Our Honeymoon

We ended up deciding to go on our honeymoon to Gabbi's favourite holiday destination.... Noosa. I had memories of going there when I was young but didn't remember too much about it so I was more than happy to be going with Gabbi to her favourite place. We spent the first half of our holiday at the Hyatt Coolum where we just relaxed in the quiet secluded surroundings enjoying lazing around the pool, a game of tennis and eating out every night. We were told we would be put in a quiet area as requested and when we arrived to our room it was definitely quiet. Couldn't hear a thing and couldn't see anyone else staying close by. Well that didn't last long. The next morning there was hammering and drilling going on outside at a conference room where they were repairing the deck. We let it slide and then complained a few days later to be then upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite. It was well worth being troubled to move as we got our own kitchen and lounge room to relax in.

The remainder of our trip we spent in Noosa where most days were spent just lying on the beach soaking up the fantastic Queensland weather and relaxing more. Relaxing can get quite tiring so we would have to go and have a drink in the shade. We had a wonderful apartment over the beach with an outdoor spa and spectacular views. We spent the nights dining out and had a seafood platter and bottle of bubbly together on our balcony one night also. It was hard to leave and head home but the time we had there felt like weeks away and a

great time together.

Our Wedding Day - 3rd March 2007

The first location we went to visit we booked straight away as it just grabbed us both with its size and location, backing onto Collaroy Beach. It was like everything else, well nearly everything else that we first saw that just fell into our laps. Gabbi's wedding dress was another first look that she just knew right away it was exactly what she wanted. We went shopping for my outfit and found it all in the one place. Leading up to the day the weather was looking horrible and we started to worry about a wet weather alternative as the house had no outdoor area under cover. We eventually decided to book some shade structures in case of bad weather. As we got closer to the day the forecast showed that the 2 weeks prior and week after the wedding it was due to rain. Yet on the wedding day it was to be perfect and sunny. We couldn't believe our luck and just knew it was going to change. Thank god it didn't. The weather was perfect. Well a bit hot but otherwise blue skies everywhere.

We arrived at the house the day before with Jason and Zabrina in my car and Gabbi and Josh in her car. We settled in and relaxed for a while with some lunch and then unpacked everything. Then the hire company arrived with chairs, cutlery, structures and the rest to drop off. We then started to arrange the shade structures in different positions till we ended up placing them next to the back doors in case of rain. Josh and I then went off into the surf for a boogey board before racing back and getting into the warm spa. In the evening we had some dinner together with wine and then Tania arrived to put together the flower arrangements. She spent hours on them and they looked fantastic. The centrepiece was excellent for the buffet table as well as Gabbi's bouquet. Then it was time for us to say good night to each other.

The morning sunrise was amazing and I was able to get up early and take some good shots. The day looked perfect, even at 6am in the morning. I was so excited. This was going to be the best day. After breakfast Jason and Zab got to work on the finishing touches to the decorations whilst I set up the seating and also last minute sweeping and tidying up. Then it was time to sit back and watch a bit of basketball to relax. Then guests started to arrive so it was time to get ready. The sun was getting hotter and I could feel the temperature rising. The food arrived and the drinks were ready to go.

I was dying to see Gabbi and couldn't wait for Josh to walk her to out towards me. I was guzzling water down due to the heat and my shirt covered with sweat. We postponed the ceremony about 10 minutes whilst we waited for some late arrivals. This gave me a good opportunity to dry off a bit. Then it was time and I stood there waiting in excitement.

Our song came on and then she came around the corner and WOW!!!! She was so beautiful in her dress and with her son walking her out. He was very proud of his role in the wedding. A tear came to my eye as the love I have for her came over me. It was a beautiful ceremony that we had written together from readings to the i-do's. It was perfect. After the signing of the marriage certificate we made our way into the shade where there were speeches accompanied with lots of laughs. Photos with all the family and then some photos of us on the beach. The afternoon was spent eating, dancing, drinking and enjoying the company we had. Sunset came and everyone left so we had this amazing house to ourselves. Sunday was another relaxing day with walks on the beach and lazying around the backyard. Monday morning we woke to thunderstorms around 1am which we didn't even care about as we had the perfect day that we wanted. Then it was off to Noosa four our honeymoon. More relaxing......

My 32nd Birthday

February 20th..... I woke with my beautiful fiance next to me and a huge smile on my face knowing how lucky I was to have met her and how fate guided us to each other that night back in July which seemed years and years ago by now. She gave me my birthday presents and had a surprise dinner location planned for that night. That day whilst at work a delivery of balloons came for me. I presumed they were for a function so I took them and then realised they were addressed to me. WOW!!!! what a surprise, so I put them up in my office and everyone commented on how lucky I was. We drove into Surry Hills and I didn't have a clue where we were going to end up. Gabbi had booked dinner for the two of us at 'Tabou'. A french restaurant where we sat in the front window and just gazed into each others eyes.

We were so into the french moment that we started discussing changing our honeymoon plans to travel to Italy and Paris as we thought why not? If not now when would we be able to get another chance... The food was fantastic and didn't skimp on the servings which was great as I love to eat. We enjoyed 3 courses and a bottle of french wine before heading home for the night still dreaming of a trip to Europe. Over the next week we contemplated it but then decided it was too rushed and so close to the wedding to plan it all properly.

