Aquarian Cogitations: My wedding...

My wedding took place on October 6, 2012, and, although I was still blogging on the old blog back then, I didn't have any wedding photos to share. Now I do! The day was absolutely perfect from start to finish. All my hard work and planning paid off and everything went off smoothly. I had one bridesmaid, Derek had one groomsman (all the way from Boston, MA!) and we had two flower girls. Our wedding was on the 'intimate' side with only 30 guests (a few extras showed up to watch the ceremony), but this was perfect as I felt like I actually knew everyone there and I got to spend time with everyone (although not always lots of time - it's amazing how many ways you have to spread your attention at your own wedding!). Enjoy the photos...

The guys said it was super awkward being told by the photographer to "act natural - dress each other" as they never have dressed each other before!

One of Derek's friends sent some Johnny Walker Platinum as a gift so Derek served it. Jimmy was responsible for buying it at duty free and barely got it through airport security!

Jimmy is a bit of a jokester. He was the life of the party (and saved the visit from Derek's parents being more torturous than it was) - everyone commented on his great personality!

Can you believe the background is just outside the window?

Why do photographers insist on over-brightening photos when they edit them? I look a bit drunk in this photo.

My sister had a self tanning disaster the night before the wedding!

I had originally wanted turquoise dresses but couldn't find any, so settled for this lavender colour.

Um, you don't even have a watch on! And I was on time because I was told very sternly by the priest to be on time!

My mum walked me down the aisle as my Dad passed away after my sister's wedding in 2011.

My sister 'claims' she didn't know she had to do a reading (I specifically remember asking her on Facebook chat one day) so this meant for an awkward moment in the church when the priest called on her and she nearly refused to get up and read!

Our friend, Cass, sung a song. Our church was quite liberal and our priest encouraged our own music and readings which were meaningful to us rather than the standard hymns and prayers. He kept asking us to find a friend who played music or sung, so we asked Cass! She did an amazing job and sung 'At Last'.

I don't like kissing shots (find them cheesy/tacky) but you have to put that one in!

These guys showed up late and walked in seconds before my cousins started walking down the aisle!

I love this series of four photos and have them framed in my house in a vertical four shot frame.

It was super cold and windy at the beach that day - around 15 degrees and had been raining on and off all day. Luckily there was no rain while we were at the beach as the bathing boxes provided a beautiful and bright backdrop for our photos, and the wind gave the photos great movement. In reality we were a bit cold!

This photo is hilarious as my sister's husband is so ridiculously tall compared to the rest of us shorties!

Derek and his work friends (my sister also worked there for several years so they're all friends of hers, too). Keep in mind Jimmy had never met these people before the reception, but is again acting the fool!

My Uncle was M.C. for the evening.

The venue was absolutely perfect. Delicious food and good portions, a warm, intimate space (they also have a much larger room for bigger weddings), great service, and a lovely view out onto the beach. People commented on how fantastic the reception venue was and how great the manager was.

My Mum made the 'mother of the bride' speech. She did an outstanding job.

Derek's father made his speech. Unfortunately it was more like a 21st birthday speech as it just harped on about Derek's life and achievements, and didn't mention anything about us as a couple (he isn't happy Derek lives in Melbourne and not Boston). Derek was highly embarrassed by it all!

I made cue cards for my speech - having done debating since 1999, I am a regular at public speaking!

Take your hand out of your pocket and open your eyes!

Our first dance. We didn't really practise so kind of did the whole sway around thing. Derek went for a turn and I don't know how I didn't slip over - I could feel the back of my dress catch under my shoe and me slide across the floor. No one seemed to notice but I was sure I was going to fall over in front of everyone for what felt like a good few minutes there!

Jimmy's face in these two photos is priceless!

Surprise!

My Uncle danced with me (I think because this was the second dance and it was like him stepping in for the father-daughter dance, I will always remember this gesture as it was really nice).

Mid-Nutbush.

Americans have never heard of the Nutbush before - can you believe it??!! When the Nutbush started up at my sister's wedding, Derek sat there flabbergasted. Jimmy was right in it this year, though, and got up, hooked his thumbs through his belt loops, and proceeded to do a boot scooting version of the Nutbush, learning it on the spot!