Wedding on the lake

Yesterday we celebrated the wedding of Zoe, Garry’s niece, and Ben Rowlinson. The happy couple tied the knot on the shores of Wallis Lake, about 14km south of Forster. The ceremony was held at the Green Cathedral, an outdoor amphitheatre set among native trees and palms overlooking the lake. At the same time, the reception was hosted nearby at Palms Pavilion, a dedicated events venue.

The location was chosen in part because Nicole and Jason, Zoe’s parents, own a holiday house at Bluey’s Beach, a coastal resort town a few kilometres south of the lake. The house is part of a holiday resort complex set among native trees, directly opposite the beach. Garry and I rented a house at the resort for three nights, as did many of the wedding guests.

The wedding was a joyful occasion. Ben and Zoe were blessed with relatively warm and sunny weather. The bush setting also sheltered us from any lake breeze. Earlier in the day, the weather forecast had predicted a light sprinkle as the ceremony was ending. However, in the end, we experienced the briefest of misty raindrops while waiting for the newlyweds to finish their photo session, more than an hour after the ceremony itself. We also witnessed a truly spectacular sunset over the lake as the reception got underway.

Guests were bused to and from the event. As a result, Garry and I were able to kick back and enjoy ourselves. The speeches were all hilarious, and my mother-in-law Rhonda’s memory was invoked more than once. I’m not too proud to admit that I cried as the bride walked down the aisle, and again when Rhonda’s name was mentioned at the reception. I must be softening in my old age. I don't recall crying at a wedding before.

The day was filled with personal touches, reflecting the generous and caring nature of both newlyweds. Perhaps the most memorable of these was a photo montage at the reception. Zoe had sourced and framed images of family members and their partners on their wedding day, or their earliest photo as a couple, along with a message reminding guests that she and Ben were following in the footsteps of those who’d gone before. Much to my surprise, she included a photo of Garry and me. Garry quietly reminded that Zoe was three when we met, so she's only ever known us as a couple.

The newlyweds also wrote a personal note to each guest on the back of every table place card. With more than 80 guests in attendance, that's an extraordinary handwriting feat. Zoe referenced our hospitality as one of her strongest memories on both of our cards. I'm not surprised. We've hosted countless Christmas lunches and family milestone events at our apartment over the years. It's rather eye-opening to discover the impression you're making on others.

Everyone had a wonderful evening dining, dancing and laughing. I also learned that you're supposed to sing Eagle Rock with your trousers around your ankles these days. When did that become a thing? It’s crazy to think that I first met Zoe almost 23 years ago. She was a toddler sleeping in her cot. Now that tiny little girl owns a house and has a husband. Likewise, we first met Ben as a short, skinny kid when he joined the family for Christmas lunch at our house in 2018. That’s him with Zoe and Adam above.

Garry and I wish the happy couple a life together filled with love, laughter and joy.