Monday, July 19, 2010
Thank you Michelle
From the beginnings - when we stepped into Brides of Melbourne and found THE ONE, to our wedding day, 585 days later when you kept me steady as we walked up the aisle together. Your love, help and support has been wonderful. I was so excited you could be a part of the preparations in such a big way - and you took on every crazy project I sent your way with such grace! Although you would have had so much fun at my Bridal Shower and Hens Night, I couldn't have asked anything more of you. No matter how far apart we live, you can always count on me.
Thank you Kate
My new sister! Kate you've been a calm voice of reason and my unruffled confidant. I still remember your face when you saw me in my gown for the first time. I'm so grateful for our quick lunches, after work catch-ups, for the dancing lessons, our hens outfit shopping trip, your help with the placecards, your moral support at Brides of Melbourne, the photos and for never being too busy. But above all that I'm grateful to gain such a cool little sister, our friendship began many years ago but we become closer every day. I just know our adventures will continue and our bond will deepen, our door is always open for you.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday
Ooooh I was so excited and nervous this morning! The alarm went off at ten past six and I was too chicken to ring James so texted him and Kate. It was much easier to get up after peeking out the window - it was light outside already! We dressed in a rush and Trav looked so handsome in just his shirt and pants - with his hair mussed up and some light stubble on his face.
I tiptoed downstairs and quietly opened the door - and who happened to be was standing right outside the door perusing the brochures but Trav's dad! We both looked at each other, I gasped and quickly shut the door! What did I think - maybe he didn't see me??
Sheepishly I opened the door and there he was - grinning from ear to ear and looking us up and down with amusement as we stepped outside. 'Shhhhhh' I smiled.
As we stood at the front of the Villas, a familiar car was parked at the entrance to the beach. Shaun! What's going on? Does nobody sleep in around here?? We wondered whether to wander down or wait for James. As we stood there we came up with a few scenarios - if we bumped into him we could either approach him in astonishment and say 'Shaun! hi! What day is it???' or we could bluff with 'OK, ready? Let's do this!' As it turned out we needed neither - James drove up and Kate stumbled out to join us moments later (looking glamorous at even that hour!)
We drove a bit further down four mile beach and got out of the car - with amused looks from the PT class that was passing by.
As we stepped onto the beach I didn't hesitate once and walked right down to the waves with my skirt over one arm. The water was pleasant and refreshing. We wandered up and down the beach and Kate asked if I was happy to let my skirt down. Ooops! Was I still carrying it? I let it down and the breeze was just strong enough to flow through it!
We jumped onto a beached catamaran and climbed up the lifesaver's lookout. Kate and James were a great team. We wrote some messages on the sand and James said he'd caught sight of what must be Shaun's flash in the trail up to the lookout. The sun slowly cracked through the clouds.
Soon we headed down to Anzac park - this was the bit I'd really been looking forward to! We'd run out of time and daylight to come down here on our wedding day.
It's funny how you can be standing there with the camera going and you think to yourself - I wonder how this will look? Well they were some of my favourites. James must have been having so much fun and he must have been almost laying on the ground to get some of the angles. Kate would add the parasol, move the parasol, fan out my skirt, take the parasol away. In others the palm trees create a beautiful frame around us. In some shots we look like we're standing in a field or on a hill. There's nothing else - no palm trees, no water. The sky is huge.
We played around on the swings and the picnic table before heading up to the lookout.
When we returned to our Villas, it was nearly 8:30 and we snuck back into our room without being noticed.
After packing we said our thank you's to Toni & Bruno and relaxed in Egan & Marian's Villa with avocado and bacon sandwiches for lunch. Soon everyone arrived back from their trip to Mossman Gorge and we enjoyed the last few hours together with some quiet drinks and looking through the photos.
Trav and I presented our parents with the gifts we'd carefully picked for them - including that bottle of wine I'd nursed from Adelaide to home, then home to Port Douglas.
Soon it was time to go, the shuttle pulled up as we said our last goodbyes. As we climbed aboard and took our seats, Trav took my hand and we smiled at each other, ready for a whole new adventure...
I tiptoed downstairs and quietly opened the door - and who happened to be was standing right outside the door perusing the brochures but Trav's dad! We both looked at each other, I gasped and quickly shut the door! What did I think - maybe he didn't see me??
Sheepishly I opened the door and there he was - grinning from ear to ear and looking us up and down with amusement as we stepped outside. 'Shhhhhh' I smiled.
As we stood at the front of the Villas, a familiar car was parked at the entrance to the beach. Shaun! What's going on? Does nobody sleep in around here?? We wondered whether to wander down or wait for James. As we stood there we came up with a few scenarios - if we bumped into him we could either approach him in astonishment and say 'Shaun! hi! What day is it???' or we could bluff with 'OK, ready? Let's do this!' As it turned out we needed neither - James drove up and Kate stumbled out to join us moments later (looking glamorous at even that hour!)
