My Wedding Speech...

To break from tradition I refused to say "honour and obey"......I didn't wear a white dress and I am definitely not going to keep quiet at the reception. Michael will testify that I always try to get the last word in...

It is true to say that a bride's wedding day is just as special for her parents as it is for her. They have watched their daughter grow from a newborn baby totally dependant, to a grown women full of independence arriving at her wedding day. It is not often that we as children get an opportunity to thank our parents publicly for all they've done for us. I ask that you bear with me as I take this moment to do just that.

As a little girl I can remember Mum and Dad always tucking me in and kissing me goodnight, covering my scraped knee with a Band-Aid, holding my hand while walking me to school, helping me with my homework. As the years passed and I was finding out about live, love and heartache, there they were. Good old Mum and Dad, always ready with a big heart and even bigger hanky ready to wipe away the tears.

My first very special thank you must be to my wonderful parents, Brian and Margaret. The support, encouragement and love that you have shown me over the years has been enormous.
I am the person you see before you today because of these two very special people. They taught me to believe in myself and that anything I wanted to do in life; I could do, if I set my mind to it.

They also taught me to be independent from a very young age. I'm sure Michael would NOT thank them for this as I can be incredibly stubborn sometimes as a result, in fact if I was a character from the Little Mr and Little Miss books, without a doubt I would be Little Miss Independent - but it always made me aware that when I did get married, if I got married, it would be to the right man at the right time and that is certainly true. I was given a fantastic education and they instilled in me values that I hope to bring to my marriage with Michael. I can only hope that I can create the same feeling of welcome and happiness in our home as they have always had in theirs...

Mum and Dad I love you both so much and it is difficult to express the gratitude that I have for this wonderful day. So much time and effort has gone into every detail. My parents have truly provided me with the wedding of my dreams and it is only with wonderful memories that I will think of this day forever.

A little under 3 years ago, when I first met Michael I had just come out of a five year relationship and definitely wasn't thinking about, let alone looking for another relationship. So it is a little surprising to find myself standing here beginning a new chapter of my life as Mrs Douthie.

One person that I must thank, or some (light heartedly) might say blame for us all being here tonight, is a good friend. Win Johnson. Winnie, Winnie, Winnie (possibly get the bridal party to go oi, oi, oi here). I thank you for convincing me to put a tape in for Blue Heelers and come out bowling instead of staying home on my first night back from down south. As little girls we always dream of dressing up like princess' or brides. Well today I got to live that dream and in part it is because of you.

I know Michael's has formally thanked the bridesmaids, but hey they're my bridesmaids, so I am going to steal part of his thunder. Wendy, Cecelia, and Jodi thank you for everything. I'd realised that I had chosen well on my hen's night when Wendy and Jodes went out of their way not to remove temptation but in trying to convince temptation to stay, alas temptation was no longer a problem. Cess, although you couldn't be there to share it with us you were there in spirit. Seriously though, you have all been a wonderful help in preparing for this day and more importantly wonderful friends in every sense of the word.

Wendy and to you Craig, I want to thank you both especially for the friendship, love and support you have shown me over the last 7 years. In those first 5 years of our friendship, living so far from Mum and Dad you guys became my family, and showed me I much support and love in a time where it was truly needed. Your door was always open to me, and a bed always at the ready, damn I missed out on those pink pancakes though. Your continued support, friendship and love flowed when I introduced you my now husband, Michael. You made him feel just as welcome as you did me, the first time we met. I thank you so much and I am honored that you both along with Chelsea and Shania (who looked absolutely gorgeous today) accepted our invitation to be part of our special day and more so part of our bridal party. I love you both.
Friendships can be found and forged in many different ways, whether it is be as best friends growing up, new found friends, or even old friendships reignited by chance. True friends will always be there for you in one sense or another.

