I had the great pleasure of attending Chris and Jodie Schriek's wedding at Trents Vineyard in Christchurch on Friday. It was a wonderful day of celebration. Chris greeted us at the cars along with his posy of pals in fine Black dinner suits. Chris's Mum fussed with roses for the boys as we took glasses of sparkling wine to the gardens of the vineyard.
The ceremony was heartfelt and simple. Chris's tears on Jodie's arrival to the aisle was worthy of man size tissues and summoned smiles of joy from us all.
The Bride and Groom had met at an All Black game in Cardiff when their tour company had not purchased enough tickets for the sold out game. I had the pleasure of being there that day to see their blossoming sparks of love and on Friday seeing this sealed with a kiss and a pinch of the brides bum 5 years on I couldn't be more happy!
We enjoyed canapés and more sparkles before being seated for a delicious buffet meal. Speeches were brilliant. With Father of the Bride, Mother of the Groom Debbie Schriek spoke in the absence of Chris's late father Jakob, someone we all missed throughout day. Chris's men started with Craig Marshall our old school friend toasting his friend, who, regardless of the miles or the time remains to be a stalwart of life. Jodie's old flatmate proclaimed his man love for Chris and Telegrams from across the world were read by another of the grooms men. Finally Chris's brother Matt made another toast to the Bride and Groom from the family. All were funny and heartfelt. Jodie's stepdad made another fine speech of love for the couple and Jodies' maid of honour gave some pearls of wisdom to Chris that allowing Jodie to always feel like she is correct.
Chris and Jodie first dance set the tone for the dancing with some fine moves that surpassed our Gore High School Ball Dancing lessons. We partied into the night with a band that played brilliant rock hits and Chris closed the night with playing guitar for the final tune.
The following day we enjoyed a lamb on the spit at the new Mr and Mrs Schrieks house in Halswell. A relaxed affair which saw us all unwound and making a date for a reunion for the next set of Weddings in a fortnight back home in Gore.
The weekend was wonderful and so lovely to spend the time with old school friends who had travelled from near and far to celebrate with a true friend and his wonderful girl who we have shared many great times with. Myself and many others in London, others in Christchurch, travelling through the world, sharing hockey trips, all with shared experiences which make a life long friendship that makes you so happy to share in their special day.
As I travelled south the Monday following to join my Mum to celebrate another wedding day I took the chance to compare what weddings were like 41 years previous.
My Mum and Dad were married n the Heriot Presbyterian Church on Saturday the 7th of November 1970. The photos taken in the Church neighbours garden by Arthur Bremford (possibly the only photographer in the Eastern Southland and West Otago region in the time!) make Mum look like she has a tree growing from her head. The reception was held at the Kelso Town Hall. Mum can't recall who her MC was but distinctly remembers the car being put on blocks and Dad being grumpy that they didn't get off to a smooth start to marriage as they left for Alexandra for their first night of marriage. She remembers there being beer but no wine per say on the day. So not the drunken affairs we see today by any stretch. Just a mere 5 days into marriage in Christchurch having not been used to sleeping with someone, Dad rolled over and belted Mum in her chest. After all he was an old dog at 38 and she was a spinster at 30 so they were set in their ways! Oh how life was different 41 years ago.
Dad may not be here with us to celebrate the last 9.5 years of the 41 but he was ever present in our discussions last night. Through richer and poorer, sickness and health my Mum and Dad showed me what marriage was. I can only hope that Chris and Jodie along with Megan and Kyle later this month can emulate such a long and rich marriage.
The ceremony was heartfelt and simple. Chris's tears on Jodie's arrival to the aisle was worthy of man size tissues and summoned smiles of joy from us all.
The Bride and Groom had met at an All Black game in Cardiff when their tour company had not purchased enough tickets for the sold out game. I had the pleasure of being there that day to see their blossoming sparks of love and on Friday seeing this sealed with a kiss and a pinch of the brides bum 5 years on I couldn't be more happy!
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| You can't see Chris's hand! |
Chris and Jodie first dance set the tone for the dancing with some fine moves that surpassed our Gore High School Ball Dancing lessons. We partied into the night with a band that played brilliant rock hits and Chris closed the night with playing guitar for the final tune.
The following day we enjoyed a lamb on the spit at the new Mr and Mrs Schrieks house in Halswell. A relaxed affair which saw us all unwound and making a date for a reunion for the next set of Weddings in a fortnight back home in Gore.
The weekend was wonderful and so lovely to spend the time with old school friends who had travelled from near and far to celebrate with a true friend and his wonderful girl who we have shared many great times with. Myself and many others in London, others in Christchurch, travelling through the world, sharing hockey trips, all with shared experiences which make a life long friendship that makes you so happy to share in their special day.
As I travelled south the Monday following to join my Mum to celebrate another wedding day I took the chance to compare what weddings were like 41 years previous.
My Mum and Dad were married n the Heriot Presbyterian Church on Saturday the 7th of November 1970. The photos taken in the Church neighbours garden by Arthur Bremford (possibly the only photographer in the Eastern Southland and West Otago region in the time!) make Mum look like she has a tree growing from her head. The reception was held at the Kelso Town Hall. Mum can't recall who her MC was but distinctly remembers the car being put on blocks and Dad being grumpy that they didn't get off to a smooth start to marriage as they left for Alexandra for their first night of marriage. She remembers there being beer but no wine per say on the day. So not the drunken affairs we see today by any stretch. Just a mere 5 days into marriage in Christchurch having not been used to sleeping with someone, Dad rolled over and belted Mum in her chest. After all he was an old dog at 38 and she was a spinster at 30 so they were set in their ways! Oh how life was different 41 years ago.
Dad may not be here with us to celebrate the last 9.5 years of the 41 but he was ever present in our discussions last night. Through richer and poorer, sickness and health my Mum and Dad showed me what marriage was. I can only hope that Chris and Jodie along with Megan and Kyle later this month can emulate such a long and rich marriage.
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