any more. The wedding definitely united a lot of people and it brought out the best in them.

I’m so grateful for having had this wonderful experience and seeing Louise and Jeremy refreshed and relaxed after their honeymoon.