We're going to the chapel...

Today is the big day for Cole and Robin. Early in the day, I drove Eliza out to the wedding venue, where the bridesmaids were all making flower crowns and helping to finalise the set-up of things. I hung around for a bit and assisted with shifting heavy things that needed to be moved into place. There was a last minute issue with the caterer - which added some stress - but we prayed and it all came together in the end.

The Condis' front lawn - transformed

I returned to the inn for a swim, and to freshen up and get dressed; then came back on the pre-arranged coach bus with family and friends.

The service was taken by Father John, an old family friend of Robin's family. He had flown from China to be a part of it, and he spoke beautifully about sacramental covenants. The bridal party looked amazing. Robin looked absolutely stunning. Eliza looked gorgeous.

Eliza, Grace and Piper working the flowers

Robin walked down the aisle with her brothers David and Michael

Robin, Father John, and bridesmaids

Bridal party (groomsmen out of picture on right)

Eliza and Grace

My beautiful daughter

The reception following the ceremony partied hard into the night. The toasts were made, speeches were given. I gave a speech on behalf of the NZ contingent who couldn't be present, preceded by a short greeting in Te Reo. People from every continent had come to be a part of the celebration. It was really beautiful. There was plenty of good food - Alaskan caribou beans, corn on the cob, pulled pork. Amazing!

The music was pumping and the dancing went for hours. Some sat and talked around the fire-pit. I had the fortune of bumping into John - from Invercargill. He had been a neighbour of the deKlerks in Battleground for the past twenty years. We had a great chat, and he recalled a story of when he had met my dad Hector at a brai around at Andre's nine years ago.

Midnight in Fairbanks - dancing in the reception tent

Midnight in Fairbanks - talking around the fire-pit

 Meeting my cousin Jode was a real highlight - we sat and chewed the fat for quite some time. He mentioned that one of the best things about this entire wedding event was meeting Eliza and I (cousins that he had never met before). I briefly filled him in on the Grant family tree, and the deKlerks. It was a really great time.

Eliza and I caught the coach bus back to the inn at 1:30 am. What a fantastic day!!