Glynn & Jayne’s Wedding – Love At First Byte

This weekend it was up to the Marlborough Sounds for Glynn & Jayne’s wedding. Maaike and I left on Wednesday evening and went the very long (but enjoyable) way through lewis pass. This meant we could stop at Syliva Flats on the way up (natural hot pools just close to a rest stop where you can park for the night). There’s something very nice about soaking in your own earth heated bath looking up at a crystal night sky.

The next day we left there and passed via the Riverside Cafe for lunch. Ok, so it took us a good 8 hours to get to Picton going that route, but well worth it.

To get to Furneaux you have to get a water taxi from Picton – and it’s an hour to get to the lodge. I really liked the way all the family were there already. It’s definitely the way to go I think.. that way everyone gets to meet for a few days (rather than just the one). Furneaux is a great place to chill out though. Even has a bar – perfect.

Glynn was ridiculously calm. I tried to do my job as best man by making up for it by trying to be extra stressed for both of us ;) Didn’t work though, it’s just a relaxed place.

I’m afraid I didn’t take any pictures this trip – was too busy enjoying myself, and I have *no idea* who’s any of these are.. so sorry about that.

There is a ridiculous amount of preparation in a wedding.. honestly, I urge anyone thinking of undertaking this event, to think about the seriousness of it.

There’s glasses, and tables, and shoes, and flowers…

And then the big day arrived… two pods (20?) dolphins arrived into the bay (first time in 4 months), and after eating the fish they had herded in, proceeded to play – doing jumps and flips. If you believe in omens (they can be good!), this would have to be a great one. (more pictures to hopefully come on this).

Anyway.. basically chilled out until 3 (managed to get to have one small sandwich) and then went to get changed. I am ashamed to admit, that I had to have Glynn’s brother in law show me how to tie a Windsor knot. Must learn that one. Anyway.. we came out looking like this:

These next two are Alan and Caroline – Glynn’s parents.

Ok, so Glynn did get a little nervous.. but then we’d put holes in all the boats and placed sentries along the Queen Charlotte track – so Jayne would have to swim to safety. She didn’t – and preceded by Mia & Lilly, her two beautiful nieces, was walked down the aisle by her father (John).

And then there were the vows – quite simple, but very loving. Sam, Jayne’s nephew arrived with the rings – and shortly after (or has it happened already by then?!) it was time to kiss the bride :)

Then it was time for photographs, champagne and speeches. I was quite nervous about giving the best man’s speech.. mainly because of the quality of Alan and John’s speeches, and Brett’s MCing.. But it seemed to go down well enough.. I did manage to work in the title pun (love at first byte) so it wasn’t completely bad ;)

Then cake, drinking’ laughter and dancing. I did have a chat with John (Jayne’s Dad) about careers etc. The exchange went something like “You should workout where you want to be in 3 years and how you’re going to get there” And I said “No one on their death bed ever wishes they’d spent more time at work”. I think there’s space for a little compromise on both sides :)

Big thanks to Maaike too – it was great to be able to go off under a tree for 3 hours and work out the speech (and very kindly be brought sandwiches) and to know that she was perfectly happy mingling on her own. We didn’t quite get through our agreed?! no arguing / slagging / heated discussion / raised debate / screaming fighting clawing no-holds-barred weekend completely unscathed, but that’s ok – no ones perfect. Well, almost.

Still – mission accomplished, Glynn & Jayne Foster – happily married. Good work.