John and Gina’s wedding…

Lots of very happy memories to take away.
From the ceremony in the Victoria State Parliament right through to the dancing after midnight to eighties music with a mixed group of hairdressers and anaesthetists. And everything in between. I’ve never been at such a do that combined being posh and well catered with being human and friendly. I managed to stay clear of the after hours in the nightclub and call it quits with the lovely wine and beer at the reception in Champions in Federation Square. Family and friends seemed to get along so well. There was a great Quicktime movie which Joe (best man) had edited with stills from photos of John and Gina in their respective childhoods so far apart. He made a lovely speech – great balance between the usual dishing the dirt and the unusual and frank admissions of love and respect for John. Janet had a tricky mission with absent friends after Bill’s death last year but managed a lovely, subtle speech which mixed humour, warmth and emotion together. The same in equal measure went for John, Gina and Dennis (Gina’s dad) – great words from all. Lots of drinking and dancing ensued (including the knee dance – but mainly for Jack’s benefit – he will inherit the gene and it’s best not to hide it). The children had a great do – Alice and Jack both loved being members of the wedding. And I have a horrible feeling that this has set the bar for Alice’s do one day! I feel a little sorry for Debs – Joe’s girlfriend – because she got the full- on GoBetweens story from me (and very probably the Brian Eno being a genius talk too). Accident of the seating plan. But she was polite and smiled through it all!
Janet came home really happy that we’d gone and smiley and needing sleep badly after coming down from the event and making that difficult but wonderful speech.
And that was that.