Image above: Justine and Donald cracking up with laughter at the stories wheeled out by their friends during their wedding lunch. [Sunday 20 September]
Day 20 and now in Hong Kong catching up with a few friends and also catching up with my posts now after two quick stops between Melbourne and here. First up – Perth where I got to see Justine and Donald get married.
This stage of the trip was one of the most anticipated because although Justine and I have known each other for 10 years, although I’ve met her parents, and although I have travelled with her sister, we have never met actually in person in all that time.
So we got to meet the day before her wedding and it was pretty awesome being able to give her a proper hug for the first time. And, as a testament to our friendship, we simply got right into the swing of just chatting away and teasing each other as if it had only been a few days since we saw each other last.
The wedding itself was a lot of fun – even with the rather uncooperative weather. Donald and Justine were kind enough to involve me in helping with the wedding preparations. It was so touching seeing Justine, resplendent in her gown, and Donald exchange their vows, exchange rings, and exchange a kiss once their marriage had been pronounced. Hugely honoured to be present to witness that moment.
The three groomsmen (Jerry, CJ, and Kenneth) and the three bridesmaids (Ally, Cheryl, and Justina) were great fun to hang around and they did a superb job with a surprise joint speech which had all of us alternating between aww-ing at the happy couple and laughing so hard at the stories they each recounted. And it was hilarious doing an impromptu ad shoot with the six of them based around Justine’s beloved red MINI Cooper.
So to Justine and Donald … thanks for inviting me and all the best to the two of you in the days, months, and years ahead in this new chapter of your lives. And to the wedding party … thanks for making me feel welcome to the group and I hope to see you all again soon – wherever that might be in the world. :)
Coming up next … my 41 hours flying visit to Singapore.
Latest travel statistics: 6 places visited, 17 time zones crossed, 35.5 hours spent in 9 planes, and 5 movies watched.
