8 Years ago today, Patrick and I married in Launceston, Tasmania. We chose this spot as that is where the proposal had taken place only five months earlier. It was the day before my 32nd birthday when Patrick suggested we take a ride over the Cataract Gorge Basin on a chair lift that boasts the world's longest single span.
I wholeheartedly agreed and whilst we were suspended high over the stunning gorge, Patrick popped the question. Time stood still, as too did the chair lift. I accepted Patrick's proposal and by pure coincidence (some might argue cosmic planning), the chair lift started again.
Having friends and families spanning over two states, it was evident that one side had to travel. In the spirit of fairness and romance, Patrick and I decided that we would return to this site to marry - and requested that both sides travel.
We had always dreamed of a small wedding, however had it been on the mainland - that would never have been possible. Asking people to travel a distance made it easy for those who would have only attended out of obligation, to decline. As it turned out, we had an intimate gathering to share our day. It was perfect.
It rained and rained on the morning of our wedding. Everyone seemed disturbed about it except me. "It's only rain... it's not like it's raining beetroot juice or fire balls - it's not going to stain or hurt us." My hair and make up artist said that I was the calmest bride she'd ever seen. But I learned something that day that I would never have 'got' had it been a bright and sunny day.
The only thing I wanted out of the 12th April 2003, was to marry Patrick. Nothing else mattered. Not even the weather. As it turned out, the boys raided every single army disposal in Launceston and purchased plastic blue ponchos for our guests. My brother Lou suggested that a clear poncho was more fitting for a bride (thanks Weej).
Our gift to our guests was a ride over the chair lift with a little handmade booklet explaining the proposal and why we wanted to return and share the magic. Apparently it was a sight to witness a sea of blue ponchos riding the chair lift, which was all but abandoned by tourists due to the drizzly conditions.
By the time I had arrived to the chair lift to collect my bridal poncho, the rain had ceased and did not resume for the rest of the day. After the ceremony, we walked with our guests along the gorge towards a beautiful rainbow that arched over the city of Launceston. We arrested at Stillwater Mill, where the celebration continued till late in the evening. It was a perfectly imperfect day.
So here we are, 8 years later. We have survived the 7 year itch (which was scratchy at times) and I ponder over all the things that make us thrive.
In short, the key to it all is teamwork. When we're kicking goals, we celebrate. When one is injured, the other steps in and takes on the extra load. When one is down the other becomes a coach. We share visions, dreams and goals. We are heading in the same direction even though we both play our own roles. There is respect for each other's strengths, and we step in to aid each other's weaknesses. We really are a great team.
To my best ever team mate - Happy 8th Anniversary. Let's keep kicking goals!
Love Grace xx
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