Our wedding -11/03/2006

We could not have been more excited for our trip home at the beginning of March. It was the culmination of a lot of planning, and we were anticipating something special. Obviously a wedding is a very special day for any couple, but to say ours was special would be a huge understatement. It was the greatest weekend of our lives, and something that will always be with us, even though it was a bit of a blur at the time.

It started on the friday (10th March). Jacks and I had left Jo'burg fairly early in the morning, and it was only 30minutes into the drive that we realised that it was Jackies birthday. After a quick song, we were back on our way. We arrived at Cayley Lodge (central Berg), at 9:45, perfect timing. We were meeting Craig and Claire, who were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary. Craig was surprising Claire with a trip in a helicopter, and we were joining them. It was an awesome flight up and over the highest peaks, and back through the valleys like Airwolf, and what a great way to start the weekend.

We checked into the Drak Sun, and began to welcome what seemed to be a never ending stream of family and friends. Later that evening we joined about 90 people onto the roof of the Drak Sun, and under an african sky with the peaceful rhythm of a sax in the background, we celebrated Jackies birthday.

Saturday morning was the business end of the weekend, where 7 fourballs tee'd off bright and early. The weather was perfect, and in a month that had seen record rainfall in the berg, we could count ourselves fairly lucky. Everyone really enjoyed the golf, and at the end of the round it seemed that the course came out on top, followed closely by the heat. The highlight of my very inconsistent round was an eagle on the par 5 15th. I don't think anyone would have believed this if my dad had not witnessed the event.

After a quick shave and shower, I dressed, and made my way up to the chapel. On arrival I suddenly realised that the wedding had gone from something that was going to happen, to something that was happening NOW. I thought about feeling nervous for a bit, and then realised that my mood was one of excitement and anticipation. People started filtering into the small, and fairly warm chapel, and the next thing I knew I was standing in front of all of them, and the music had just changed.

I have watched many grooms standing at the altar watching their brides walking up to meet them, and I've always wondered what it must feel like. Jackie looked angelic, and she glided up to me. All the background noise, music, objects and people faded out, and it was just Jackie and I, standing at the front of the chapel, looking out into the mountains. I remember having the most powerful feeling of who and where I was, and it wasn't too long before Jackies uncle (Ian), pronounced us Man and Wife.

We walked out of the chapel and were stormed by the onlookers. The photo's came next, and I must admit, I wasn't overly excited at the thought beforehand. I think I was worried about smiling for a few hours, but I didn't even need to try, the smile I had on my face was there, and it remained for the rest of the evening (and I seem to have it now as I am typing this).

The weather could not have been better. We had some great photo's down at the golf course, and then at a river on the way back to the Drak Sun. After a few drinks and snacks outside, our guests moved inside, and the party started. The speeches were fantastic, and so honest. I really enjoyed mine, and did really well, besides the rush of emotion at the end, and the statement that I never know what to expect when Jacks gets into bed at night (actually in reference to her sleep talking).

The food was out of this world, and my wife and I managed to enjoy our meals, even though so much was going on around us. The music went down really well, and the dance floor was pretty full most of the evening. Everyone had a great night, but more importantly, Jackie and I had a fantastic time. We ended being the last to leave, at around 2am.

Thanks to everyone who attended. You made it the special weekend that it was.

We're back

After the perfect wedding, and an amazing honeymoon, we're back in London. It all seems a bit like a dream. Stay tuned for a full story and more pics.

Doolin

A coastal village on the Irish west coast, and home to the traditional irish music sessions, Doolin is really something special. Friends from Dublin, Lorraine and Simon, invited us to join them for the weekend, to celebrate our upcoming wedding. They picked us up from Shannon airport at about 11:45pm, friday night (4 hours later than expected - due to us our missing plane, but lets not talk about that), and we made our way to Doolin Cottages. After a few drinks we hit the sack, and woke up to the most beautiful crisp morning. Our cottage was positioned on a hill side with views out over the Burren and the Aran Islands. After a quick bite to eat we made our way into town, and hired bikes. We cycled north, up the coast, with the Aran Islands to our left, and the strange lunar landscape that is the Burren to our right. We made our way to a great beach called Fanore, and took in the views before heading back to doolin (with some sore rear ends). Amazingly there was snow on the beach. After a quick lunch in Lisdoonvarna, we drove up to the town of Ballyvaughan, which is positioned between Galway Bay, and the Burren. A lovely fresh pint of guinness was enthusiatically consumed, and our journey took us back to the cottage for a little siesta.

Later on saturday evening we made our way to Liscrannor, for a great meal of seafood, and then returned to Doolin to experience the music. We heard 2 sessions in different pubs, and thoroughly enjoyed them. It really is so relaxed, with different musicians arriving, and then finding a corner of the pub, and starting a session.

Sunday was again a clear day, and we decided to explore around the Cliffs of Moher. The wind was of polar proportions, and our walk along the cliffs was a chilling experience. A few weather fronts arrived, and we continued our journey in the car, passing Lihench (a popular surfing beach), and Spanish Point. After a relaxed lunch back at the cottage we were on our way back to Shannon, and the airport.

A great weekend in rural Ireland. Thanks very much Simon and Lorraine.