The wedding was fabulous.Everything went off perfectly—all the planning and hard work that Teva and Jacqui did certainly shined through every moment.This was really a community affair with help and giving gifts from so many people.Food preparation, setting up and decorating all of the areas, flower arranging—everything was done by friends and family.All was certainly beautiful, but because of the love that was put into everything there was an incredible aura that was palpable.

The weather was comfortably warm, not too sunny--again, perfect.The gardens showed off their colors against the muted sky.

Teva brought in Theo flanked by his best man, Kristian and best woman Ona and then awaited Jacqui's entrance.She was preceded by her two bridesmaids and her father, Warren, brought her gently in on his arm.

The children were blessed first and then Jenny McIntyre, the marriage celebrant,conducted a most wonderful blessing ceremony that culminated in the pronouncement of Teva and Jacqui as man and wife

After hors d'oeuvres, champagne and speeches, the meal (that was fit for kings and queens) was served.So many delicacies to please our palates from smoked fish, crayfish, scallops and grilled veggies to fresh salad, lamb off the spit, challah rolls, different cheesesand, of course, the chocolate, gluten-free wedding cake.New Zealand wine flowed endlessly through the night and there were many obligatory drams of malt whisky being raised.We had a band that was unmatched in talent who played through most of the night and when they did stop, a premixed CD of dance music kicked in.Before people left, a "sausage sizzle" was shared by all and no one left with any space in their tummies for anything.

The ceremony started at 3 and it sizzled out at 3 in the morning!

The two families melded so sweetly and we all had a most wonderful time!