Tang Wedding Part Un!

After two and a half years of being engaged abroad, tang has tied the knot in Wellington.

This is the unofficial photo collection through the eyes of our family and friends. Thank you for your photos: Peter, Perry, Pat, Lisa, Jo & Woody, Kate and the list could go on…

The day started reasonably early for the Turner household for a 9am start with the hair & make-up. Michelle Perry and her assistant Kerry (which turned out to be an old Playcentre comrade) did a fantastic job. So as the girls enjoyed Moét in teacups with quiche for lunch, the Turner boys practised their speeches followed by a visit to see a man about a dog (the local pub).

The Peck family had wrapped up all the hard stuff the night before with Trish finishing off her cupcake masterpiece of pure indulgence… lemon goodness topped with cream cheese icing to die for! Not to mention those professionally made roses (Lauren, Lisa, Mum and myself developed a new found skill!) cough. When the morning came the boys enjoyed a leisurely brunch in town followed by a few errands before getting dressed an hour too early!

While the boys were all ready to go in their morning suits and top hats to finish off the desired affect of a gentleman, Tom got a lesson in great grandfather Watson fob watches and how to attach them and use one. While the Pecks enjoyed a whiskey or two and a few family snaps while the Turners continued to beautify themselves with airbrushing! Little Ali (Alex) got into his first ever suit, H&M style and started charming everyone with just one look. 

As the French vintage red Citron arrived at Bankot Cresent in Ngaio with a French driver (AKA Ken), the Pecks had left Lower Hutt for a secret spot of France in Island Bay called Erskine. Tom, the groomsmen and James did the quick zoom around to check everything was everywhere it should be and placing the finishing touches on Simply Foods amazing set up like the squirrels on top of the tower of cake and pushing the play button on what was the start of a slice of France for our Wedding day.

Tom got to greet everyone at the door and have a few sneaky peeks at the fob watch to see if we were all running on time while I was being stuffed into a smaller than normal back seat! Argh, but it was a back seat which seemed to transport me to a small country lane in Fleurie. Everyone was beautiful and handsome and ready to roll!

We arrived only a few minutes later than planned and had a quick peak at the set up encouraged by Trish from Simply Foods which was just perfect! With another quick flash in the mirror for the all clear we waited at the top of the stairs for the beginning of a fairy tale by Mark Knopfler. As Storybook Love reached its climax Dad and I entered with a flash of digital cameras to follow.

I think a few people spotted a tear in Tom's eye as we reached the altar, followed quickly with a classic Tom smile after we snuck in a quick kiss before the ceremony begun. Jean Packman, a family friend and my old primary principle performed the celebrant role for us which was a lovely personal touch.  Jean mentioned our choice of venue as a happy memoir of our French travels and travel was a true test of a relationship which got a few smiles.

Followed by Tom's brother James reading The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.

What of Marriage, master? And he answered saying:

You were born together, and together you shall be for evermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness.
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone.
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

Tom and I exchanged vows and gold rings, which Tom rescued from Jean's hands not a moment to soon. Jen, Tom's sister finished off the readings with I Corinthians 13:1:13.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Which speaks for itself. We signed a few papers with our witnesses Nigel and Nat and Jean finished off the ceremony with us both saying I do, followed by a sealing kiss.

The Music started up with a classic Bridal march because we were married! Mr & Mrs Peck! So with a cheer or three we took to our toes with the bridal party hot on our heels and was then congratulated by everybody.

As the guests enjoyed the fine canapés and cocktails, the bridal party had a mini escape into the dark corners of Erskine for a few photo moments and some much needed champagne! We used up the last of the sun with photos on the terrace and a few on the old wooden staircase but before too long we were entering the reception as Mr & Mrs Peck with everyone clapping in time to 'All I want is you' by Barry Louis Polisar before we were seated and speeches begun.

My two elder brothers Graham and Paul had the honour of MCing for us, which was a huge hit as they got the crowd into the mood of speeches. Father of the Bride was first, Dad did a fantastic job of painting the picture of me as a princess with one of my favourite childhood story books, followed up with my childhood beach towel and finishing with welcoming Tom to the Turner family. Father of the Groom, Alan, followed suit, with a few childhood moments Tom thought was forgotten and his first love… a Commodore 64 computer to my relief! or was it?

Next up was groomsman Andy with the absent friends and a lovely message from Marcus and Jess. I then spoke a few words of thanks to both parents and about Tom from a woman's perspective and Tom responded with his well delivered groom speech with the final words from Mr Darcy, 'You MUST allow me to tell you, how ardently I adore and love you' which was a special touch. Nigel spoke a few words of our travels with him and managed to keep Tom's reputation in tack! and the Turner boys finished off the speeches for the night as dinner was served.

The bridal table was treated like royalty - King & Queen dear I say it! our drinks topped up at a moments noticed while we enjoyed the moments of our perfect day. Dessert soon followed but not before we managed to delicately cut a mini cupcake with a huge knife! the squirrels survived to live another woodland day on top of a yummy fruit cake while everybody enjoyed the cups of cake.

No sooner had we finished our food the band was in position to get the party started. Tom and I opened the dance floor with a classic foxtrot and jive to 'Can't take my eyes off you' Andy Williams take on the Frankie Valli classic. After the finishing touches of a twist, kiss and twirl we managed to dance the night away with cocktails and kooky moves caught on camera with almost all the people who were nearest and dearest to us in the world.

A magical day in the most magical way - tang style.

G Peck!