Home again. It was really good to get back to New Zealand, people you know, slower pace of life and kiwi accents at every turn.

We came back for one of my best friends weddings. Tom Parsons and Kat Paton. I would like to say Tom had made Kat an honest woman, but truth be known; it was the other way around. Kat asked Tom to be her husband last leap year.

With iffy weather building up to the day, it was great to be surprised by no wind, lots of sun and a mild day. Ye ole faithful gathered at Radford’s house where we strolled to Mona Vale, a very up market private garden for the ceremony. Over the years, Tom has become ever more, tree huggin' hippy-ish. To the point he was wearing jandels to his own wedding. Forgiving him his sins, he did scrub up pretty well, and Kat just looked stunning, as all brides should on their wedding day. The ceremony went off without a hitch, a few laughs, a few speeches but most of all big smiles on everyone’s faces. Half way through the ceremony Kat donned an apron, 'Well trained already!' I heard one older gentleman say. But alas it was only to protect her wedding dress as the two symbolically planted a lemon tree together. There were different theories on why a 'lemon' tree. It is slow growing, has sour fruit, isn't particularly pretty. We decided it was to help them cement their ever-blossoming love of tequila. These two seem to have a newfound favourite drink, which leaves most of us looking for a place to hide.

After a stroll through the gardens on the way back to Tom’s parents for the reception, we lingered and mingled until it was time for the speeches, they were your typical wedding speeches, pretty forgettable. That may seem mean, but all I remember now (a month later) is that Suzy Parsons (Tom's sister) said something along the lines of '...we are so happy the Rob and Kat have married...', Rob being Tom's brother. Of course this went down in a howl of laughter and taunts.

Next came food, more food, wine, beer and then ... tequila. Unfortunately this wouldn't be the only time Tom would force this vile liquid down my throat. Finally dancing and sleep.