Helen and Simon's wedding

Last weekend we went to my cousin's wedding in Melbourne. It was the first time that I'd been to Melbourne and I was expecting great things. In the event, we didn't really have much time or energy for going into the city.

I'd gone for the cheapest flights that I could find, but hadn't realised how much harder it is to get to Elaine's (My Aunt) house. We left our house at about 10.30 and got to hers at about 7.00pm. We were going straight out again to a party at Simon's (The groom) and so we were a little pooped by the end of the day.

Elaine has a lovely little flat in her garden, and currently my uncle (Don) is staying there for a few months. He visits from the UK every year.

Anyway, here's some pics in no particular order:

This is David, Elaine's partner of several years, a really great fella.



Elaine hasn't changed much in the 35 or so years since I last saw her!



Daile... we got back from the cafe too late for her to put on make up, so she just did without! I love that!



Mallee - Helen and Simon's little boy and a fine one he is - FULL of beans!



The venue, an Orchard!



Simon, (the blushing groom)...



Don walking up with Helen, and the bridesmaids... (not one of them blushing actually)





Leo, Helen's brother and Mallee. The gent on the right is Scotty, the photographer and a mate. The ute was driven in by Helen with the 5 bridesmaids on the back and Don and Leo in the cab with her...



The celebrant was a woman, and a really buoyant one!



One of the guests... a free ranging one.



Mallee again..



The happy couple...



After the ceremony just before the speeches...



Simon's Dad Peter giving a lovely speech, then Elaine on his right, and Don grinning.



Don and Simon



Helen and Susie - Simon's Mum in the background...



Leo's partner, Victoria (Tory)



one of Peter's grand kids...



Leo with the marriage certificate. (He was bemused to have been trusted with it!)



More free range guests... these are Lucas's girls...



Helen, making a gettaway!



We really had a lovely time, did some walking, lots of interesting talking with Elaine and David and of course Don, and drinking coffees at a local venue that is REALLY nice and part of Elaine's morning walk with the dog (Lancelot). It was fantastic to be invited and catch up with all my Australian family connections. I have to say that Helen and Leo are really fantastic, balanced and charming people.