It is at this point that I must say a very special and heartfelt thank you to our wonderful celebrant today and special friend, John. I first met John 8 years, when he was Chaplain to a previous employer. Along came this open and caring, honest and sincere man, always ready for a chat, or a laugh, but more importantly an ear. There have been times over the last 8 years where John has been my rock, my confidante, my friend when I was at my lowest. It is very hard to put into words, how I feel about this man and just what he did for me, but I guess the most important person knows, so quite simply I will say 'John I feel blessed that I met you all those years ago, and I value the very special friendship that we have, and hope will continue to have.

Finally, I want to mention a very special person, Michael. It sounds silly to say that I wouldn't be here without him but it's true. Michael you've given me everything I could want - love, friendship and a future. It is said that you marry a man like your Dad and if that's true - then kind, generous, loving, caring, supportive, always there when you need him and great to hug is what I'm getting. I am looking forward to my life together with you and thank you for making me feel so special.

You know, Nanna always told me to marry a rich man - I couldn't have married a richer man than Michael. He is rich in inner strength, understanding and kindness, in forgiveness and patience. He is my everything and I am very proud to be Mrs Douthie. I'd like to propose a toast to us - the best is yet to come, and to you, our family and friends for showing your love and support by being here with us tonight.

Our Big Day - Party Time, Destination 'The Lakes Resort'

Onto the party location

Destination - Lakes Resort Hotel

We arrived about 6:40pm, a little behind schedule, but by this time we didn't care, we had so much fun with the cars we could've kept driving. We did the usual 'into the room' for the mock cake cutting, mock first dance etc...but I was more interested in seeing how a culmination of ideas and dreams had come together in what was to be our recpetion room.

I was like a little girl in a lolly shop. GOBSMACKED....It was so beautiful I cried and then I ran onto the dance floor with my arms wide spread and spun around and around in circles amongst 100's of balloons and their flowing silver foil streamers and falling stars. It reminded me of the night Michael proposed. A starry night on the beach. Guests were being entertained with pre dinner drinks at this stage until we were asked to leave the room ready for our grand enterance.

OK...Grand Entrance

We had the bridal party introduced in their pairs until it was our turn. Door closes on bridal party.

We had something a little different up our sleeves.Cast your mind back to the Addams Family, with the big old door chime and squeaky door.

Our DJ, Drew announces that we '(Tanya & Michael) have disappeared sorry about this folks'...a door bell chimes, fog rolls in under the door, a gong chimes and then we make our entrance to Kylie Minogues 'On A Night Like This'...it was perfect, we walked in hand in hand and I did yet another twirll amongst the falling stars.

It was really hard taking everything in. Inbetween entrees of either Tortellini Alla Panna or Shrimp Cocktails and mains the formalities were gotten out of the way. 5 speeches in total ending with our celebrant saying Grace. We had fun with our intro's to our speeches too. My Daddy had 'Daddy Cool', our Best Man had 'Pretty Fly for a White Guy', Michael had 'Can't Get Enough of You Baby' and our celebrant had the theme from Rocky. I had the redubbed versions of Destiny Child's 'Bootylicious'. I say redubbed because where the girls sing 'Michelle, can you handle this? Kelly, can you handle this? Beyonce, can you handle this?' we had dubbed over this to say the our three boys' names. 'Jaimie, can you handle this?, Timmy, can you handle this?, Michael can you handle this?. As I passed each guy I tapped them on the shoulder asking if they could handle this, and I approached the microphone with attitude.

Mains ofBeef Wellington, Asian Style Barramundi or Chicken with Banana, Pineapple and Almonds were served. This kept everyone quiet for a while, well as quiet as you can be with a mouth full anyway. After mains we had our cake cutting ceremony. This was quite cute and funny as Michael has so much trouble lighting 'his' match. Had two takes at doing this. It was fun though and some interesting photos to go with it.

Onto the dancefloor for the bridal waltz. We danced to David Campbell's cover of 'I'm Counting on You', and old Johnny O'Keefe song. We muffed a bit of it, but unfortunately there aint no second chances. I shared the second dance with my Dad to Bob Carlisle's 'Butterfly Kisses' and then the rest of the bridal party joined us on the floor.