We drove a bit further down four mile beach and got out of the car - with amused looks from the PT class that was passing by.
As we stepped onto the beach I didn't hesitate once and walked right down to the waves with my skirt over one arm. The water was pleasant and refreshing. We wandered up and down the beach and Kate asked if I was happy to let my skirt down. Ooops! Was I still carrying it? I let it down and the breeze was just strong enough to flow through it!
We jumped onto a beached catamaran and climbed up the lifesaver's lookout. Kate and James were a great team. We wrote some messages on the sand and James said he'd caught sight of what must be Shaun's flash in the trail up to the lookout. The sun slowly cracked through the clouds.
Soon we headed down to Anzac park - this was the bit I'd really been looking forward to! We'd run out of time and daylight to come down here on our wedding day.
It's funny how you can be standing there with the camera going and you think to yourself - I wonder how this will look? Well they were some of my favourites. James must have been having so much fun and he must have been almost laying on the ground to get some of the angles. Kate would add the parasol, move the parasol, fan out my skirt, take the parasol away. In others the palm trees create a beautiful frame around us. In some shots we look like we're standing in a field or on a hill. There's nothing else - no palm trees, no water. The sky is huge.
We played around on the swings and the picnic table before heading up to the lookout.
After packing we said our thank you's to Toni & Bruno and relaxed in Egan & Marian's Villa with avocado and bacon sandwiches for lunch. Soon everyone arrived back from their trip to Mossman Gorge and we enjoyed the last few hours together with some quiet drinks and looking through the photos.
Trav and I presented our parents with the gifts we'd carefully picked for them - including that bottle of wine I'd nursed from Adelaide to home, then home to Port Douglas.
Soon it was time to go, the shuttle pulled up as we said our last goodbyes. As we climbed aboard and took our seats, Trav took my hand and we smiled at each other, ready for a whole new adventure...
Monday
Wow. We really did nothing today. Almost all the guests were gone and We finally got down to the shops to pick out a couple of gifts. It was a grey afternoon and we spent a lot of it watching TV. Really - I'm only feeling a little bit guilty because I think it was time for us to switch off for a while. James and Kate came over in the afternoon and we plotted the following day's secret photo shoot.
Of course we managed to drag ourselves to Zinc for an amazing dinner with family and friends!
Of course we managed to drag ourselves to Zinc for an amazing dinner with family and friends!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Sunday
We knew the weather would be turning a bit today but hoped it wouldn't completely ruin our day on the reef. Bruno thought it would be 'the best of a bad bunch'. I had to catch a lift with Jason again this morning - as polite little me ensured everyone else (even my HUSBAND) was on the shuttle before me. So I missed out! No matter - I rode in comfort and as I stepped out at Marina Mirage I said to Jason 'well Jason I know i can count on you for last minute lifts!' 'Christie, you can count on me for anything' and with that our adventure at sea began. We sat on the top deck heading out, and soon the waves were crashing over each side of the boat. Michelle came out 'because the lady said I was looking a bit green' and I spent the rest of the hour huddling her to try to stop her shivers and make her more comfortable. It wasn't too great on the reef - the grey skies meant everything underneath the surface of the water was muted - not the beautiful strong colours in all the photos. The current was so strong that after paddling away from the boat - you zoomed right back in just a few seconds. My snorkel would fill with water as I was bobbing around but the water was warm. When you got out you could warm yourself up by sticking a hot water hose down your wetsuit - that was the best bit of the whole trip! Although it wasn't the perfect day - there were lots more stories to tell than if it had been - Dean trying to walk forwards in his flippers was a good one (all that moon-walking forgotten so quickly!).
As we lined up to step out of the boat the crew were pairing our shoes up outside. 'Watch them try to find mine' said Ryan - it was hilarious - they'd check the bins, check the deck, check again - look at each other in worry, until Ryan came out with his crutches and a big grin on his face!
On the way home we picked up the last of the stubby holders and things and were lucky enough to be spotted by Anthony on the shuttle so we caught a ride home.
We had dinner at Mum's place as Michelle and Ryan were leaving early the next morning, it was great spending time with Aunty Irene and Aunty Yarg and we enjoyed a mountain of delicious fresh prawns. After catching up with friends at Rattle 'n' Hum I snuck out and put a goodbye note on Michelle's car as a suprise in the morning.
As we lined up to step out of the boat the crew were pairing our shoes up outside. 'Watch them try to find mine' said Ryan - it was hilarious - they'd check the bins, check the deck, check again - look at each other in worry, until Ryan came out with his crutches and a big grin on his face!
On the way home we picked up the last of the stubby holders and things and were lucky enough to be spotted by Anthony on the shuttle so we caught a ride home.
