The Wedding of Abi and Chris
On August 21st, 2004, Paul's daughter Abi married Christopher Lancaster, from Adelaide, South Australia.  Liz and I were accompanied by Tress, Abi's grandmother when we flew out to from England to be there on Chris and Abi's special day.  The wedding was held in Adelaide Zoo, and the wedding vows were exchanged against a background of excited squawks from exotic birds and screeches from monkeys in the monkey house.  The weather was superb, the reception at the Lion Hotel most enjoyable, and we wish Mr and Mrs Lancaster all the very best in their new life together.  Liz, Tress and I also want to thank everyone who helped to make our visit to Australia so special.
Victoria_Square.jpg (137965 bytes) The day before the wedding, and we meet a casually dressed Abi in Victoria Square in central Adelaide Getting_Ready_2.jpg (82836 bytes) On the morning of the day itself we arrived early at Alicia's house to help Abi and her bridesmaids prepare themselves for the great event
Getting_Ready_1.jpg (85535 bytes) Abi was all dressed up and looking gorgeous, wearing a tiara which had belonged to Chris' great grandmother Bridesmaids.jpg (143117 bytes) Here are the two bridesmaids, Alicia and Nicole, looking radiant in the winter sunshine as they finish preparations
With_Bridesmaids.jpg (135845 bytes) And here Abi poses with them, their expressions showing how much they are already enjoying their special day With_Bridesmaids_2.jpg (173714 bytes) I was able to encourage them to pose sensibly just long enough to get this picture
With_Grandma.jpg (50617 bytes) And Abi also posed with her Grandma, who had coped well with the 24 hour flight from England at the age of 81 With_Dad_Arriving.jpg (120366 bytes) Finally it was time to head for the zoo.  Here is Paul arriving with Abi, who is shivering a little in the cool breeze
With_Bridesmaids_Arriving.jpg (128825 bytes) The slow walk to the ceremony begins, as Abi is joined by the bridesmaids With_Dad_2.jpg (126767 bytes) And here she poses for a photo with Dad before going to find the groom's party, somewhere near the monkey house
Vows_3.jpg (112916 bytes) The ceremony was simple, but very practical.  Here the celebrant addresses them on the order of proceedings Vows_2.jpg (87503 bytes) And then the service itself, with the exchange of vows and an explanation of the meaning of marriage as a partnership
Vows_1.jpg (109071 bytes) Both Abi and Chris are very nervous, but they get through their lines very well, with no mistakes Congregation.jpg (136595 bytes) The congregation are watching every move and listening intently to what is being said
Gaye_Watching.jpg (106369 bytes) Especially Gaye, Chris' mum, who seems almost to be sending support to them via telepathy  The_Ring.jpg (42623 bytes) The ring is slipped onto Abi's finger, and the best man thankfully didn't drop it through the cracks in the floor and into the pond beneath
Abi_Signing_1.jpg (105334 bytes) Finally the couple sign the marriage register Signing.jpg (64739 bytes) And the certificate of marriage
Certificate.jpg (57846 bytes) Which is then displayed as the celebrant introduces the newly married couple to the audience Bride_and_Groom_2.jpg (148066 bytes) Mr and Mrs Lancaster
Bride_and_Groom_3.jpg (83433 bytes)

Bride.jpg (99841 bytes)

 Looking very happy together now that the ordeal of the ceremony is behind them

 

And an opportunity for Abi to pose alone

 Bride_2.jpg (135689 bytes) Her dress is gorgeous, and Abi looks very relaxed as she enjoys her day
Bride_Groom_Mum.jpg (109563 bytes) Time for the couple to pose with Tress With_Gaye.jpg (127761 bytes) .... with Chris' mother, Gaye and step-mother, Amanda
Bride_Parents.jpg (133275 bytes) .... with Abi's father and step-mother, Liz With_Parents.jpg (146619 bytes) .... with Paul and gaye
With_Grandparents.jpg (126791 bytes) .... with Chris' maternal grandparents Big_Group.jpg (142540 bytes) .... and finally with the whole group
The_Cake.jpg (105248 bytes) An excellent chocolate cake had been provided by Cheryl, Gaye's sister Reception_4.jpg (71273 bytes) And Chris and Abi cut it in the time honoured way
Eating_Cake.jpg (60338 bytes) The first samples taste really good Reception_2.jpg (62998 bytes) And the reception gets properly underway, with the youngsters having fun with their mobile telephones
Reception_3.jpg (84009 bytes) And the not-so-youngsters chatting about the day Reception_1.jpg (74597 bytes) .... or making more noise than the youngsters.  A great day - and thanks to all who helped to make it so.
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