From all reports everyone enjoyed the evenings festivities, good food, good wine (I hope....as I don't drink the stuff), good music and good company. What more could anyone ask for? Michael did the garter toss to 'It's Getting Hot in Here' and we even had our DJ, Drew, down on the floor with us. I didn't throw my bouquet. I had one made to pass to one of my bridesmaids as a token of love, luck and happiness within her upcoming marriage to my Brother. They were both very touch by this.

Our last songs for the evening were 'Save The Last Dance' (another David Campbell cover of J. O'K) and 'Time Of My Life' Jennifer Warne & Bill Medley.

Towards the end of the evening, Michael, myself, our Bridal Party and our Videographer headed up to our suite to film the ending for our dvd. Too mych detail to go into, but it basucally ends with us collapsing on the bed, the do not disturb sign on the door and the Bridal Party standing outside with their ears to the door (mmm...wonder what they could be doing type thing). We plan on having the sound of snoring coming from behind the door instead of th much expected horizontal mambo. Something that just has to be seen to be understood.

I guess I could ramble for hours about our perfect day, but I will leave it here. We did follow up the wedding day with a recovery bbq at Mum and Dad's for our bridal party and guests that had travelled to be with us. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time filled with many beautiful gifts all of which we are very appreciative of.

Our Big Day - Strike a Pose!

After we had done the official family photos we started with the creative ones.

This was fun, especially when the two little girls and I got to go and feed the ducks. It mean hitching up the dresses and stepping across a cobblestone footbridge.

We played with the Mustangs and had a ball, even had our driver smoking up the rear end of the car the Michael and I were in over and over again, purely for photographical purposes (of course). I think Ian's words (our driver) were 'You don't have to ask me twice'. Quite a revhead. We even got the old 'Grease' shot, sitting in the front looking back over our shoulders. Only difference here was I was the one behind the wheel.

Unfortunately we didn't get to Woodville Bowl. This was due to the fact that one of my cars was 3/4's hour late, that and the fact that the weather was starting to turn a little bad. Although the few showers that we crossed paths with on the way to Grange Beach were just that.

I think we had about 1 1/2 hours at the beach, it was sunny, it was rainy, we had lightning and we had rainbows. What more could we have asked for? Most memorable moment on the way to the beach, the left hand drive Mustang cutting it too fine against the roundabout and loosing a wheel rim. Neatly caught and picked up by our ducatti escourt, Craig.

Our Big Day - Get me to the Church (ooops Garden) on Time

Our cars were all suppose to be at Mum and Dad's by 1:15pm. Well we had two cars and a bike there by then, then the 3rd rang at about 1:30pm saying he was held up in traffic. 1:40pm, no car, 1:45pm still no car, this went on until we finally managed to track down the mobile number of the driver. 1:55pm and we are finally leaving Mum and Dad's. NOT BAD FOR A 2:00PM CEREMONY.

The drive to the ceremony was a great time, the girls in the other two cars were emjoying themselves, especially the two little ones, turning around and waving to me every couple of minutes. My car actually stalled at the brewery lights, quite funny as all my driver could say was 'there goes all my brownie points'.

My girls escorted me in, and I arrived on the arms of both my Dad and Mum, with my two gorgeous little dogs, Rosie and Dee leading me in, to the strains of Wagner's 'Here comes the Bride' What I can remember hearing of them was beautiful. My gorgeous husband, flanked by his wingmen, was absolutley beaming just as I was at him. I was trying to take in everything and everyone. Actually forgot to take my sunglasses off and had to be reminded of this shortly into the ceremony.

The ceremony was beautiful, but went so quick. I think because I was trying everything in I hadn't realised that John (our Celebrant) had already started. It went for about 1/2 hour and was predominantly created by Michael and I, with touches of John thrown in.

After the signing we released butterflies. This didn't go quite according to plan, damn things were suppose to fly and be free, but they all seemed content to stay in the comfort of their little box. This was cool though as it meant that Michael and I got a chance to handle them. They were so gorgeous.

OK ceremony over, shoes off!

Our Big Day - Getting Ready....

