Some More Wedding Related Photos...

Below is a photo of us at Mike and Mel's Wedding, plus one of the lads the night before the wedding. We did manage to polish of a few cartons of beer and a bottle of 50% proof Jim Beam.

Needless to say we pulled up a treat the next day.

After my speech, my eyes look terrible - contact lenses drying them out!



The lads... (from left) Brad, Mike, Shae, Simon (JJ)

Back home briefly to Australia 03.11.06 - 16.11.06

Visiting Family and Friends
We made our way back home to Australia for Mike and Mel's wedding, and to catch up with family and friends, we were back in Australia for a total of just under two weeks.

We left Heathrow on Wednesday night, and had our first 'running to catch the plane' experience, with no thanks to Flight Centre, whom were supposed to change our booking flights but forgot to inform the airline (after taking our money of course)! Hence we were shortlisted and just got onto the plane. Let me just say again to all - don't use Flight Centre, as they really did stuff up royally for us! We are still waiting for those free flights to make up for the hassle they caused. I shall remove this comment when they come thru! (Not holding my breath though).

Upon arrival in Australia, we had lunch with the Bown family in Hahndorf, and enjoyed some Coopers Pale Ale. Back in Oz at last with a real beer!

Then we headed to the Bratkovic household to rest and recover from the jetlag.

Saturday I attended Mikes Buck show which started with an afternoon of beers at the other home of cricket - Bridgewater (Lords) Cricket Ground. While Nada caught up with friends also.

The buck, Mike in all his glory. Note the crown!


Cricket at Bridgewater Oval

Later that night the lads enjoyed a bbq and some 'entertainment' to send the buck off in style before his wedding the week following!


During the week before the wedding, we caught up with family and friends, thanks to all who caught up with us, and to those we missed out on seeing, we shall catch up with you upon our return one day!

Elodie

My niece, Elodie, who is almost crawling. Next time we see her she shall be running around no doubt.

Kangaroos drinking from the birdbath

Some local wildlife at the Bown residence.


The golden retriever, Tosca, has nabbed dinner

Mike and Mel's Wedding 11.11.06
After a number of drinks the night before, as best man, I managed to get Mike and the rest of the lads to the Wedding in time for photos before the ceremony. the ceremony and reception were all held at the Whalers Inn in Victor Harbour. It was quite sunny earlier in the day, and in the full suits, the lads were sweating it up, and we were looking for a cold beer early on to quench our thirst. The ladies were decked out in a variety of colours and they all looked great, in particular the Bride, Mel.

The Lads



The Ladies

The ceremony went off without a hitch, and I had the rings ready for the celebrant when required. Mike looked just a little nervous before hand, but soon relaxed after the ceremony. Straight after the wedding party were treated to a stretch limo ride around Victor Harbour for more photos on the Jetty and the Beach. At one stage the lads put the board shorts on along with the jacket tails, which made for a very comfy beach walk. Unfortunately I don't have photos of that yet!

Mike and Mel tie the knot



Mike looks nervous still... or is that relief...?

After photos we headed back for the reception, which was a great way to end the day, celebrating the start of a wonderful marriage for Mike and Mel, and even though the thunder and lightning came in after dark, it did make for a spectacular best man's speech, with the lightning background present for all to see during the speeches. That night we stayed at the Whalers Inn hotel room, and we drove home the next day.

The next few days were spent doing a bit of shopping and catching up with family and friends. A hectic few weeks, but enjoyable to catch up with everyone again.

Thanks to all who fed us, and to Cathy and Slav for a comfy bed in the Bratkovic Household!