Wedding of Vanessa and Mike

Vanessa:
My dream that came true

The wedding day: It's the day every girl dreams of, where you get to dress up like a princess, be the prettiest girl around and be the centre of every one's attention. It's a girl's most important day ever? or so they say.

People seemed to think I was a little crazy trying to organise a wedding in three months when I was doing my final semester at uni and had no family or bridesmaids to help me. Both our parents were interstate, and the three lucky girls I had chosen to be in the party were also either interstate or in country Victoria. But looking back it really wasn't all that bad. I only got sick once (due to not sleeping all night because I was stressing about having to plan a wedding!), and I didn't fail any of my subjects!

Things fell into place very quickly and nicely. The reception hall was booked, the dresses organised, the flowers arranged, the cars, drivers, suits, catering, invitations? all worked out one way or another. The only thing left was the big day!

At someone's advice, us bridesmaids took a sleeping tablet the night before. I'm not really sure what the other girls thought, but it worked wonders for me. I only woke up once at 2 am, but convinced myself I still had a few precious hours of sleep left before I had to start worrying about getting married, so I fell asleep again.

The following morning we went through the carefully planned schedule without a hiccup. We actually had time to eat lunch and sit down for a casual chat before our photographer even arrived. From then on it all went just a little too fast for my liking. Even though I was looking forward to so many things that day, the one thing I had often dreamt of was walking down the isle toward Mike. I knew it was only then that the reality of it all would hit me. And it did!

I had managed so far not to be nervous or stressed. I actually thought I was doing quite well? until I got to the end of the isle! I stepped up on the stage with Mike, and realised my hand was shaking really bad, so bad in fact, that you could see the huge bouquet I was holding shaking frantically! I had to remind myself several times that everything was OK, that Yes, I was getting married, but that was what I wanted to do. I did calm down (I know that because the flowers stopped shaking), and was able to take in most of what Neil said, although I am grateful we have it all on video.

From then on it is a bit of a blur. I do remember the feeling of when I first realised I was finally married to Mike. We'd just walked out of the church after the ceremony and Jeff King gave me a big hug and congratulations'. I looked at Mike and realised: this is it, we're married! It was a nice feeling.

Photos followed in Melbourne's chilli wind. The sun came out to greet us occasionally, and the rain also sent down their congratulations. It was always a nice break to get back in the warm car and continue eating the peanut M&Ms that Mike had so kindly provided. The reception followed, and although I didn't eat much (the M&Ms had nicely filled the hole) I did enjoy catching up with everyone.

I must admit, I was relieved to leave the reception, get in the car, crank up the heater and take my shoes off. I was even more relieved when I got my swollen and cold feet into comfy ugg-boots.

Looking back to the the most important day of my life', I don't think I would have changed anything. Well, maybe a couple of things. Maybe I would have worn thick woollen thermals to keep my legs from freezing in Melbourne's great autumn weather. And maybe I would have thrown a pair of sneakers in the boot of the car so I wouldn't have to walk around during the photo shoot in those huge platform shoes.

But then again, maybe for the sake of it being the big day, the day I have often dreamt of, the day where I dressed up like a princess, was the prettiest girl around and the centre of every one's attention, for the sake of it being the most important day ever? I would put up with a little chilly weather and slightly uncomfortable shoes!

Go to Mike's version of our wedding day or see some wedding photos.

Mike:
The day that changed my life

The days before the wedding were a bit busy. I was working my normal jobs and also had guests to entertain at home. We had to finalise and collect things that would be needed for the Saturday and ensure the honeymoon arrangements were finalised. Due to Vanessa's diligence, not much had to be done on my behalf. It was confirmed once again that she was a great girl.

The Friday night prior, we had a rehearsal that went ok. Some wondered if the actual event would go off without a hitch due to our seeming lack of organisation. This was really us just having fun and mucking around. After the practice, all those involved went for a meal and then Vanessa and I headed our separate ways to spend the last nights as singles. Us guys watched a video and then went straight to sleep.

Morning came around fast but we had slept well. It was us guys job to collect the bridal car and one of the groomsmen from in the city. After a wholesome beaky we headed off. Time got away on us when we were at a local large shopping centre and noticed that we needed to be leaving for the church in less than 30 minutes.

Once home we all got our suits on and headed off. Being exactly on time is very common for me. Some even think that at times I am even late. But we did get to the church on time. The official driver of the wedding car was waiting for us. While he was away collecting Vanessa and the bridesmaids, we ensued that the church was set up right and that we looked our very best - especially me.

The next half hour flew by. The service seemed to be even quicker. Vanessa arrived exactly when she said she would. We were both as keen to get married as each other. She with her parents on either side, followed the bridesmaids down the aisle. I left the stage to go and collect her from her parents so we could then re-join the rest of the bridal party up on the stage.

The service went according to plan. Pastor Neil did a great job and so too all others involved. We solemnly said our vows to each other then exchanged rings. The register was signed and as quick as it started, we were announced as Mr and Mrs Mike Allbutt.

Some family and friends photos were taken after some light refreshments were served in the church foyer. The bridal party soon left to enjoy the afternoon taken photos at a few special locations around Melbourne. We had heaps of fun and especially loved the weather God provided. He even gave a us a huge double rainbow at one of the locations. This party of the day is very special and memorable.

When we arrived at the reception some hours later, all of the guests were waiting. We went in to join in the festivities and fine food that was available. In between the courses some special folk gave lovely speeches and telegrams were read. Together we went around and personally thanked all in attendance for joining us and adding to our special wedding day. A day we will never forget.

It had been a long day so we were both quite weary and ready to leave. All of the guests formed an arch tunnel through which we left. After Vanessa had thrown the bouquet, we went out side to see that the wedding car, in great Aussie tradition, had been done up with streamers and balloons. Some one had also parked it very close to a wall meaning that I would have to climb across to the drivers side from the passengers side. I willing did so and then we were off to enjoy a much-needed honeymoon and long life together.

Read our versions of our engagement day.