2 Geckos Travelling Australia: Sat, 29th July, 2023 Jon & Annalise’s place, Cairns, Qld (Jon & Annalise’s wedding)

More drizzly rain so we are all glad of the decision to have the ceremony indoors. Just hope the sun comes out for the photos.

I headed into town to the hotel where the girls had stayed for the night. Annalise wanted to do my make up which was lovely of her as I am not a make up wearer but I wanted to look my best for them both.

As I headed around the block looking for a park a beautiful rainbow appeared but I couldn’t get my phone out as I was driving. When I got up to the girls Annalise said ‘did you see the beautiful rainbow Nana sent.” That brought a few tears on.

I had a cry yesterday when they showed me the beautiful verse and candle they will burn in memory of those not with us with Nana, Papa and Granma’s names on it.

Back home to Jon’s place to get ready for the photographer at 11.30. Sadly the rain wasn’t given up but she and the videographer got things sorted and when the boys were dressed the rain stopped so hopefully they have lots of good photos. Brian brought Terry up so we could have 3 generations in the photo as Steve gave the Geck fob watch to Jon (Great Great Grandad Albert Geck’s watch). Steve wore it on his wedding day too. (I will have to insert photos once we get them from the photographer.)

I headed off to pick up Lynda then into the hotel. I dropped her off and went around to the restaurant to park the car so we had it close by for the end of the night. Only a short walk back to the hotel which was good. I went up to Annalise who was just getting dressed - she looks so beautiful. Unfortunately the photographer was busy with Annalise as the boys were arriving downstairs so I went down with my phone to take some photos.

Pete (neighbour and old mate of Steve’s from his speedway days) offered Jon a couple of his cars for the boys to get to the hotel in. Steve drove the Malloo with Jon and Pete drove the Commodore with the groomsmen. I think they had a bit of fun on the way too.

The boys corsages were here at the hotel so I got the boys to put them on downstairs - funny watching them trying to pin them on.

I went back up to Annalise and gave her the cross-stitched purse that I had made for Erica and Terry’s 50^th wedding anniversary - “Something old, something new, something borrow, something blue.” She is also wearing the gold earrings I gave her from my mum, Nana.

Everything is set up on the balcony now. I took this one with my phone but left all the other photos to the photographer.

The boys and guests were relaxing in the bar. Wendy, Sarah and Andrea have arrived to watch the ceremony which was wonderful. We were limited with how many of ‘our’ friends we could have but the ceremony was open to all to watch. Sarah took this lovely photo of us.

I went through things with Karen, the celebrant and she asked if she could offer the ‘Newly Weds’ poem to other couples as it is so lovely. Mum must have gotten it from somewhere else so I said no worries. Karen is so lovely and caring so it should be a beautiful ceremony.

Jon lit the ‘Angels’ candle then the boys got into position and everyone took seats or stood around the edge. Kaylene & Rick snapped off a few photos for me.

Annalise was late but as she had to get along the top balcony then down the stairs in her dress I reckon it was a slow walk. Her brothers walked beside her down the staircase then handed her to her parents, Miles and Lynda who walked her to Jon.

The ceremony was lovely. I read the ‘To the Newly Weds’ poem with Lynda as support then later on we read another poem together which got a few laughs as we had to share my glasses! Karen read another one ‘I Do’ after they said their vows etc. Steve had the wedding rings and when he opened the box he had it upside down and went ‘Wallaa’ - Steve said Jon’s face was priceless. He then turned over the other half of the box and here were the rings - very cute move in deed. He said he had practised it too - didn’t tell me what he was going to do. Very moving so my hankie was being used a lot!

Jon made the most of kissing his bride.

Then Karen introduced Mr and Mrs Geck and everyone cheered.

They signed the paperwork then we all congratulated them. Downstairs for some group photos outside. Kaylene took these ones.

The bridal party went off with the photographer for more photos. These are from the photographer so Annalise & Jon could post a few on Facebook. Fabulous.

The guests dispersed for a drink either in the bar here or across the road to the Casino. I helped Lynda with the flowers etc then joined our group for a drink.

The weather was good for a while and we walked across to Ochre Restaurant on the boardwalk for the reception. Lynda and Annalise have chosen well with the food etc and the set up for the reception. It looked great with the tables being in the open area with fairy lights and lovely table settings. Inside was the dance area, cake and a huge lounge under the pink neon ‘The Gecks’ sign. There were cookies for the guests with either a picture of Bandit or Stella (their two dogs) on them with the date - very cute.

We formed a line to welcome the bridal party in then everyone mingled with drinks and delicious canapés for half hour or so. We took our seats and the MCs welcomed everyone. A few short speeches - Steve got a bit emotional and Jon’s speech was so lovely too. The cake was cut ready to be our desert and we all enjoyed a splendid dinner.

Bridal dance then we joined in and then the rest joined in too. There will be lots of photos and the video to watch later on so we can relive it again.

Annalise tossed the bouquet to finish off the formalities. Lots of dancing and chatting.

There were some disposable cameras on the tables for the guests to use. I got them developed and chose a few of our lot for my blog. Bit grainy.