Doug & Jodie

Jodie’s Story:

We woke up bright and early on the 11th – the hairdresser was due to arrive at 6.30am!! Soon after the hairdresser arrived came the makeup artist (both from the Powder Room in Brisbane). With Mum on her way over, we got Andrew out of bed to bring us croissants and coffees… To the tunes of, ‘Girls just wanna have fun’ and other songs on my ‘getting ready’ song list we were into the swing of the best day of my life! Part-way through getting ready the guest services staff arrived with a huge bunch of my favourite lilies, a bottle of Verve Clicquot champagne (also my favourite) and some very classy lingerie Doug had bought from Selfridges – he had organised all this prior!!! It was the sweetest surprise.

So, sipping champagne we were all ready when the photographer (Chris Hall) arrived at 12.00 with his assistant and soon after the videographer (Focus Films). The girls looked just stunning in their dresses and mum so beautiful in her outfit made just for the day – the best looking bridal party ever. We took a series of shots with Chris who despite his salesman personality was amazing at getting the perfect photo. It didn’t take long for him to pick up on Agrita’s quick wit and he had met his match – he was also quick to pick up on a potential future client! We ventured outside around the Sheraton pool for the first time that day – it was so warm and sunny, after all the rain a relief. With our pink Chinese parasols we got some beautiful photos. Chris and the videographer left to catch-up with Doug at the church and our flowers arrived – I was so pleased with how these looked – the most stunning round arrangements of creams, pinks and white roses so tightly packed and held together with satin ribbon fixed with crystal and pearl pins… a good friend of Fi’s works for Terriane from Mondo Floral designs in Maleny and she helped on the day – so I think we ended up with much more than we were quoted…

After all this fuss we were left with an hour on our own to chat and reflect a little. We ate some of the cheese platter Paul & Sue Nixon had kindly organised and sipped a little more champagne. I had a mini-melt down when Fi practised her poem which she had written for Doug and I – it was incredibly moving and so heart-felt, we went into emergency blotting mode before I started bawling. I also had an emotional moment with Mum – something to do with me thinking Doug was too good for me, was I going to be a good wife etc…… more tissues required!

Finally we headed out to our waiting Jaguar… a beautiful white Jag with red leather interior was in the circular drive, all this was just how I imagined the big day to be – perfect. We got a few beeps from traffic on our way there, one man calling out ‘Don’t do it!’, then we headed straight past the church because I didn’t want to be early and did a lap of Sunshine Beach. We arrived at the church at 3.05pm to the sounds of the bagpipes playing. Chris captured some more moments and we waited in the shade while the kids (Emma, Holy and Ben) led the way down the aisle – apparently the bagpipes frightened Ben so much he screamed the whole way down, poor thing. First Fi, then Lou, then Greets headed down the aisle to ‘Highland Cathedral’ on the pipes. All I remember is looking for Doug’s face – and grinning the hugest grin.

The service was lovely. Father John was a bit wacky, some of his jokes were met with complete silence but it all made the day. I stumbled when saying my vows – after choking back more tears I got through. Then I jumped in early to say ‘I will’ (I thought Fr John had finished his bit), to this he said ‘She’s keen’ – how embarrassing but funny nonetheless. During the service we lit a candle in memory of Dad. We ended by signing the registry to ‘Flower of Scotland’ on bag pipes and a few big kisses!!

After the service we greeted everyone and took more photos then the bridal party headed to Cato’s at the Sheraton on Hastings St. Here we stopped traffic by walking down the road for a series of shots, then moved on to the rainforest and then the beach where we got some stunning sunset shots with my veil in full flight behind me – we walked barefoot to the reception at Sails on the beachfront.

