My Cousin's extravagant and intimate Wedding!

I woke up today feeling really excited about my cousin's wedding. It has been meticulously planned for and in the making for three years, and for the day to finally arrive, I'm sure everyone attending the wedding is feeling some sort of giddy excitement and anticipation. But suffice it to say, I’m sure the Bride and Groom would be experiencing indescribable myriad of feelings today, bringing back fond memories of how I felt on my own wedding day.*grin*

So, I started the morning getting to the hairdresser to emulate my chosen Katy Perry's 51st Grammy Awards hairstyle and I was thrilled she managed to pull it off to as close as it can be done, with some minor changes and without complaints from my end – considering Katy Perry’s hairstyle was done by a hairdresser who I simply could not afford! After that, went home, got dressed and nervously tried my hand at putting makeup on my face, and for those who know me well, I cannot stand to put makeup on, apart from the occasional lipstick or lip gloss, unless I really have to! So with more luck than skill, I managed to put the makeup on and just hoped for the best that I did not look like a clown!

We then arrived outside the Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel and I was quite eager to see it up close ever since it became reputably known as “the church Nicole Kidman got married at”. So I was not disappointed that it was indeed a magnificent church worthy of a famous actress’ choice! It was beautiful inside as it was grand outside.

We then got ushered inside and with bated breath, waited for the moment the Bride would enter and walk down the aisle to be forever joined in holy matrimony to her beloved Groom! Then all was quiet and the priest requested us all to stand, and with the wedding march sounding off in the background....in walks the Bride in the arms of her brother, looking breathlessly stunning in a Steven Khalil haute couture wedding gown. As she walked downed the aisle, I knew for sure that my dearly departed Grandparents and my cousin’s Stepfather were proudly smiling down upon her as she made her way to her loving Groom. I’m sure too, that at this moment in time, my cousin’s Mum (my aunt) was so proud to see her only daughter walking down that aisle as she tried to hold back tears of joy and undeniable happiness – unsuccessfully! *grin*

Usually all eyes would be on the Bride as she made her way down the aisle, but I stole a glance at the Groom, and to see the love of his life approaching him, I saw him basically “knock-off his feet” by the testament of the look and expressions in his face. Right there and then, there are just not enough words to express or explain how much he truly adored and loved his Bride as she walked down that aisle towards him. *aww..*sigh*

Then the ceremony began, and it was as special and solemn as any matrimonial ceremony can be. I was also sincerely thrilled and honoured that my cousin selected me as one of the readers and I am grateful that I got to be a part of their wedding ceremony. Then the Bride and Groom exchanged their vows and rings, and soon after, to the jubilant applause of the couples’ dearest families, relatives and friends, they were finally announced as Husband and Wife! We then clapped and cheered even harder when they shared their first kiss, sealing their loving bond forever, as Mr. & Mrs. W...! *grin*

Once the ceremony was over, everybody made their way outside where the couple waited to receive warm and delighted congratulations from their families, relatives and friends. Various group photos were then taken alongside the newly wedded couple before the entire bridal party was ushered by the photographer for the usual photos needed for the wedding album. Then we all went our separate ways and would gather again at the reception which was scheduled in the evening.

The reception was held at the Museum of Contemporary Arts (M.C.A.), and I could not wait to get there. But having lunch first and the horrendous traffic on the way, it was a shame that the exhibits were already closed by the time we got there, as I would have loved to have seen some of them. However, all was not lost as we were treated to the sight of a magnificent cruise liner called Sapphire Princess which was docked at Circular Quay waiting to depart that night.

We then made our way up to the M.C.A. top floor function room, and the set up was simply gorgeous and quite intimate. There was a live band playing and we noticed that guests were to be seated at tables which had countries on them as oppose to numbers. The countries represented the places that the wedded couple have been to and held fond and special memories for them. Then I saw the wedding cake displayed on one side, and the only way I could describe it – elegant simplicity!  

  

We then made our way to the bar where non-alcoholic beverages were served as well as champagne, red and white wine, beer, and a cocktail mix of either a traditional mojito or a passionfruit punch mojito – which were absolutely delicious! Request for different cocktail mixes were served if available. After making our way to our ITALY table, we then went outside were the view was simply amazing! Overlooking the harbour was the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, with the added bonus of the cruise liner, Sapphire Princess.

