Simon and John organised events over 3 days, the central item being the ceremony itself but being preceded by an evening welcome and followed by a lunch farewell. The evening event took the form a of a well organised quiz, which everyone seemed to enjoy. The winning team was seen using Google extensively but no one seemed to mind. As many of the questions were inevitably NZ oriented with a number about gays, it was not always easy to contribute but a good way of getting to know some of the other guests.
In between events I did some walking and again climbed Flagstaff Hill, this time to find a giant sundial on top but unfortunately no sun.
The weather forecast over this period was not at all good.
The wedding ceremony had been due to take place in the open in the beautiful garden of the Pompellier Mission - somewhat ironic that this gay wedding should take place at what was originally the French Catholic Mission HQ. However, perhaps some higher authority decided to intervene. The heavens opened, the rains poured down and the venue had to be changed to the Town Hall. Fortunate for Neta and us, as our apartments were immediately across the road from there.
Simon has a reputation as a perfectionist and and worked to a detailed timeline of when everything was due to happen. Guests were asked to arrive from 3.30 for the 4 p.m. start. When we arrived the hall was already fairly full and Clodagh and I sat a few rows back. Neta had a seat in the front with the family. Despite the detailed timeline, in true bridal fashion, they arrived 15 minutes late. The hour long ceremony was then conducted by Dr Kim Jewell Elliott and she had much to say throughout about the love that Simon and John have for each other.
There were readings and prayers from friends and their sisters, Helen, Honor and Trish. There was a water ritual, where Simon and John washed each others hands, and Declarations of Intent. Then there was a 'Handfasting' where their mothers bound their hands together and their fathers loosened them to represent their past relationships with their parents.
Simon and John then declared vows to each other - much longer than the vows we are normally used to. More familiarly, this was followed by an exchange of rings, the Celebrant made a pronouncement of their union and the register was signed,
During the ceremony heavy rain was heard on the tin roof but had cleared to enable us to go outside for drinks and canopes while the hall was rearranged. Then back in for speeches from both Simon and John, some of their friends and from both mothers. We were then more than ready for the buffet meal and were seated next to Helen's cousin, Simone and her husband, Chris, who we had met in the UK at Olivia's Christening 5 years ago. The meal was followed by a ceilidh, by which time the noise was too much for me and I escaped across to our apartment.
More walking over Flagstaff Hill and down to Tapeka Point, a pretty hamlet and beach at the head of the peninsular.
But got wet walking back.
Improved weather for the final lunch event at the house where Matt and Denise and the family were staying. There is a great view down their garden and to Long Beach, which is the beach most popular to those staying in Russell.
We said goodbye to those leaving immediately after, including Helen and Olivia.
Robert Cole
No comments:
Post a Comment