Mark and Kerrie

Mark and I woke up and enjoyed breakfast together. We were relaxed, yet excited at the same time. I went to pick up my beautiful flowers from Poppies Flowers, before we took a car load of bits and pieces to the venue.

After some lunch, it was time to head to the hairdresser, followed immediately after that by getting my make-up done. A girlfriend came to our house to do my make-up. She initially thought she was doing it for my engagement party, but about 6 weeks before the big day, I let her in on what was really happening. She was so excited to be trusted with knowing about our surprise.

Sandy, our photographer was coming over to take some photos beforehand. She was due to arrive at 5pm. It was almost 4.30pm and Mark was yet to have a shower. I didn’t want to nag, but politely asked him if he was planning to get ready soon. He took the hint, and when the doorbell rang, I greeted Sandy in my pink dressing gown, as Mark finished doing his hair in the bathroom. For a change, the bride was basically ready before the groom!

Mark and I laughed together, while sharing a glass of Veuve. We had a ‘family photo’ with our fur baby, Lola. Sandy captured some beautiful moments between the two of us, in the hours before we were to become Mr and Mrs. We had a secret that few knew about, and this relaxed time at home with my future husband, was something I will cherish forever.

After almost 45 minutes of snaps at home, the taxi Mark had pre-ordered, arrived to take us the  short 5km trip to the venue for our big night. As the sunshine poured through the window of the cab, the sequins on my dress made the roof of the taxi look like a mirrored disco ball. The nerves were slowly creeping in, but I had the love of my life by my side and knew everything was going to be amazing. If I had forgotten anything, it was too late to worry about it. Our night was going to be perfect, regardless.

As guests started to arrive, we greeted them and accepted their Congratulations on the news of our engagement. There were lots of “wows” when people saw my dress, followed closely by “well – you certainly meet the glitz and glamour theme”. Excellent  – no one was onto us.

After almost an hour of mingling, Mark and I interrupted the festivities to thank everyone for being there. Especially those who had travelled to share the night with us, from interstate – and in Mark’s brother’s case, overseas. We had quite a few travellers, and so we extended an invitation to our house the next day for lunch and more of a catch up with whoever wanted to come along. Mark wrapped it up, again thanking everyone and encouraging them to grab a drink and enjoy the night.

As everyone resumed their conversations, I made my way to the back of the room, where my Dad was – in position, exactly as I had asked him to be. Several minutes had passed when Mark glanced in my direction and I gave him the ‘nod’ to say “everything’s in place with me – let’s get this show on the road”

Mark returned to the microphone, and once again, captured everyone’s attention.

“Sorry guys. I forgot something just before. Everyone has been asking us if we have set a wedding date yet, and the good news is, yes we have”. You could hear ‘oh good’, ‘finally’ and ‘yay’ from people around the room.

“You can lock this into your diaries…. November 17th”

“What year?”, Mark’s Uncle yelled out. “Good point – I forgot that bit didn’t I? November 17th, 2012”.

As looks of confusion passed over some people’s faces, Mark confirmed to everyone what was happening “That’s right – thank you for coming to our Engagement Party…. and welcome to our Wedding” – this was closely followed by cheers, applause and whistles.

At this point, I was handed my flowers, the train on my dress was let out and I just stood there, on the arm of my Dad, as people looked around the room, trying to find me. “She’s got flowers!” I heard someone yell out, and still to this day I have no idea who said it. But the simple effect of my bouquet had worked. I was now a Bride, about to marry my Groom.

With Train’s “Marry Me” playing through the speakers, the enormity of the words Mark had just spoken really started to sink in around the room. Our guests parted, to form a make-shift aisle for Dad and me to walk down. Mark and I exchanged our personalised vows, made the biggest promise of our lives and gave each other rings as we finally became man and wife. We slipped out of the party for about 40 minutes, to make the most of the sunset, but also to give our guests time to really process and digest what had just unfolded. And there they all were, thinking they were having a night out at an engagement party when really it was a surprise wedding!

When we returned to the party, my Dad officially welcomed us into the room as ‘Mr and Mrs Turner’, and it was time for our first dance. Those who know me well, know that I don’t ‘dip’ – but I was determined to surprise everyone (again!) and so after hours of practicing in our kitchen, our first dance as husband and wife included my very first ‘dip’. The moment was captured on film, and later became the image we used for our ‘thank you’ cards. It summed the night up – a celebration, a party and lots of fun.

The night was everything we had hoped for. Everyone danced, laughed, and sang. The cocktail food was exceptional and the drinks were flowing. We had a giant dessert table set up, with an assortment of yummy treats from St. Georges Bakehouse.

A keepsake book did the rounds of the room, with people writing lovely messages that we enjoyed reading after the event. We also had blank puzzle pieces for our guests to sign their name on. When I get some time, I will put the puzzle together and get it framed, to hang in our home as a reminder of the people who shared our special night with us.

Yes, there were a dozen or so people in the room who knew what was going on. But even they didn’t know how it would play out, so it was great that there was still an element of surprise for them. The vast majority of our guests knew nothing, though. We had successfully created a memorable moment, when our guests were united in delight. It was all simply perfect.

And while the sun had long set over beautiful Henley Beach, our celebration, and life journey together was just beginning.

Planning a wedding in 5 months. We are proof it can be done.

Photography by Memory Bank | Photography

Ms Gingham says: Oh it’s such a treat to see the culmination of this surprise wedding journey! Congratulations Kerrie and Mark!

Kerrie says: “I am a radio journalist in my hometown of Adelaide. I love cups of tea, glasses of bubbles and precious time with those closest to me.”