Finally: "Our Wedding!!"

Our wedding was a beautiful, beautiful day. It was a lovely sunny summer's day - but not too hot. It was officiated by two very dear friends of ours: the Reverend Ian Brown and the Reverend Jillian Stewart and took place at Toorak Uniting church.

Brendan and I put a lot of time into planning the service with Ian and Jillian and were really pleased with it. It was a sacred and moving time for us both, and for many others in the church. Many said to us later how touched they were by Ian's beautiful sermon: it really spoke about how significant marriage is for all of us. The finishing touch was the simply divine music provided by my school's choir joined by a number of our ex-students, including Katie Radcliffe who sang the Ave Maria in the most hauntingly beautiful voice. It was such a wonderful gift! We were really moved by the beauty of the service, and are really grateful to Jillian and Ian, and our attendants, Larissa, Nadine and Claire, and Brendan's brother Andrew and nephew Scott for taking part in it.

After we'd had coffee at the church after the service and taken LOTS of pics (Thanks Bev!) and video (thanks Linden!) we then headed off to mum's house for the "bbq and drinks" in lieu of a 'serious' reception. I've remarked to many people that the fact that the groom made his speech barefoot and in jeans says something about the kind of function it was. It was really laid back and relaxed, and many of our friends took the opportunity to talk to get to know others they'd never met. I was also rapt that a number of my students from school volunteered to serve the food and drinks - it was brilliant to be able to share the day with you guys. All in all, it was a great night!!

For my overseas friends: When you look at the pictures of the wedding at mum's you'll see how very dry it was. We're in the middle of a terrible drought. It's a little more dry now - but we're still desperately in need of rain. It's pretty bleak here at the moment!

Anyway, finally some photos to show you all what a wonderful wonderful day it was! My apologies for taking so long! Thanks very much for all the prayers, love and support which got me, and us to this day!

If you want to see pics of the honeymoon - Brendan has produced a beautiful account of it on his blog: http://comfycouchconfessions.blogspot.com/2007/02/sacred-spaces.html

And he also has produced a beautiful testimony to our wonderful, beautiful dog Connor who departed this life earlier in the year aged 10. How we miss you beautiful face Connor-T-dog ! http://comfycouchconfessions.blogspot.com/2007/01/vale-connor.html

Love to you all - Here's to making a more concerted attempt to staying in touch!

Hugs
Sandy XXX