I breathed a sigh of relief when we pulled up at home and the photographer hadn't arrived yet. This I didn't mind, gave me a few moments to breathe although Mum and Dad's was a hive of activity. Walk in the front door, our videographer, Carl, was on time though, d'oh.

Our flowers were sitting on Mum and Dad's kitchen table. My GOD they were so beautiful, and so vibrant. I think my bouquet (which is now down at my florists ready to be preserved, along with one of my bridesmaids bouquets to be preserved around our marriage certificate) was about 60cm or so in length. There were even two little collars of flowers for my two beautiful little dogs.

I made sure that all the girls were dressed first, so at least the photographer had something to work with. Can't remember what time Debra arrived, but it seemed to be just as I was wanting to get dressed. Getting dressed was put on hold as Debra wanted to use my lingerie and jewellery for some still life shots.

I used this time to go out and droool over the first of my cars to arrive. The interesting thing was that I didn't feel nervous about the impending afternoon, but as soon as my second car arrived and they sat there revving the engines I cried, I love my cars and the sound they made was just heaven. Enough drooling, back inside to get dressed. I was pretty quick to dress, but need to fake getting dressed for the photographer and videographer. I am sure we have picked up some really candid and beautiful moments. More so because the bridesmaid that Debra picked to help me pose for photos was Cec, my FSIL. So this was a very special time for us. We used Mum and Dad's purpose built sunroom and pergola for the rest of the photos.

My puppies arrived at the ceremony by Jag no less, and were there waiting my arrival.

Our Big Day - Girlies, Hair and Make Up

We started our wedding day on the Friday night prior (19th) with the Bridal Party at Mum and Dad's for a feed of pizza and a getting to know you time for those who hadn't met our interstate guests. This was a cool time, lots of laughs and food. I walked out into the back room at one stage to see my three big girlss and Mum all huddled around the heater painting their toe nails. Quite cute. The girls all slept over while the boys went home.

With a balmy 27 degree day ahead of us, the day for the girls and I began about 7:30am. Car loads of giggling, carrying on, still alseep girls down to the house of beauty, or the house that was to make us beautiful, my hairdressers. I had arranged the night before for our make up artist to meet us there also, in the change it might save a bit of driving.

We were greeted with soft drinks, o.j, champers if we wanted and platters of dips, apricots, cheese, kabana and rice crackers (how thoughtul). Not a bad idea since some of us hadn't had breakfast. I sent Jodi into bat first. Jane has this idea that we would work on about 3/4's hour per head. Mmmm....could clearly see this was going to go out the window when at the last minute she totally decided she would try something a little different with Jodi's hair. It was well worth it though. I was second to take the stand. 1 1/2 hours later and the work of art was finished, albeit we we had to pull half my hair apart again when it was realised that my veil couldn't be wired in the way that was first planned.

By now our make up artist had arrived, equipped with trowels and plaster. Jodi again had the honour of being first in line. Here began the production line of bum in one chair, then bum in another.

In the middle of this my FSIL had to make a mercy dash to the airport to pick up my little brother, just stepped off a plain from East Timor. He ran her back to the hairdressers and then went to the city to pick up his suit and get a quick haircut himself before getting back to Michaels to get ready with the boys.

While Cec was gone we had Wendy and her two girls, Chelsea and Shania going through the girl process. OK, Cec is back and the production line continues. 'Cec where is your hairpiece' I ask? She starts freaking out, so I threw my car keys at her and another trip to Mum and Dad's was made then straight back into the hairdressers chair.

In the meantime Wendy's husband Craig (our Bridal Party escort) had been running between places acting as unofficial videpgrapher. Mind you his strength was needed when it came time to wire my veil through. Imagine trying to bend coat hanger strength wire while it is attached to someones head.

Keeping in mind our photographer was due to arrive at Mum and Dad's at 12:00pm, I send Wendy, Chelsea and Shania back to Mum and Dad's to get dressed about 11:30am. The last of us was still sitting in the make up chair at 11:55am. All went well though.