a wedding in Africa

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On April 6th we flew to Johannesburg via Amsterdam to attend the wedding of son Pat to his fiancee Claire. Brother in law Tim, Marlene's brother Gerry & friend Beth also flew in from Canada. Ian's brother Garry and his wife Jan travelled from Australia on their first leg of a round the world trip.

The big surprise for Pat & Claire came when sister Kim and her husband James arrived with us!- they flew to Africa and back for the wedding - and Kim is 5 months pregnant - it was a complete surprise - both were honored to be included in the wedding party.

The setting was magnificent and everything went off perfectly thanks to the meticulous planning of Claire's Mum Gaye, her Dad Jonathan and her sisters Amy & Robyn.

Jonathon & Gaye have been great hosts (we had not met before this trip)

After the wedding 17 of the wedding party set off for 5 days at Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana - coming up in the next blog installment.

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Photos

Shepstone Gardens
a fairytale setting for Pat & Claire's wedding

internationals
some of the international contingent attending the wedding

ceremony
the weather was perfect for the outdoor ceremony

unity candle
to conclude the ceremony Pat & Claire lit a symbolic unity candle

pic time
with Pat, Claire, Kim & James after the ceremony

Tacon family
Jonathan, Amy, Grandpa, Claire, Pat, Robyn and Gaye

family
Marlene Pat Kim & James at the reception

first dance
everyone had a great time and partied late into the night

new family
Claire's Mum & Dad hosting a braai (bbq) for the family in their home the day after the wedding

Comments

[Ruth & Jim Dunlop]

[e-mail]
Just beautiful!...Can't wait to see the next installment of pictures!

[LIN & RICK]

Wonderful pictures full of beautiful people, places and grounds. Congratulations to the Happy couple, they look so happy. LIN AND RICK

[Judi/John]

A wonderful setting for a wonderful occasion. Looking forward to the next chapter in the African Saga

[Chris Woodham]

Will tell your Mum about the wedding
Ian - Loved your brother Garry's and your photographs, seen just before Yvonne and I will be collecting your Mum for Easter Saturday lunch, at my niece's place. Joy will be looking forward to seeing all of the blogs.

[Donna Denny]

Wow! Slendour in Love
On this Good Friday it was a wonderful surprise to get the photos and story of the wedding in Africa. Amazing! Only an amazing MOM as you Marl could beam so proudly, with such joy, at the wedding of her son....and with her daughter beside her... and hubby of course. Please give my special thoughts to Pat and Claire!

[Jean & Peter]

What a lovely wedding. See you in the fall we hope.

[Jane White]

So beautiful!
Thanks for sharing Ian and Marl! We were thinking of you and everything looked spectacular. So glad the day was a complete success! That was amazing that Kim and James were able to be there too! Looking forward to seeing the "Safari 17" pictures. Jane and Dick

[Arthur&Eva]

Congratulations!
Congratulations to the happy couple. What a beautiful setting for your special day ! Best wishes A&E

[Mary]

That was spectacular!! Thanks for the pictures. Congratulations to the new bride and groom. Surprised to hear about the baby. Looking forward to a new beachcomber. See you soon...... Mary