First comes love, then comes marriage ...

After New Zealand, it was time to head to Sydney, Australia for our friend's (Karen & Scott) wedding. First up, though, were the hens and bucks nights. (For those of you not familiar with the terms, it's Aussie for the bachelorette and bachelor party). We were picked up from the airport by the radiant bride-to-be and one of her lowly minions (Kylie, Scott's sister and a fellow bridesmaid). Ulrik was dropped at our friend James' house (James was putting us up for about a week while we were in Sydney -- thanks again James!); he would meet up with the boys later. And I was whisked off to Terrigal, the site of all the hen-y debauchery to come.

The weekend was filled with good food and drink, great friends, and a plethora of plastic penises ... as all good weekends should be! (Ulrik had great fun with the boys as well ... but from the sounds of it, it was much tamer than the hens; I don't believe there was a single plastic penis).

The rest of the week (Mar 3rd to Mar 9th) was spent getting reacquainted with our friend James (he really was as great as we remembered), getting to know his girlfriend Penny (who totally lived up to the advance press), and, of course, spending time with the bride and groom. I should note that for having to plan their wedding from the other side of the world, these two were incredibly relaxed and chilled out.

The wedding day (Mar 10th) dawned bright and beautiful. Because the wedding wasn't until 5:00pm, the bridal party had a relaxed time of it having breakfast and getting ready. There was no frantic running around, no stress, and definitely no bridezilla! (Although anyone who knows the bride would know bridezilla-like behaviour would be completely out of character.)

The wedding was held just off the beach shortly before sunset. And it was beautiful. It was one of those weddings that truly reflect the personalities of the couple being married.

Next up, the reception ... which also completely reflected the couple of the day. It was so much fun! The playlist was excellent. And, although we were vastly outnumbered, we Canadians REPRESENTED! (Right Julie?)

For more photos, see our Karen & Scott Get Married photo album, our Karen's Hens Night I photo album, and/or our Karen's Hens Night II photo album.