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Kuta, Indonesia

Over the last 18 days we have welcomed each one of 37 of our loved ones into Bali. Our goal was to spend quality time with these special people and create everlasting memories. The wedding exceeded our expectations. They say it’s the best day in one’s life and that it was. We both will remember every single moment forever. It wouldn’t have been the same if our friends and family weren’t there to share it with us. Many of them took a risk by coming to Bali and for that we are forever grateful. As the holiday came to an end, the teary farewells began. One by one they started to leave and the reality of the next 285 days began to hit home, especially when I packed my bag for the first time and realised my home now didn’t have 4 wardrobes and space for 50 shoes. The zips on my bag screamed at me as I try to squeeze a year’s worth of ‘life’ in. I’m sure it was saying “did you really need to buy two jumpers?” or was that Dave?

Saying good bye to Mum, Dad and little Chris was gut wrenching so we were especially thankful that Heather and David were there for us and to farewell us as we departed for the journey ahead.

Thank you to all of the 37 family and friends that came to Bali to make it the perfect wedding and holiday. It was a once in a life time trip that will always be remembered.

To finish the Bali blog and summarise our wedding is a special poem my Mum wrote and read on the tour bus. I love you Mum for these little things you do and say:

They want to be married
So they said
But little did they know
What lay ahead

Three weeks of looking
We got the dress
Bridesmaid’s, father and
Mum’s nerves a mess

Left the shoes at a restaurant
Jewels on the train
She’d better not leave
Dave on the plane

Need more lists
No flowers to be had
The planner has quit
Things look bad

2,000 emails and 5,000 lists
beds, transfers,details for guests
10,000 more will sort it out for
Flowers and tours and all the rest

‘Might leave sparkly rings behind
And that is why
“Take $20 rings”
Dave did cry.
“Your cheapest ring in the shop”
Dave asked
They’re just for a year
They don’t need to last

The shop keeper was shocked
And asked Mum with a frown
Do they have to get married
Or are they the poorest in town

Engrave the wedding rings now
Only two days to go
They’ve put the wrong date
Now there’s a bad blow

Close call at the airport
Could miss the plane
M C’s tight schedule
He did the same

No wolf juice around
But Bali belly on tap
A few guests have
Come down with the ****

No dance floor, no rain plan
When we check it all out
The management company’s changed
What’s that all about?

A $400 witch doctor
To keep rain away
40 percent chance
Of a downpour they say

The big day’s come
The girls in bed
Champagne and laughter
A few tears shed

A last minute swim
With Chris and Mum
Boys and Bintang are gone
They’ve probably had some

Lost the speech
Where’s the ring?
Oh my goodness
Can’t find a thing

In 40 degree heat
It’s hot as hell
The guests are here
Where’s the water pray tell

The monkeys are stealing
The wine and the lights
Security with slingshots
Are out to fight

The music starts
Here comes the bride
She’s fair,she’s thin and the
Dress is wide

Dave’s face lights up
The paparazzi is there
The words are breathtaking
Tears everywhere

The hoop on the dress falls
Shows Julia’s bare bum
Jeremy’s sick with
A very sore tum

A fairy tale wedding
A breathtaking day

Happy ever after
Cos’ fairy tales always
End that way

20th May 2013: forever remembered, forever treasured

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