Will and Gemma

Weddings are a time of family and friends, reunion, ceremony, teary eyes, funny speeches, beautiful gowns, duplicate gifts and most importantly – joyful celebration.  And recently it was all this and much more for Julie and I as we saw our oldest son Will marry his beautiful sweetheart Gemma on a bright sunny day in the gorgeous gardens of a historic homestead in the Southern Highlands south of Sydney.  What a day!

The groom and groomsmen look a treat as family and friends assemble for the ceremony

Will and his best man (and younger brother) Zach calmly waiting for the bride to arrive

And there she is!  Gemma and her father Steve emerging from the historic house

A joyous moment as Steve proudly walks his only daughter down the aisle

Will and Gemma both gave very personal, amusing and loving vows, including Will promising to protect Gemma from all spiders

Every big deal is followed by paperwork

There was nary a dry eye in the garden after one of the most beautiful ceremonies in a long time

The wedding party in all their regalia – close friends reuniting for the big day

Gemma, Will, Julie and I celebrate their finest moment

Will’s grand parents from California made the long trip for the big day and it was a special treat to have them there

We have a big extended family in Australia and all the generations were represented

With the formalities in the garden completed and countless photos taken everyone reconvened in the extended dining room for some fabulous food, endless drinks and great speeches.  Zach stole the show with his Best Man speech, telling stories about how he and Will grew up together as brothers and best friends.  We also heard funny stories about Gemma growing up and her time through Uni and grad school.  She’s a keeper!

There was dancing of course, more toasts, more funny stories and more hugs as everyone had a fabulous night.  Julie and I are just ecstatic to have Gemma in our family and I know Steve and Lorraine feel the same about Will.  Long may they flourish together!

The honeymooners enjoyed some adventures in China, including walking the great wall in freezing temperatures