Friday 25th October 2002

Wedding day!
We were awakened around 5.00 AM by the distinct smell of fire. We looked outside, and instead of a clear blue sky like yesterday, a dirty haze had filled the air. The winds had turned! Smoke and dust from the bushfires was blowing in from the north = very poor visibility = PANIC!!!

We got up around 7.00 AM to prepare ourselves for the big day, with lots of nerves. Getting ready didn't go as smoothly as hoped. (the hairdryer 'fell out' a couple of times, trouble with the make-up ... grrr), but luckily the dress had survived the arduous flight and transfers very well and didn't even need a touch of ironing. Oh, of course compared to 'stresshead' Radica, JJ had everything under control ;-)

At 10.15 our wedding attendant, Natasha, and the car (a classic 1947 Jaguar) with our chauffeur John had arrived at the hotel.
We drove through the 'sunny' city center towards the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Thank God the smoke had cleared enough! When we arrived at The Gardens we were greeted by our minister Grant and our photographer Dan.
Grant went over the ceremony with us and then we were escorted to our wedding location. Blimey! Getting married with the Sydney Opera House and The Harbour Bridge in the background. The smoke was still hanging around a bit, which made it all look even more surreal! Natasha had layed out the red carpet. We were standing by, waiting for the ceremony to begin, when some passers-by asked if they could join the congregation. Sure! Why not! Grant started the ceremony (He is quite a character. Try to imagine actor Sir Richard Attinborough from Jurassic Park, you know, the old guy with the beard ;-). The ceremony was very intimate and Grant's warm character created a relaxed and 'no worries' atmosphere. We had both recited our personally written vows, ... and concluded, with a kiss, as husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Halans! It was soo beautiful! Exactly what we had dreamed of. No, better. After the ceremony Dan took us around The Gardens for a few more pics. Can't wait for them to be ready! They will be delivered to us tomorrow ... Then we were driven to Circular Quay in the The Rocks area and enjoyed an absolutely delicious lunch at the renowned 'Wolfies' restaurant, accompanied with a gorgeous view of the Bridge to the left, and the Opera house to the right. Perfect!!! After lunch we strolled back to the hotel ... in our wedding clothes, felt like walking on clouds.

After a quick change, we went back towards the The Rocks area to do the Bridge Pilon climb and enjoyed a sunset view of the Circular Quay area from the steps of the Opera House. In other words, a perfect day! And thanks too to those who managed to send us congratulations. We really enjoyed reading your messages.

So, hopefully more pictures of the wedding tomorrow folks.
Time for bed now (it's 2.30 AM ;-)

cheers,
Radica & JJ