Almost immediately we began planning the event, and within a day's walk had decided we wanted to have our reception at Sahara Restaurant in Melbourne. Sahara had been a long-time, shared haunt throughout out relationship and has a wonderful, artistic bent and fantastic food. Thankfully, the reception would be held there.
After a little investigation we were able to book Fitzroy town hall for the ceremony. We were in the old library reading room, replete with chandeliers and mahogany bookcases. A group of our friends (including the 2 best men) played music before the ceremony.
The ceremony was simple and contemporary, focusing on family and community. Claire's bridesmaids wore black; one was 9 months and 2 days pregnant. I walked Claire down the aisle. Our mothers provided reflections on each of us and our relationship, and our brothers read poems.
The celebrant proclaimed us married, and we all headed off to the reception. Via a quick stop at the pub.
The reception was everything we'd hoped - a large party with our family & friends. The food was highlighted by a baked trout, and moroccan lamb; the wine a heady drop, and the tunes were soul & funk, courtesy of one of our friends. Claire & I again broke with tradition by not leaving early, and rather being the last to leave.
