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This time in Sydney, we were staying in a hotel as Simone had all her family down from Brisbane. The wedding took place in a tiny church, St Brigit's - the oldest surviving place of Catholic worship in Australia, in "The Rocks " area of Sydney. We expected a very high church RC service but it was not at all like an English wedding, but very informal with no hymns and a string quartet playing at the back of the church. Unfortunately after all the glorious weather of the last 3 weeks things changed and it was the wettest Sydney day in 10years! Nevertheless it was an excellent day and we were very proud to be there as the guests who had travelled the furthest. The reception was held at Jones Bay Wharf overlooking the Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately a cruise ship docked in front of it for the day so the view wasn't brilliant! Simone and Mark's entry at the reception was somewhat spectacular with lots of music and 8 attendants in tow - 4 groomsmen and 4 bridesmaids. The bride and groom had been to dancing lessons and their "first dance" was amazing! Because of the dreadful weather, wedding photos were a problem although the rain stopped briefly as they came out of church. They had hoped to go up on Observation Hill for their main photos but it was too wet and some of their best "shots" were taken in a bus shelter with special effects! The only downside to the wedding was that I was violently ill that same evening having discovered I was allergic to the scallops served at the reception!
Our last day in Oz was spent with a bit more sightseeing in Sydney. The weather was kind again and we were able to enjoy marvellous 360 degree panoramic views of the city from the top of the Sydney Tower. Later we were invited to a bbq at Simone & Mark's house with their families. The next morning saw us homeward bound after a wonderful holiday which we shall always remember! We recently heard that Simone will be having a baby about the time of their first anniversary. We look forward to returning their hospitality when we welcome Simone's parents when they visit us for a few days in January 2012.