Our week of preparations before the wedding began with rain, rain and more rain. At first we laughed it off light-heartedly. The forecast looked promising for the end of the week, and besides, a bit of wet weather wasn't going to spoil the celebrations. But the rain continued relentlessly, and my parents' garden slowly disappeared under puddles of water. Every day brought another one or two inches in the gauge, and soon the ground became too soggy to negotiate. A hasty reminder was sent to friends to bring a brolly and leave their high heels at home!As the offshore low deepened and our spirits dampened, we became caught in indecision about which of the various back-up plans required our attention. However amidst the doubt and worries of the Gifkins household there remained one stubborn character who was determined to see our vision carried through to reality. After eleven consecutive days of rain, and the wettest April in eighteen years,
it seemed to the rest of us that Joel was driven largely by blind optimism. Surely the opportunity for a beautiful garden wedding had passed?At 4am on Friday morning we were woken by an intense electrical storm that brought another heavy downpour. Joel went outside to survey the damage and found most of the marquee area submerged by a river of stormwater flowing past the back verandah. There was another 48mm in the gauge overnight, and it seemed that our plans had finally been foiled.
Lunchtime on Friday was decision time. We needed to start moving furniture and setting up the reception area for our 70 guests. But where was the reception to be? The early morning 'flood waters' had largely soaked away, so we tested out the marquee with a birthday morning tea for my cousin Heath who had just turned one. I'm sure Heath desperately wanted to play in the mud, but otherwise it had a surprisingly cosy feel. Convinced by Joel's enthusiasm and a still promising forecast for the following day, we decided to carry on as planned with lunch in the garden under the marquee.
Suddenly it was all hands on deck. Pam and Jenny were arranging flowers while Sam and Anna were decorating cakes. Sue was putting up signs and Kevin was carting around cases of beer. Pete was laying paths of hay and Darryl was cleaning the school verandah. Roger and Joel were moving tables and Jess was recording the moment. After a week of virtual inactivity I felt so bewildered by the sudden hustle and bustle that I could do no more than point people in various directions.By the time we sat down for a combined family dinner of Stewarts and Gifkins I think we were all exhausted. It was too late to change our lunch venue though, so we would just have to wait and see what the new day would bring.....
And it was magnificent!
Saturday dawned clear and bright, and the sun quickly evaporated all our worries away. Joel cooked a big breakfast for everyone, then Mum, Jess and I disappeared for all our girly hair and make-up rituals. While getting dressed in the front room I could peak through a gap in the curtains and see our guests congregating. From a distance it was hard to recognise everyone in their fancy clothes and the nerves began to build. But as always Dad was a calming presence, and as we stepped out the front door together I felt a huge surge of excitement.
The love and energy that surrounded us during the whole ceremony was absolutely unforgettable. I was so thrilled and honoured to be amongst such amazing people and to share with them this special moment in our lives. It was a beautifully affirming and inspiring moment. Made perfect, of course, by the wonderful man standing beside me!
The cloud of bubbles that was sent into the brilliant morning sunshine contained a multitude of wishes for a life of love, laughter, peace and happiness together.
The rest of the day passed in a whirlwind of smiles, hugs and interrupted conversations.
I never felt like I had enough time to catch up properly with our friends who had travelled from far and wide, but it was just so wonderful to have everyone there, and for the people I love most in the world to be part of our special day.
We also really enjoyed having lots of children to share in the excitement. The young ones had lots of fun running around and playing with the water features in the garden.
The music and laughter and flowers and sunshine all contributed to such a wonderful atmosphere. We hugely appreciate all the hard work that went on behind the scenes to create this seemingly effortless event. It was a labour of love by many hands and it all came together just as we had hoped and wished. I have never felt happier.
Thanks to Jenny, Jess and Jude for the photos!
