The Wedding!

The Happy Couple!
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We travelled up to Paihia on the 8th and met up with our families (My parents, Mad's parents, Mad's sister Vanya and her fiance Manoj). We had kept the accommodation a secret and had given misinformation to them as to the standard of it. My Dad thought it was a backpackers!!!!! We all convoyed up to Crisdon Castle and parked up. It doesn't give much away from the front, looking like a small bungalow. We were met at the door and welcomed in by Donna. We let the family have a wander and watched as jaws dropped when they saw the view from the infinity pool and the large outdoor area. In front of them was the beautiful Bay of Islands and Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Once the slaver was cleaned up, Donna gave the tour showing the rooms, oooooo the rooms, ocean views, spar baths, massive beds and everything you could need! We then headed for our room, well suite on the other side of the building, with a balcony overlooking the ocean, four poster bed, round sunken Roman bath with a massive showerhead above it.

A toast to the Bride & Groom
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We had a big old BBQ with lots of drinks! We all had a good catch up and a laugh or three and enjoyed the sunshine!

She looked stunning...

Later that evening we tried out the bath, it was great!!!

The next day we had a big old breakfast to set us up for the day. Mad and I said our farewells and the getting ready commenced! I scurried over to Manoj's room. The procedure for the groom was pretty simple. Throw clothes on, gel hair and drink whisky!

The hair
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It was a bit more technical for me - as the Bride...hairdresser, manicure and sisters drinking champagne together then getting make up done and dress on followed by photos on the deck before getting into the 'Wayment' car and heading off to the beach! I was so excited!!! It was an emotional moment for all of us in the car. I got there and the boys were getting everything ready on the beach so I was kept in the car for a few mins then walked down the beach by my very proud dad with Vanya holding my train up out of the sand! Not the most practical of dresses but I fell in love with it the minute I put it on!

The blushing Bride
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We got the all clear from Mad to set off in the first car up the coast to a place called Te Ngaere/Te Ngaire bay. My parents, Manoj and myself headed off, to check that everything would be set up for Mad's arrival. We reached Te Ngaere beach and met with Tom (our Celebrant) and everything was ready. We had been panicking earlier as it had started to rain but now there was blue sky poking through and the clouds were lifting!

Mad's car arrived shortly afterwards, I don't think I could have been more excited if I tried! Though I wasn't even nervous! She looked stunning, in her long flowing white dress! I'll let the pictures do the talking. The ceremony was great and seemed to go by very quickly for us, as we were looking at each other and grinning like loons most of the time! We said our vows and hey presto we were married! There was much hugging and about a billion photos taken, mainly by Vanya! Me and Mad even had a little paddle!

Proud dad
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We all headed off back to Crisdon Castle for the reception. We popped open the Champers nibbled at the cake and had a fantastic meal prepared by Donna (Snapper caught by Chris, lamb caught by...farmer I guess!). Then danced the night away!!!!

The next day we nursed our hangovers assisted by another great breakfast and set off to the beautiful Waitangi Treaty Grounds then embraced the sun on a boat trip around the bay and saw dolphins! Followed by a family meal at a local restaurant.

The cake
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What a great weekend! I would soooo do it again!!!! (Me too!!! - Mad)