Delicious canapés were served to the guests, as we all mingled, introduced ourselves and got to know a little about each other, while we waited for the wedded couple to arrive. Then in walked the Bride and Groom to the warm applause of their guests, were hugs and kisses were exchanged, and happy snaps were taken at every opportunity with the couple, before we were all ushered inside so the evening festivities could begin.

Once everyone was seated, the Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) began by welcoming everyone to the reception and soon after, the Bridal party was introduced, making their way to the Bridal table, with everyone then upstanding and clapping as the Bride & Groom entered officially as Mr. & Mrs. W...!

The night progressed with the serving of delicious, fine dining, and might I add – “to die for”, three course meal. Compliments to the chef, everything I had was absolutely delicious, especially the Duck Confit for Entreé and the Dessert.

In between one of the courses, we were even treated to some fireworks, courtesy of the cruise liner, Sapphire Princess waiting to sail out of Sydney Harbour.

Speeches were also said sporadically in between the meal courses, by the father & stepfather of the Groom; from the brother of the Bride; the Best Man; the Groom; and finally the Bride.

Of all the speeches, the Groom’s speech was the one that stood out in my mind the most, as he made us all laugh with anecdotes of how he and his Bride met and how they eventually fell in love. But he also made some of us shed some tears, including me, as he struggled to hold back his own tears when he talked about his Mother-in-law, of her hardships in life, and thanked her from the bottom of his heart, for giving him the greatest compliment when she gave him her blessing to marry her daughter, and that he gives her his word that he will provide for her daughter, love and cherish her, and give her all the affection he has and can possibly give. He knows how proud she is today and compliments her by saying how amazing she looks.*aww..*sigh*

But what struck me was when he mentioned my departed grandparents (Lolo & Lola), and of how they played such an important role in my cousin’s life while she was growing up, and that if she had one wish right now, it would be that they were there with her – (me too, with all my heart). I could not hold back my tears anymore as his voice shook, fighting to control and hold back his own tears, but he gathered himself and continued on by emphasising to everyone in the room, the qualities he sees in his Bride which are the epitome of Lolo & Lola, and thanks them for giving him the rest of his life with her. *sniff* (Lolo & Lola, may you rest in peace).

The Groom continued on with his speech, thanking his groomsmen and best man, parents and family members, relatives, friends near & far, and not forgetting, the lovely couple, who, because of their love, guidance, support and mentoring, they have helped him and his Bride, be who they are today and can be in life.

After the Groom finished with his speech, the Bride followed it up by saying a few words of thanks to the ladies who’ve helped her in planning and making her wedding possible – to her bridesmaids, girlfriends, readers and usher. Most importantly, she thanked her Mum for everything and hopes to be half the woman she is. She also thanked all the mothers present and the ones in heaven, and with glasses raised higher by the women - mothers and daughters, proceeded to dedicated a toast to all mothers.*cheers!*

After all the speeches were said and done, the Bride and Groom were then called to the dance floor for their Bridal Waltz. After that, the Bridal party joined them on the dance floor and shortly thereafter, all the guests were invited to join in the fun! Those who had “left-feet” and not fond of dancing, decided to go out into the balcony to take in the view of the city by night, and to see and farewell the Sapphire Princess, as it left the dock of Circular Quay to sail on into the night.

As the night progressed, the wedding cake was cut, and a piece of cake was presented to all the guests as a bonbonniere to take home. Tea and coffee was served for anyone who wanted it, or to accompany the wedding cake if they wanted to eat it. I ate mine and it was simply delicious, especially with a nice cup of tea!

More dancing continued on the dance floor, but as the night worn on, the band finished up, and soon the Bride was tossing her bouquet to the single ladies on the dance floor and the Groom was flipping the Bride’s garter to all the bachelors in the room. Then sadly, it was time to go and say goodbye to the newly wedded couple.

My cousin’s wedding was simply one of the best weddings I’ve been to, and it was definitely intimate, but an extravagant wedding none the less! Three years in the making and over and done with in just a little over 12hrs! But like all weddings, every guests goes away with special fond and lasting memories of the day.

My best and fondest wish to the happy couple, for a blessed and blissful marriage. May you both hold each other in your hearts, and love and cherish each other through the best of times and through the hardship of life, as you both go on the journey of married life together. All the best for a loving and happy future! xx