Jan 25, 2010 00:04
Yesterday was the wedding, and it went off beautifully! Let's see if I can manage a decent recap.
We all got up pretty early so that Dan and Emma could go on their separate ways. Emma and I went to her parents' house, and Dan went to his. The morning was really icky and overcast, but as I had been assuring anyone who brought up the weather for the wedding all week, I was completely confident that it would clear up in time. The other worry was about Emma's grandmother. She had thrown out her back trying to help a neighbor and was bedridden. It didn't look like she'd be able to come. Emma was understandably upset, but we had to push on regardless.
Around 9 we headed out from her parents' house to town to get hair and makeup done. We looked stunning by the end of it, although I don't believe I've ever worn that much makeup in my entire life. All prettied up, we got back in the car and headed back to the house for lunch. It was a pretty full house what with Emma, her parents, her brother Des, his boyfriend Russ, and me. Around 2ish we decided it was about time to start getting dressed. Emma's mom and I helped Emma with her corset and dress. It was an absolutely gorgeous dress: strapless with a pleated bodice, form-fitting with a slight flair at the bottom, and delicate silver beading. The photographer arrived just as we finished dressing her, and while she got some photos with her family, I ran into the bathroom to put on my dress.
I ran around quite hectically trying to make sure my dress wouldn't fall down (it was also strapless) and my shoes wouldn't fall off (strappy sandals). Double sided tape became my best friend, although it left a rather nasty welt under my left arm. I digress. I finally got done just about when it was time to go. Emma and I got some pictures together, and then it was off to the woodland garden ceremony in these two cool 1930s era Ford Hot Rods. By this time, all the clouds had gone, and it was a perfectly beautiful sunny day. I knew it!
Upon arriving at the garden, we barely had time to take a breath before the ceremony started. Emma's cousin Carina led the procession as flower girl, I followed behind, and then here came the bride! Dan looked very nice and nervous up at the altar, and the atmosphere was just lovely. The cermony was short, but very sweet and personal. I almost cried, but managed to stop myself, as it would be no good to have smudgy eyes the rest of the day. Nathan, Dan's little brother and best man, and I signed as winesses to the marriage, and it was official! Mr. and Mrs. Stocker! ♥
After the ceremony, there was a quick round of greetings, and then photo time! The photographer took tons of family photos, then led the bridal party around the gardens for some posed shots. Once she was satisfied with what the gardens could give us, Dan, Emma, Nathan, and I jumped in the bridal cars and headed to a beautiful bay not far away. Emma, Dan, and I had checked out the place earlier in the week (and saw wild penguins heading to their nest!), and they had decided that was where they wanted wedding photos. We had quite the photo shoot before heading back for the reception.
The reception was quite lovely. There was lots of good food and wine and a nice, easygoing mood. Speeches included Emma's dad Steve, Dan's dad Hank, myself, Nathan, and Daniel, in that order. I was nervous about giving my toast, but I got through it without too much stumbling. Once the meal and speeches were finished, Emma and Daniel cut the cake and had their first dance. I have these on video, but I have not uploaded them quite yet. Please be patient!
The bride and groom's first dance just barely broke the ice for dancing. Supposedly it is common wisdom that Kiwis don't really dance. The bridal party boogied a bit, and I danced with Emma. A few people got onto the floor, but eventually it trailed off, despite all efforts. Now, I'm a brave, but not particularly talented dancer. My moves include the Lawnmower and the Shopping Cart. However, Dan told me later that quite a few people mentioned that I was a great dancer. They obviously just haven't seen really good dancers. I definitely impressed Emma's grandfather though. He told me all day today what a good "mover and shaker" I am.
After a long day, the party started breaking up around 11:30pm. Emma and Dan went up to Larnach Castle, a Dunedin historic spot, for a night at the inn there, and I came back to their house to promptly fall asleep.
Today I had a lazy morning with a large barbeque at Emma's parents' house in the afternoon. It was nice to see some of the attendees at the wedding in a more casual atmosphere. I got to get friendly with people and had a couple offers to come stay at people's homes during the year. I also played with the kids, including two adorable Japanese children whose parents make their home in Dunedin.
I have one more day here, and then on Tuesday, I will be making a move to Queenstown. Supposedly the adventure tourism capital of the world, I'm hoping to pick up some work pretty easily, either in a shop, cafe, or somewhere in the surround countryside. Vineyards have become a booming industry in Central Otago in recent years, according to people around here, so I figure I'll try my luck!