With the official part out of the way, it was time for the party to begin. Neither Alec or I are really party-party people, so we wanted a reception that would be like an elegant dinner party. Choosing the Gunners’ Barracks meant that we could have this, plus a lovely 1920s theme to the evening.
That’s right, booked out … for us!
Programs I made with mum, Alec and my friend Sally, and fans. We thought it might be hot so ordered fans for guests. It was not hot at all, but the fans still vanished like hotcakes.
Menus – image design by my friend Fadhila, created on the computer by Alec and assembled by Sally. Tea cups organised and assembled by my mum. Chocolates by Belle Fleur, organised by our friend Greg. Thank you everyone for your help!
Flowers in teapots. Gorgeous blooms by Petals and Leaves, teapots collected by my mum from Victoria’s Basement and Peter’s of Kensington.
Butterfly name cards from Etsy seller Timeless Paper.
Cupcakes by my amazing friend Julia. Stand made by her dad .
Penguin cake toppers by Etsy seller RedLightStudio.
The dining room all set up for guests.
Making our grand entrance. Having everyone stand up and look at us – freaky! Having my new husband by my side is the best thing ever.
We had our bridal party plus partners at our table.
Emcee and dear friend Beverly makes the opening speech. No Bev, we don’t work for Yahoo … 🙂
Guest book by Etsy seller Just Write Boutique.
Engagement photos featuring the dogs on the mantle piece. Unity candles by Pink Frosting.
During the evening, my sister-in-law Michele accompanied her cousin Liz in a rendition of our of our favourite songs – “Bubbly”. She sang her own version of the song, which I think was more beautiful than the original. Liz has a stunning voice – people were asking for an encore.
Liz on vocals, Michele on the organ.
Watching and listening to the song.
After dinner came the speeches. I had been feeling a bit queasy so we changed the arrangements (thanks Bev!) and had the speeches on the balcony. It turned out a great idea as we all got some fresh air and to look at the stunning view over the harbour.
Both my dad and Alec’s dad gave speeches, followed by Alec and myself. Our dads did a fantastic job, saying some really thoughtful, heartfelt and funny words. Alec and I had a long speech, thanking our army of helpers without whom our wedding wouldn’t have taken place or been so unique and personal.
My distinguished dad reading his speech. He was so nervous beforehand, but his speech was so wonderful, he had no need to be.
Alec’s dad gave a fabulous speech. He is so like Alec with his wry sense of humour.
Laughing at our dads’ speeches.
On the podium. Hope I didn’t bore people with my long-winded speech.
True love 🙂
We followed up the speeches with the rest of the official events – the toasting, cake cutting and bridal waltz.
To us – yay, we’re married!
I love this rare photo of my dad smiling. He and my mum had such a wonderful time. It made me so happy to see them enjoy the wedding.
Cutting the amazing giant cupcake. It is currently cut into chunks, frozen, waiting for our first wedding anniversary to thaw it out.
Bridal dance to “Somewhere over the rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole.
At the end of the night with my amazing girls, Bev and Lisa. Thank you both so much for basically running the day for us. You did a fabulous job.
Goodbye time. Yay sparklers!
Heading home in the Chrysler. Thanks for coming everyone!
Before we knew it, the night was over and we were shepherded off into the car for our ride home. Completely exhausted, I have never been so happy to be in my own bed, with my husband by my side. Totally, blissfully, happily married.
Photography by the excellent Vincent Lai.
I LOVE that version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, it’s so beautiful!
Thanks Sarah, I love it too!
Great pics Christine! Dad will be happy about his new job as home economics teacher 😉
Everything looks so wonderful but I love your clever use of Etsy sellers. What a brilliant way to source unique little touches for the wedding!