Carly our wedding co-ordinator at Sails was amazing, she had everything under control. Canapés on the terrace were delicious and the champagne was flowing. The night itself was more than I could have hoped for. Chris Hall presented a beautiful powerpoint presentation mid-way through the evening with photos of us growing up, then together and then of the whole wedding day. Speeches were lovely, everyone said the kindest things about us and we were really moved by how much our friends and family care about us and are happy for us. Our M.C Richard was made everything run on time and it was so nice to have him speak about the virtues of marriage. The food was, as always, devine! We had named each table after a country we have visited together and in lieu of gifts for the guests we had a certificate stating that we had donated money to the Qld Cancer fund in memory of Dad. The tables had mirrored table runners and roses submerged in tall vases. The cake was layers of caramel mud and chocolate mud cake with a spare kitchen cake of raspberry mud cake – yum!!!!
We ended the night with our dance to Stevie Wonders ‘Superstitious’ – this was the dance that was choreographed for us in London, we barely practised but it was so much fun. Then our singer (Leah Rush) sung ‘our song’ which she had learnt especially for us – Corrine Bailey Rae’s ‘Like a Star’. After this everyone joined us for Eva Cassidy’s ‘Songbird’. Then the dancing really began with people like Michael carving up the floor on one leg (post knee reconstruction) and my uncle Scott flinging his legs around to some sort of Highland fling, we even had a congo line going – it was brilliant. In the middle of this we tossed the bouquet – all I can remember is Lou charging up the front and taking a stance similar to a rugby prop, shoving people out of the way – the bouquet was tossed, hit the roof and landed on the floor, was picked up and thrown directly at Amanda who promptly passed it on to Fi. Andrew very skilfully plucked the garter out of the air managing to barely move a muscle… All too soon the night was over and we were headed out the door via an archway of all our guests, we strolled off down the board-walk (me now in my sandals and Jimmy Choos safely left with mum) – it was a bit surreal to walk home with my husband along Hastings St but it was truly the best day of my life!!!!

We were woken at 7am the next morning with a phone call from mum announcing that Richard had proposed to her on the beach after everyone had gone home…. so the celebrations continued that day!

Doug’s Story:

Well, the boys woke up in the apartment around 7am, but with no rush to speak of. It was quite disturbing that the owner of the apartment had placed pictures of herself, on the beach, all over the house. We headed down for breakfast at one of the cafe’s, before changing into boardies and hitting the beach. All this time, Jodie and the girls had been up since 6am, for hair and make-up.

We headed back to the apartment around 11am, Scotty went out and grabbed us a case of Crownies and we ordered some pizzas. We took it quite easy, until just after 1pm, when we all started to get ready. We got to the church on time, the Chris Hall had just arrived. We met the videographer and proceeded to get some pictures and video of the 4 of us. As people arrived, the photographers kept clicking away and the churched slowly filled up.

Suddenly the bagpipes fired up, and moment later the girls started to walk down the aisle. Poor Ben was a little spooked by the bagpipes and Katy led the twins down the aisle. Then, out of the sunlight, like some angelic creature, Jodie and her mom appeared and proceeded to walk down the aisle. By the end of the night, my face was sore from smiling, but this was the first time my smile was completely uncontrollable. My girl looked absolutely amazing.

The service was lovely, and in the blink of an eye it was over. We left the church and headed for Hastings street, where during the photo shoot we literally stopped traffic for some photos.
After some more photos at the end of the beach, and much kissing, we walked back along the beach to Sails. Carly looked after the girls, with towels for their feet, to get the sand off. This is just one of the small details that she looked after during the whole event. We couldn’t give enough praise to her organisation and smooth running of the whole event.

The whole reception was fantastic. The speeches were all great as were the meals. Everyone had a great time and Leah (the singer) was great. Jodie and I had practiced a dance we had choreographed in London, which was a lot more fun to do at the actual wedding.
We left, walking along the boardwalk in the moonlight, before heading for hotel. It was an amazing day.

Jan – We still need to talk about that roora !

On the 28th of March we finally flew out to Australia for the Big Day!!!!! We were both like little kids, so excited!
Our first day back in Aus was spent in cafes with friends and family, me with Fi and Doug with JJ and Mick – soaking up the sunshine!! It was just beautiful weather. I had another hair trial and was really happy with how it looked. Later that night we went to Katy and Angus’ for a BBQ dinner with the family. It was a lovely night, we ended up chatting well into the evening after the kids were put to bed. It was also our first introduction to little Natalie – who is the perfect baby, and we’re not being biased.
Tuesday we headed to Toowoomba. Here we got to check out Mum and Richard’s half built house – looks fantastic!! Also enjoyed some long anticipated meat pies for lunch! We had a great night at Glen Iris catching up.

