Stella and Doug's Wedding - Saturday 12th September

What a special day for Stella and Doug. They were bold in their choice of a beach wedding considering the Melbourne weather, but luckily on this day the God's smiled upon them. If the wedding had of been yesterday there would have been sand everywhere as the wind had been ferocious, Speaking of ferocious, how about Stella? She sure looked ravishing in her dress. Her hair looked amazing. She was smart to go for the more traditional arrival via car, than one via waterskies or via parachute (involving a dummy and the chute not opening, then Stella pokes her head out from out the back - Suprise!' Carlos, Jarra and I all had a good chuckle.

There were loads of people. Doug must have a big family. The weather looked gloomy and at one stage 2-3 drops were felt. but that was all. Katreen gave a weird Dr. Seuzz speech (cousin of the more popular Dr. Zues).

It was a good ceremomy, a bit hard to hear anyone but the celebrant. I don't know whether Doug and Stella had chosen what words she would say 'Doug & Stella would like to now bring their private love life out into the public' was a most amusing line, even drawing a wry smile from the groom. After some of those comments Stella's older relatives needed a cup of tea. Well not really, but it's part of the Chinese culture. I was really impressed to see them follow some of the more traditional customs. The tea ceremony was a special part of the ceremony.

Look it's true - We did get married. We have a certificate to prove it.

We then all posed for the photographer. Doug was not not to come in front of Stella. It was then a walk back to Doyle's Hotel for the reception in the Nepean Room. There were 8 tables not including the bridal party, so all up around 80 people. Familiar faces around including Jamesm Clint, Chris and Andrea on my table.

Kylie is 4 months pregnant and married. Annagha and John have been married for nearly three years now. They had roughly 350 people at their traditional Hindu wedding, which involves gas and fire. Sounds like it would be a smelly and dangerous occasion.

Everyone gave a good speech. Andrew - Doug's 2nd oldest brother was the MC and not only gave a good speech, but also introduced everyone well. Michael Chong, Stella's Dad was described as 'a cunning linguist, humourours and caring and lastly "Number 1 Bullshit Artist"

I wasn't sure where Doug's father was going with his speech, but in the end finished off well as the McPhee boys welcomed Stella into the family with a traditional Scottish hand slapping tradition. Stella's cousin, i think, also made everyoen say cheers in Chinese but you do it really loudy 'Yaaaaaahhh, Soooooooooong'. Although i just yelled out "YA SOUNG!!!" really quickly while everyone was still only a quarter of the way through the first 'Ya!'

Then came the Lemon Meringue Cake. What a great idea. The cake was made up of heaps of mini's and instead of handing them out to guests - the happy couple threw the cakes at people. Well not like a full caning - just a gentle toss to make it easy. It could of got very messy. Stuart, Doug's eldest brother, was keen to up the ante however, shaking Doug's hand with a pie in hand.

Stella and Doug's bridal waltz was really touching. A perfect way to display their love for one another. It seemed to be a tradtional chinese dance, but they were amazing.

Doug, Andrew, Jamie and I all had a 4 muskateers cheers. Was a good moment. Then there was the garter toss. Doug was blindfolded and spun around. Stuart then put his leg jup in front of Stella's causing Doug to touch up Stuart instead of his wife. Stella then put his head under her dress. The boys were then forced to limbo under the garter. I did a nice John Travolta knee slide and also an 'On your marks, get set, go! run through the tape' move.

Doug and Stella are off to Fiji on Monday. Heopefully we will all catch up sooner rather than later. Some winery tours, some pool at the RACV club with Andrew, and poker nights at Marty's all have been suggested. But once again, what a perfect day for a percect couple. Congratulations to both of you. It was a privilege to be there.