The strange but special sound at the Rhodo Garden Commonwealth Park Canberra ACT

Hello, and welcome

Here we are in autumn, a more popular time for a Canberra wedding than summer or winter. The weather is much more human-friendly.
     Last Saturday I had the pleasure of legalising the marriage of Patrick and Alison. Pat's family are friends of mine from wayback, and I was invited to join in the celebrations as a wedding guest. 
     (There are more photos from this v happy event in the Slideshow on the right.)

     
     So - what was the strange but special sound at the Rhododendron Garden in Commonwealth Park where the ceremony was held?

     It came from the bats, all returning to their roost in the big trees. Ali walked in with her Dad John, and the bats squealed in chorus. It's quite a pleasant sound, and nothing like the raucous screech of cockies that can sometimes interrupt an outdoor ceremony. Then the bats went quiet and when we were all congratulating Ali and Pat at the end of the wedding, the bats squealed again, right on cue, rather like Nature's wedding bells. For reference, if you're planning a wedding in the Rhododendron Garden, the time was around six, end of summer, daylight saving time. (And no - we did not have a problem with anything dropping from the sky.)

     Ali and Pat's reception was at The Deck. on Regatta Point. The food was good wedding-reception fare, the setting was superb. A great band, lots of dancing under the full moon, looking out over Lake Burley Griffin. Atmosphere fun, temperature perfect. Much of the bride's extended family came from the British Isles and our fair city was at her best for these special visitors. 

     I very much enjoyed sitiing with Robyn and Julian. I'd been their celebrant three years ago and it was a lovely surprise to see them again. Julian and Robyn had a Christmas/engagement party at their home in 2006. I blended in with the guests until after the engagement announcement. Their guests were stunned at the shortest engagement in history and thrilled to find out they were actually wedding guests! The celebration to follow gave true meaning to the words 'wedding party'.
    If you’d like to email me about your wedding plans, please click here. I would be delighted to be your celebrant. I also welcome your questions and comments about this blog.  

     

     Till next time

     

     Sincerely

     Michele