We made it!

No blogging for 35 days. I must have had better things to do. Like organise the wedding.
Really the wedding was a breeze to organise and we had the most beautiful time at the most beautiful location in the whole of McLaren Vale.

Settlement Wines provided amazing food and a were the sweetest host. Plus you’ve gotta try their pizza. The gluten free crust where awesome, the blue cheese and mushroom pizza; to die for.

There are heaps of photos showing up on facebook.

For those that weren’t there this is the juice of the ceremony.

Marriage is the intimate sharing of two lives; a sharing that should not diminish but enhance the individuality of each partner, and remember: In the future, happy occasions will come as surely as the morning. Difficult times will come as surely as the night. When things go joyously, make time for each other When things go badly, make time for each other. To say the words ‘love and compassion’ is easy. But to accept that love and compassion are built upon patience and perseverance is not easy.

Those of you gathered here today are aware that Michelle and Stephen have been traveling the roads of life together for some years. Today’s ceremony is to confirm their love and commitment to each other.

Buddhist monk Ajahn Brahm describes marriage as the point from which couples go from being involved together to committed to each other.He compares this difference between involvement and commitment like the difference between bacon and eggs.

With bacon and eggs, the chicken is only involved, but the pig is committed.

Let this be a pig wedding!

* Celebrant addresses Bride and Groom

Stephen and Michelle, do you come now to be married in the presence of all who love you?

* Stephen and Michelle: We do

Stephen and Michelle, would you now please turn and face each other and hold hands.

* Taking of Vows

I ask the people here present to witness that I, Stephen Wake, take you, Michelle Koen, to be my lawful wedded wife.
You are the perfect match for me,
When my spirits are low, you lift them,
When my imagination runs wild, you keep me anchored safely,
You know me better than any other, and I would have it no other way
For you I would go to the end of the earth, even though sometimes you can’t get me to take the bin to the end of the driveway for you.
Unlike our dog, I will never rush ahead, I’ll be at your side always.

With you I will share my entire life,
I ask the people here present to witness that I, Michelle Koen, take you, Stephen Wake, to be my lawful wedded husband.
You are the perfect match for me.
Your sweet love, compassion and humble nature fills me with joy and peace.
No matter how crazy my ideas are you are always there to suport me.
You are my best friend, my biggest fan and my deepest love.
No one knows me like you do.
To you I entrust my heart.
With you I will share my entire life.

As for the dress. It turned out awesome!

The $5 wedding dress and $5 shoes

Thanks to everyone who came or sent wishes. I am not one to dream of a wedding, but the whole day was an absolute dream.