Zaya & Joe's Wedding

We all knew this day would come. It was a realistic possibility that could not be realised completely.

Little sisters grow up, fast. Or so it seemed to me when I saw Zaya and Deschia on 27th of November 2004.

Zaya way stunning in her white wedding dress, a simple yet shapely dress that carried only the faintest touch of impracticality.

Deschia (and Katherine the other brides maid) were equally beautiful in their silver sheen dresses, hair for the occasion and the minimum of tasteful makeup.

The ceremony was short and sweet, conducted at the 'berry fields' on the outskirts of Christchurch. Attended by the close family and a few close friends, we watched as the two parties were tied in matrimony. There were no religious undertones and a mere touch of spirituality when Joe lit a candle in memory of those who were unable to be with us on earth to share the day.

Breakfast was a berry centred feast trimmed with whipped cream, pancakes and other vaguely exotic delicacies.

As the wedding party bundled themselves (and a generous offering of champagne) into the sleek silver car of ribbons, the rest of us returned to Zaya and Joes house to await the next feed of the day.

Additional guests arrived, friends and family joining to celebrate and commemorate the day.

The afternoon progressed, the pile of presents was dutifully unwrapped, due appreciation given.

It became increasingly evident that although this day was a union it was not as complete as it might be. Two households, both alike in fair suburbia, yet divided by an immeasurable distance. Let me just say that one group was content swigging cheap beer and recounting pig hunting stories while others were conducting more 'civilised' social behaviour.