Thursday, May 10, 2007

The Days After the Wedding

One of the views from our room.













Another photo from our room.













Off on our first helicopter ride - please note there are no doors. We flew all over the Whitsundays.












We went on a long bushwalk to Fish Bay on another part of Long Island.













This jetty leads out to where the ferry arrives. It took us out into the wide blue yonder!













Not only did we have curlews, brush turkeys and lorikeets everywhere, we also had wallabies outside our room and down on the beach. They were so tame!










Weaver ants create their nests by 'sewing' leaves together with a sticky secretion created by their larvae. They form living chains of ants to pull the edges of two leaves together.










Who would have ever believed Mum would go for a helicopter ride "without doors".













Grandma on our speed boat ride!

The Happy Day Arrives

The backdrop to the wedding was picturesque. Steve had a grin from ear to ear all day and was so proud of his beautiful Alle. The ceremony was very moving and I was crying happy as I watched Steve, my daughter Alle and Phil interacting during the ceremony.








It didn't seem to matter where they stopped for photos, the backdrop was just beautiful.












Eyes only for each other.













One of my favourites.













Jodie and Alanna are such good friends and have now been bridesmaids for each other. They went to school together.







I feel a touch of sadness when I look at this photo and see my darling Dad missing. He was very fond of Alanna and loved to visit her and Steve each time he went to Caloundra. Aunty Pam, Dad's sister, represented him at the wedding and was wonderful company for Mum who looked beautiful. Straight after the ceremony, Mum tearfully kissed Alanna and welcomed her to our family.





Steve couldn't ask for better in-laws. Julie and Barry are not only Alle's parents but Steve's friends too.











I love my three men. As I looked on during the ceremony I couldn't help but imagine that there might have been three sons present on this happy day. My friend Lynda told me today, that Mark was there anyway. When Ray made his speech he told everyone we made great babies!!!!







I can honestly say I don't ever remember these two boys fighting. They are good mates and both proud of each other's achievements. Phil was very supportive and very happy for Steve and Alle.









Alanna was radiant, beautiful and oh so happy. Barry walked her down a sand aisle bordered by small natural rocks with frangipannis in between. It was scattered with rose petals and we later threw more rose petals over the new Mr and Mrs Ambrose as they walked back down the aisle. Alanna's best friend Jodie was bridesmaid and her 20 month old daughter Chloe was flowergirl. Alanna was with Jodie when Chloe was born so Chloe means a lot to her. She was such a good little girl at the wedding and oh so cute!


There were 25 people at the wedding, including the bride, groom and little flowergirl Chloe. We all enjoyed each other's company, some wonderful speeches and more than a little alcohol after the happy occasion.















Alanna has made numerous wedding cakes for her friends but this time someone living closer to Long Island did it. The worry of transporting her own cake was something she didn't need. The oceanic theme of the cake reminded me of the beautiful engagement cake Alle made.

Steve's Last Day as a Single Man



Steve has a rest before the big day. Grandma models her sarong. Aunty Pam does a fine job of representing Grandpa and keeping Grandma company. The weather is just perfect.

Relaxing Prior to the Wedding

Grandma was introduced to Pina Coladas and just loved them. If you click on her photo you'll get a close-up of how happy she is with her new discovery.









Such a beautiful place for photos!

On Their Way to Long Island



Steve and Alanna stayed with us on Thursday night 3 May before flying to Long Island on Friday 4 May. On the Friday morning a stretch limousine pulled up outside (a surprise Steve had organised for Alanna) and took them to the airport. They both look so happy!