We are gathered here today....

to witness the marriage of Taegan Tomlin to Gareth Harris.  Yes the last 7 months since 'the date was set' has flown by and before we knew it we were catching a plane to Perth for the wedding of the year.

We arrived in Perth the week before so we could spend some time with all the family before the big day and what a week we had.  Anne and Paul very kindly let us use their spare bedroom once more and after a quick stop to unpack the bags we were soon on our way to spend the afternoon with Sarah, David, Corbyn and Amelie.  No we weren't being rude, Anne and Paul were windsurfing and we were having dinner with them later.

We had a lovely time catching up with Sarah, David, Corbyn and Amelie during the week.  Sunday afternoon, dinner on Tuesday, lunch on Sunday and a special visit to Corbyn's school for 'Fathers Day' on Friday afternoon.  These visits gave us both the opportunity to spend some much loved Nana and Poppa time with the kids and we had a fun time playing with them.  Poppa became quite the architect, designing and building a Lego cubby house with Corbyn.  I had the job of reading books and just loved the new story books that had arrived during the week.  Amelie was quite happy helping with the Lego people.  We also learnt quite a lot about Super Heroes of the day during our visits.

Tuesday was the first opportunity we had to see Gareth as both he and Taegan were busy with the many pre wedding tasks.  We met him for lunch at Miss Mauds in Morley and he was looking quite relaxed considering there was only 4 days to go.  It was good to see him even though it was a quick visit.  On Wednesday night we had dinner with them and it was good to spend some time together before the big day.  Taegan had everything under control and neither seemed to be stressed.  We also met her brother Dylan and her Bridesmaid Melissa who had her 3 week old daughter Charlotte with her.  So cute.

Our other nights were spent at home with Anne and Paul and we really enjoyed spending the quiet evenings around the table.  I even cooked Pumpkin Soup one night and only forgot one ingredient without the recipe.  It still tasted good so not too disastrous.

On Monday Bill decided that an early morning visit to Wireless Hill Park was the way to start the day but I decided that another hour in bed was a much better idea.  We spent the day in town looking for some last minute items for the big day.  A necklace and earrings for me and a new suit for Bill.  He decided his old one was a just little past it's use by date.  He bought it for his Sisters wedding 10 years ago.  Good decision, I think.  

While we decided that this week was to be first and foremost all about family we did manage to find a couple of hours during the week to have a coffee with a few friends.  Gilly and Gary drove down to Debs place and we spent a couple of hours on Tuesday afternoon catching up with them all and of course checking out the new house.  Almost at lock up stage then.  Soon be all finished.  We called in to see Lorraine and Hans on Wednesday afternoon and were spoilt with home made biscuits with our tea.  And Thursday we spent a couple of hours with Steve Beech but missed seeing Alison as she had not returned from NZ where she had been visiting her mother.  

We even managed a few hours to our self and on Wednesday we drove down to Fremantle to have a look around and found it not to have changed too much other than being much quieter than we remembered.  With the Markets closed mid week (I forgot we were not in Melbourne) we headed over to the harbour and had fish and chips at Cicerello's. It was very busy here on this lovely sunny day and we joined the many others eating outside on the deck.  A quick look at the 'Fishermen' sculpture before walking back to the car for our drive north.  We stopped at Hilarys Boat Harbour to have a look at Saturday nights venue before heading off to Taegan and Gareths for dinner that night.

And then before we knew it Saturday the 1st September had arrived and it was time to get ready for the big event.  Taegan and Melissa were getting ready at the Joondalup Resort and the boys were at Gareth's place.  We had been asked to stop here on the way up in case help was needed with the ties.  

We arrived to find 3 blokes playing video games, not too much stress here but once the dressing began there was a little nervous note in the chatter, from the Groom at least.  Soon after Gareth and his Best Man, Luke, were dressed and ready and we were on our way to Sir James McCusker park in Iluka for the ceremony.

Everything was in place and looked lovely.  The guests arrived and mingled in the sunshine while we waited for Taegan to arrive.  She did soon after in a horse drawn carriage and after a very long walk we all saw how beautiful she looked.  The wedding ceremony was lovely, the vows written by them and very soon after we were being introduced to the newest Mr and Mrs Harris.  Welcome Taegan, we are so glad to have you officially as part of our family at last.

The next hour or so was spent with the photographer and of course all the normal family groups were taken and some lovely pictures of the Bride and Groom.

The girls from Charming Carriages then brought the horse and carriage onto the lawn and many gorgeous pictures were taken with Bob the beautiful draught horse.  He really did seem to love Taegan and we have the pictures to prove it.  From the park we left to make our way over to The Boulevard at Hilarys where the reception was being held.  This was just a small group of immediate family and the Wedding party and we had a fun night with just a few formalities during which Luke's Best Man speech had the table in stitches.

Having spoken to the kids since I know that the day was everything they had both hoped for.  Taegan looked beautiful and Gareth very handsome as well.  The weather had been a concern with the forecast changing daily but we woke up to a perfect day, still warm and sunny for the 4.30pm Wedding.  We could not have asked for a better day.  We had a wonderful time sharing your big day with you both and we wish you every happiness now and for the future as you begin this next stage in your life.  Take care and love each other always and you will have a wonderful life together.

And so once again we headed for the airport on Sunday afternoon for the trip home and part 2 of our holidays, we were picking up our camper trailer and heading off into the wild blue yonder on Monday.
To where we don't know yet but I'll keep you posted.

until next time.........