Episode 1 - The Wedding

As this is my first attempt at a blog, ever, any advice or constructive criticism will be gratefully welcomed. I plan to practice putting in the text and posting pictures together with captions - so here goes.

The last weekend has been a very eventful one in the Stein / Kitley / Rawson households as we all moved out to Morgensvlei in Tulbagh - it felt like I took everything including the kitchen sink on Thursday, so that we could set up for the wedding on Saturday. Having never been to a destination wedding (actually my experience of weddings recently has been almost non-existent) it was a wonderful experience. We had the use of the whole farm which included accommodation for 30 people, breakfast room with kitchen, a dam, swimming pool plus a chapel and the reception area with an impressive catering area and stoep.

Some of the rooms across the dam.

The reception area at sunset

I was quite amazed at the work that we put in, to get the wedding organised and I was pretty busy in the kitchen (feeding lunches and suppers to the hordes of willing hands), while the bridal party created the atmosphere with wreaths, candles, flowers, peace birds and bunting (I had made 400m of white flags which we hung on the stoep and down the road). Everyone pitched in, which was great and we finished most of the big stuff by Friday lunch time so that all could enjoy a cricket match - I must admit that I am still not sure of the rules that were applied and spectators were awed when the ball missed being caaught but despite a number of head-over-heels, the little green bottle in the other hand managed to stay upright and intact!!!!! This was followed by a very enjoyable braai at the pool.

David working on the sound system

Sally and Robin hanging hearts in the chapel

Richard (bride's father), David; Rory - choosing teams

Saturday, despite fears of rain, dawned with sunshine, a little wind but perfect conditions. Last minute trips to Tulbagh, checking of decor and arranging of flowers, lunch for any who could eat and a few 'green bottles' or champagne tipples to calm the nerves and the wedding preparations were underway and then the wedding itself! One of the problems with being MOG (mother-of-the groom) is that I didn't get to take too many photos so have 'appropriated' a few!

David keeping an eye on the best men playing boule

David and Ian as the goalposts!!!

Sally and her bridesmaids approaching the chapel

Signing the register

In many ways the rest of the day is a bit of a blur but was extremely enjoyable with a beautiful bride and handsome groom, a very moving ceremony, many well wishers, photos, speeches, good food and company, good dancing and singing which went on into the early hours of the morning - all in all a very 

enjoyable do, which I am sure will be captured very ably in the photos to come.

Sunday was spent waking slowly, taking apart all the decor, and sadly packing up then heading home - rather exhausted, if I must be honest, but very happy about the weekend's festivities and very happy to welcome Sally into the family plus to become related as an in-law to the Rawson family. David and Sally spent a night in CT and then jetted back to JHB and finally onto Madagascar for the surprise honeymoon.

                                       -----------------------------------------------------------

As I write this, sadly, yet another fire is burning in Cape Town - the choppers are making numerous passes over the house, as the lower slopes of Signal Hill are burning. Amazing to stand in my backyard and watch first the speed and height of the flames and then the skill and precision of the choppers and the tiny human figures battling areas of the blaze. We need rain!!!!!

Till we chat again after I arrive in Bermuda - I start work on Friday 17th April!!!!

Maureen