Back to work

After five exquisite weeks of vacation, it was back to the grindstone for me this week starting with a 7 am Monday morning class.

Surprisingly, it wasn't too painful at all. Returning to a regular schedule has actually been somewhat of a welcome change this week. Another welcome change will be a paycheck - oh, the innumerable perks of working!

One complaint about my vacation, if I may so indulge in just one, is that it took me away from Costa Rica in the most beautiful time of the year here. As I'm currently hearing thunder rumbling out my window, I'm left wondering, "How is it rainy season again so soon?!" Oh well, if that's the worst I have to deal with in life then I can take it.

Ceremony 2.0

After the storm chased the wedding back to the shed, Ceremony 2.0 was held and the marriage became official.

Bride and groom look on as the witnesses sign the marriage certificate, making it the real deal.
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Erin and Rob exchange vows again, this time heard by all without the wind and rain whipping around them. Less exciting maybe, but much more romantic and official.
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As guests watch the hail and thunderstorm from the tarp, the bride and groom are all smiles as they know it will pass soon and we'll be able to hold Ceremony 2.0.

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Guests take shelter just as the storm grows ugly outside.

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Erin and Rob are married under the rain in Ceremony 1.0.
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Kyeema, Dorrigo, NSW, Australia - April 2, 2011

Racing the rain to the altar

After a day of gorgeous weather and relaxation in Dorrigo, dark clouds and thunder began to gather with the first guests. The winds picked up and the rain started coming down just as the bride came down the aisle. The celebrant moved quickly though and the ceremony was wrapped up before the downpour.

Reading with more fervor and passion as Zack, bride's brother, shields me from the elements.

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Ben, the celebrant, maintained composure and kept the ceremony very special in spite of the looming dark clouds and drops of rain that were beginning to fall.
Ben was also explaining the tie he's wearing was worn by Rob's dad on the Cork's wedding day, and the flowers embroidered on Erin's dress were taken from the wedding dress of her mom.
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The flower girl, bride, and father race the storm down the aisle.
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Guests taking their seats while they hope the bride beats the storm.
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The guests arriving to the paddock of Kyeema, the Cork family farm and wedding site.

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Kyeema, Cork family farm, Dorrigo, NSW, Australia - April 2, 2011

Wedding Prep

Five flights in three days have left my head spinning a bit and my blog out of date, but here are some much requested pictures from Rob and Erin's big day.

Storm clouds rolling in as the guests head up the hill to the ceremony site.
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The reception site which also became the site of ceremony 2.0. Beautifully decorated with handmade beaded stars and blankets from the mamas in Tanzania.
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Guests arriving to the Cork family farm. Umbrellas lined up just in case - we are in a rainforest during rainy season after all.
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The bride and her mama getting ready at the Hotel Dorrigo.
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The bride getting her hair and make-up did in the bridal suite at the Hotel Dorrigo.
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Dorrigo, NSW, Australia - April 2, 2011

Emerald Beach to Byron Bay

Here are some pictures from our journey from Emerald Beach, which is on the east coast of New South Wales, up the Pacific Highway inland through some small towns and back out to Byron Bay. Byron is a well-known backpacker and vacation destination on the east coast in northern New South Wales. The drive was gorgeous.

Between Nimbin and Byron

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The Nimbin Rocks

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More of the cute kangaroos

Emerald Beach, I get why the roos like it here

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Not moving too fast out of our way

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Emerald Beach headlands walk

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Mama and joey

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Cork Cannon Wedding

It was a perfect day for a wedding yesterday in Dorrigo. The bride was happy and relaxed and enjoying a peaceful morning alone. Friends were also equally enjoying a beautiful day to walk around town, explore rainforests, or sit on the veranda and enjoy good conversation. At about 3, we all set out in shuttle buses to head to the Cork family farm and site of the wedding. As we pulled up, unfortunately so did the grey clouds. We all headed up the hill to where there was a beautiful site set up for the ceremony. Then, just as Erin and her dad came over the ridge the first drops started to fall. The winds picked up and the celebrant started the ceremony. We ran through the first readings quickly then the rain started to really come down. We all grabbed umbrellas and made a run for the shed. The shed was equally as beautiful, decorated with handmade blankets and beaded stars from the mamas in Tanzania where Rob and Erin met. We re-did the ceremony so that on round two the readings could be heard and we could see Rob and Erin take their vows of matrimony without the wind whipping around us. It was a touching ceremony followed by a good old-fashioned bush dance (something very similar to a barn dance with square dancing and do-si-doing). Again, pictures to follow.

Wedding Day

Wedding bells are ringing in Dorrigo today! The sun is shining, all parties seem relaxed and happy, it will be just a few hours before we head over to the Cork family farm to celebrate the nuptials of Erin and Rob. Love is in the air.