Wednesday we headed to Yagaburne. This was our chance to spend our last night with Glory and Papa at the property before they move into Gundy in June. M.C, Kerry, Libby and Scott all came over for dinner and as always we enjoyed a home grown roast lamb – yum!
Thursday we got up early (still jet lagged) and went for a walk where we were stalked by the horses. Doug helped Kerry on the property and we took a drive in the Toyota. Before we left we got Glory and Papa to pose for some shots by the Yagaburne sign at the grid – a little emotional but great shots. We headed back to Oakey via Goondimerri and a quick chat with Scott. That night was spent making paper cones for the rose petals and finalising the ever stressful seating plan!!
Friday, Mum and I went for a jog (mum jogged 100m and I met her on my way back) – jogging in the bush with the silence is so beautiful. Then we left Doug at Glen Iris while we hit the shops in Toowoomba. Boxes of bubbles, earrings for bridesmaids, printed paper etc. Later we arrived back at the ranch. On dusk we headed back to Brissie and dinner with Liz.
Saturday Doug headed off early to meet the boys for his bucks day! Scott, Mick and Shane met Doug at Victoria Park for a game of golf and then met up with the rest of the boys at the Normanby for lunch – apparently this was a fairly tame day and night but a long one, they got to the hotel around 10pm.
My Hens started off with Fi, Lou, Mum, Greets and I having foot massages in James Street – there were lots of giggles involved as the wooden stick they use on your toes was closer to torture than relaxation. Then we enjoyed lunch at Depot in the Emporium where I presented the girls with their bridesmaid gifts – earrings, brooches for their dresses and seamless undies!! Of course Louise led the way with a series of photos in the cafe with the girls stretching out these undies for all to see! Then we checked out mums dress in the boutique – stunning! From here we met up with Rose, Carissa, Alicia, Janey, Jo, Erica at the Metro Arts Centre in Edward St. For a life drawing class – nude drawing!! It was so much fun, Greets arranged for champagne and it was such an original idea. It was hard to refrain from giggling and making rude comments as he wasn’t the prettiest of men.
Afterwards we walked to Agrita’s apartment at Aurora (mum was picked up by a bucks party along the way!). Jace, Liz and Al joined us here. The views were stunning and once again Greets had gone to a big effort to have champagne flowing and food prepared. From here we trotted off to Jade Buddha for dinner and a bit of dancing. Fi and Janey dared me to collect 5 condoms in 5 minutes from men within the bar – after desperate pleading I managed only to get 2 (from the same guy – who then wouldn’t leave us alone!) – all other men said they don’t use protection , nice! After another dare to dance the robot on the dance floor Greets and I walked home – me to our rented apartment where all the other casualties were asleep. It was a fabulous hens night and more than I ever expected – huge thanks to my maid of honour , Greets!!!
Sunday mum, Lou, Fi, Doug and I went to Depot (again) for breakfast. Later that afternoon we enjoyed lunch with Katy, Gus, John and the kids at Liz’s place.
Monday the 7th April (4 days until W day!!!). Today Doug and I attended our pre-marital counselling. We were more than reluctant to go but in the end it was nice to re-confirm how well we really do communicate and also we took away an important point – to take some time out with our mums prior to the wedding day to reassure them they are still incredibly important to us and always will be. Later we headed out to the DFO in Jindalee to visit Fi at her store. Coincidently Lou and Andrew were there visiting too so we had an unplanned lunch together ?
Tuesday 8th of April (3 days to W day!!!). This morning Doug took Liz out for some mum time and coffee. At midday mum arrived and her Doug and I set off for Noosa – yay!! We picked up the keys to our huge 5 bedroom house in Witta Circle and moved in! The house was fabulous and the fun we had over the next few days provided so many memories we will never forget ? Later that afternoon Lou, Andrew and Fi arrived – we danced to some great 80’s classics (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun) and stayed up late making names place cards!
Wednesday 9th April (2 days!!!) OMG! This morning Mum, Fi and I went for a walk in the rain. We spent the rest of the morning at Sails restaurant organising final details with Carly – she was fabulous! Then we hit the shops! Meanwhile Doug and Andrew were watching movies and grocery shopping – a good start the marriage I think. Later that afternoon Mum, Me, Lou and Fi headed off for our spray tans – this was mums first ever, lots of girly fun. Later that evening Richard, Glory and Papa arrived at the house. Lou and Andrew made home-made pizzas – yum!
Thursday 10th April (24 hours!). This morning Doug & I got up early and took a stroll along the beach before having breakfast on the beachfront – a nice moment to reflect on where we’ve come from and the importance of the next day. Then Fi, Lou and I headed off for our manicures and my pedicure. The funniest part being Lou getting her stubby nails painted and then bumping them before they were dry – the girl was not impressed… Later that day we checked into the Sheraton and then headed to the church for the rehearsal. A few really bad jokes later from Father John we kicked on to the Noosa Surf club for dinner with most of the family and some friends. Some of us moved on Cato’s at the Sheraton to catch-up with the gang – Erica, Rob, Michael, Jo, Alicia, Graham, Darren, Angus and Carissa – cocktails! Lou and Fi dragged me off to the hotel at 10pm.