Sarah's special week

After all the birthday celebrations, mentioned in the previous chapter on this blog, I flew out the following morning at the unearthly hour of 6.10 am. Flying with QANTAS meant I had to fly into Melbourne and then on to Adelaide. Having a Business Class award booking, made the journey at least comfortable with a good breakfast. Importantly, I need to be in Adelaide as early as possible in order to attend Sarah's graduation at the University of South Australia. That was at 10.30. The plane landed just a little late, but I arrived in the Federation Theatre in adequate time to proudly watch Sarah receive her University degree:

Sarah leaving the stage after receiving her degree from the Deputy Vice Chancelor.Father Mark and Mother Cal, along with twin sister Jessica were likewise proud of Sarah:It was very special to represent all the other Petrusmas who could not be with us, but who are all part of Sarah's life.

However, the main reason for me going to Adelaide was to share in the occasion of Sarah's wedding to Allastair Preece on Saturday 4 April. Spending the extra couple of days with Sarah and the family before the wedding was rather special and it was also good to share time with hubby to be Ally.

I thought it best to get up early in the morning on Saturday and then keep well away from all the hype of preparing the bride and her attendants for the ceremony set for 2 pm.

However, Sarah beat me to the bathroom. She was highly excited and ready to face the day:The hairdresser was kept busy with the bride, three bridemaids, three flower girls and the mother of the bride!Thumbs up for Jessica.

As for me, I made myself scarce with a book and sat outside, accompanied by 'Stinky' (what a dreadful name) the German Shepherd:A pensive moment for Sarah:Ready for the first photos. The contrast between the girls' make up compared with dad and grandpa was a bit stark (especially Mark with his rude T shirt!):The next group of photos show how radiant Sarah looked on the day. She was stunning!The girls are all ready for the big occasion!And the flower grirls were not left out.Certainly, James had plenty to be proud of as he joined his sisters in their finery. He didn't scrub up too badly himself.
I rather like the above photo. 'All the best for a long and happy and blessed marriage Sarah!'Well done Cal. A special acknowledgement by Mark of the mother of the bride.

Grandpa, thankfully, managed to sqeeze a photo in with two beautiful maidens:The wedding ceremony in the church was lovely. Sarah had asked me to play her processional, and she chose Wagner's Bridal March. While I did not have the Tabernacle Pipe Organ, it sound ok on the keyboard. After all, the more important thing was the bride and a happy father led his lovely daughter to his son in law to be. The flowers girls were very pretty and danced all through the singing. That was great. Pastor Jeff's homily was outstanding and I hope that the young couple will have a copy of his address to be placed in the Bible that Cal presented to them. Cal's presentation was indeed outstanding and I was touched and proud of her in her short speech to her daughter and husband. I am just sorry that I do not have any photos of the church ceremony, but for those who read this and are on facebook, check out the many images. It was a very happy service.

After a scrumptious afternoon tea, the party moved to the Weintal in Tanundu (I thought it was Tanunda, but the invitation says Tanundu. I learn all the time!) It was a lovely and informal evening with plenty of food and drink and lots of dancing! Sarah said on her Facebook that Grandpa danced with everyone. Well not quite, but he certainly picked out some dashing and beautiful women, like:

SarahBrendaAli (a very good dancer!)

Oh yes, there were others including daughter Heather (who was rather lively), granddaughters Jess, Amy, Karina & Gemma. Unfortunately, daughter Ann was not able to accept my invitation because of her broken foot. Next time Ann!

Tim & Jacquie also let their feet do to the talking!Glad to see that Graeme also took the opportunity:Just some of the family, relaxing together:From left: Karina, Gemma, Richard, Amy, Brenda, Heather, Brent, Ann & Nigel (great to see him, now that is is studying in Adelaide.
Here is to a happy life Sarah and Ally Preece. God be very near to you. You are much loved!