We had dinner at Mum's place as Michelle and Ryan were leaving early the next morning, it was great spending time with Aunty Irene and Aunty Yarg and we enjoyed a mountain of delicious fresh prawns. After catching up with friends at Rattle 'n' Hum I snuck out and put a goodbye note on Michelle's car as a suprise in the morning.
Saturday
I laid in bed for a while when I awoke on Saturday. I glanced over at Travis - he looks so sweet, dozing with his new ring on. Soon we we greeting some sleep looking suspects in our transformed outdoor dining room, and Tamra set to work on her pumpkin scones. Bless her!
I positively beamed whenever anyone said 'so how is Mrs McIntosh this morning?'!We heard all sorts of tales from the day before - the frame had even made it home in one piece after a dance at the Iron Bar! Eventually everyone dispersed - most people heading to the beach so Deborah came down to collect our leftovers from the chapel and Lure. A wedding was just finishing as we ducked in the back door at St Mary's - Shobha was all smiles as usual and we chatted about how the rest of the day went. The sand looked so lovely as it was in the vase that I wondered if there was some way we could keep it in there. At Lure we picked up a lot of cake and Joan's sunnies along with a few other things.
Trav and I were finally sitting on the beach just after 3pm - and the shadows were already stretching across to the water's edge.
But as it always does, the Port Douglas clock took it's sweet time and we found ourselves ready to head out to dinner about an hour before our booking at Nautilus. We took our time getting ready, and then took a very slow walk down Macrossan Street, hoping to bump into a few friendly faces on the way. And we did - Louise and Kylie were at Mango Jam - they did NOT want to have a sandwich at home like Leon on their last day on holidays!
We were still half an hour early as we climbed the path to Nautilus. I recalled the last time we'd wandered up this shady path on our 5th anniversary. As we were shown to the bar, we passed Louise, Daniel, Kim and Eileen - I remember the big beaming smile on Louise's face.
Our dining spot was just at the top of the path and we indulged in 3 courses! Everything was again, simply decadent!
I positively beamed whenever anyone said 'so how is Mrs McIntosh this morning?'!We heard all sorts of tales from the day before - the frame had even made it home in one piece after a dance at the Iron Bar! Eventually everyone dispersed - most people heading to the beach so Deborah came down to collect our leftovers from the chapel and Lure. A wedding was just finishing as we ducked in the back door at St Mary's - Shobha was all smiles as usual and we chatted about how the rest of the day went. The sand looked so lovely as it was in the vase that I wondered if there was some way we could keep it in there. At Lure we picked up a lot of cake and Joan's sunnies along with a few other things.
Trav and I were finally sitting on the beach just after 3pm - and the shadows were already stretching across to the water's edge.
But as it always does, the Port Douglas clock took it's sweet time and we found ourselves ready to head out to dinner about an hour before our booking at Nautilus. We took our time getting ready, and then took a very slow walk down Macrossan Street, hoping to bump into a few friendly faces on the way. And we did - Louise and Kylie were at Mango Jam - they did NOT want to have a sandwich at home like Leon on their last day on holidays!
We were still half an hour early as we climbed the path to Nautilus. I recalled the last time we'd wandered up this shady path on our 5th anniversary. As we were shown to the bar, we passed Louise, Daniel, Kim and Eileen - I remember the big beaming smile on Louise's face.
Our dining spot was just at the top of the path and we indulged in 3 courses! Everything was again, simply decadent!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 18th! (The Groom's View)
In the morning the boys came around to Mum and Dads and we when to a quiet little cafe and sat out the back. All 3 of us were quite and a little tired. I dont think we expected it to be such a late night. But it was a good way to get rid of a little hangover.
We went back to Mum and Dads to get ready for the photographer, a quick suit change and we were ready to go. The other guys had never worn french cuffs before and were in the bedroom looking at each other for ages trying to work out what to do, it was so funny. We had a couple of pics at the villas then headed to the beach.
After we were done we changed back into boardies and started with a few beers. Dad whipped up some lunch and then we realised we should start getting ready to go again. But as we tried to leave at 1.40, Christie and the girls left to get some photos taken so Dad wouldn't let us out. At 2.15 I said to Dad "I don't care if I see here or she sees me, either way I'm leaving now"
We went back to Mum and Dads to get ready for the photographer, a quick suit change and we were ready to go. The other guys had never worn french cuffs before and were in the bedroom looking at each other for ages trying to work out what to do, it was so funny. We had a couple of pics at the villas then headed to the beach.
After we were done we changed back into boardies and started with a few beers. Dad whipped up some lunch and then we realised we should start getting ready to go again. But as we tried to leave at 1.40, Christie and the girls left to get some photos taken so Dad wouldn't let us out. At 2.15 I said to Dad "I don't care if I see here or she sees me, either way I'm leaving now"
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