Valentines Day

I wanted to surprise Gabbi somehow and decided I would do something different to just sending roses to her office. So, I went to a local florist and organised a box of rose petals to be ready on the day. I took a couple of hours off work and picked them up on the way to seeing Gabbi for lunch. Afterwards I raced home and placed rose petals from the entrance of our unit, down the hallway and into the lounge room where there was a love heart made from petals with her wedding ring placed above it and one of our first photos together inside the heart. I then had our song playing on a loop for when she arrived home.Gabbi and Josh arrived home and she loved it. Below the heart were our cards written to one another that we later read together.

NYE

One of my rare New Years Eve's off work. Probably the first in about 6 years. Gabbi and I spent a few weeks before deciding what we were going to do for it. We looked at house parties, restaurant parties, nightclub parties, watching fireworks, just going out and seeing where the night took us.... so we ended up doing the best thing out of all and have a house party at home with just the two of us.

Our first NYE together and I couldn't think of anything better to do on it. I had to work for a few hours in the afternoon and early evening whilst Gabbi looked after all the food (she is amazing with creating the best dishes I have ever tasted) and when I came home I was her private barman. We ate, drank and danced together having a great night until....... I fell asleep on the lounge before midnight. I couldn't believe it. All I wanted was to rest a little before the countdown to midnight and I woke up after midnight.....

XMAS day

Xmas morning we awoke to find Josh's stocking stuffed to the brim with toys and presents. Gabbi and I joined Josh in the lounge room as he passed out gifts to each of us and we gave some back to him as well. In his stocking he found a fishing rod, yo-yo, other gadgets and a star wars light saber. We spent the morning opening gifts and playing with Josh and his toys. His light saber was his favourite and he put it together so we could have a duel. He won.....

That afternoon we drove over to my dad's house and spent the rest of the day with them. More presents and food were had by all and a great way to end the xmas break.

XMAS eve

Xmas eve we went and had dinner with Gabbi's family. Gabbi has 2 younger sisters (Nicole and Maree) and a younger brother (David) so it was a large gathering at the Henson household. We had xmas songs playing and family love and laughter all around.

There were presents handed out by Josh the xmas bearer of gifts. He then got stuck into his origami book and made all different objects to display to everyone. At the dinner table we popped xmas crackers and put our coloured hats on whilst telling the jokes around the table. Josh gathered all the little figurines and toys that also came out of them. After dinner xmas pudding came out and it was divine.

We're Officialy Engaged

After deciding to get married in September it became official on Saturday 2nd of December. We had already gone to the jewellers in the city and Gabbi had chosen her ring that she wanted. It was great as we were able to choose the diamond.... well Gabbi was able to choose the diamond that she wanted and then choose the setting she wanted it in. Our jeweller was fantastic. About a few weeks later Gabbi was asking me if I had contacted him yet to pick it up. I said no and then that afternoon on Friday 1st December I secretly called him up to organise to get it the next day. I told Gabbi I was off to see mum for a few hours and would be back soon. I took Gabbi's car into the city and found a park. As I was reversing into the spot the car died. I managed to push it back into the spot and then give the engine a rest while I got the ring.

After returning to the car it wouldn't start. Nothing!!! I freaked. How was I going to tell Gabbi that the car broke down in the city when I should have been at mums in Malabar...... We had planned to take Josh and a friend of his to the movies so I jumped in a cab and raced home. On the way I called mum and she helped me come up with a story. I have never been any good at lying but would give it a go. I arrived home and decided to quickly run out to the back garage and hide the bag. As I did this I saw Josh's friend arrive so it was perfect timing. I quickly raced back to the front of the units and followed them upstairs.

When I saw Gabbi I explained to her that the car broke down and I was actually in the city trying to surprise her and get the ring early, but the jeweller said it still wasn't ready. She believed me as I had nothing in my hands to prove otherwise. I just hoped the ring would be safe for a few hours. It was well hidden. We took the boys to the movies and then on the way home I met the NRMA at the car and got a new battery put in. That night Josh's friend slept over and they stayed in his room watching a movie while Gabbi was preparing a lovely meal for the two of us. I thought that it was the right time to ask so I grabbed the garbage and raced down to the garage to retrieve the ring. I the raced back upstairs so I didn't seem gone for too long. I had the ring in my pocket so I then took it out of its box and wrapped in a tissue and placed it back in my pocket again.

After dinner I started to tell her how much in love with her I was and how much she means to me then I got down on one knee and showed her the ring while asking her to marry me. She said YES and couldn't believe that I had tricked her and gotten away with it..... It was a perfect night and I will never forget it.....

XMAS tree

It was early December and time to put up and decorate the xmas tree. Gabbi, Josh and I retrieved the boxes from the garage and then commenced the construction of our own little tree together. We put on the customary xmas cd and then sang and laughed as we placed piece by piece together. We had a great time putting it up and also with the decorations. We took plenty of photos and were very happy with our end result. It stood in the corner of our lounge room where everyone who entered the house would be able to see it. Josh finished it off with the angel on top and the colourful lights around the tree.

Kristie's 18th

November 3rd 2006...... my little sister Kristie turns 18. Well I guess she's not little anymore. Gabbi and I made our way over to Dad's place to catch up with them and Tania's brothers Jason & Nick who had flown over from NZ for the event. We then made our way on foot to a friend of Kristie's house as they were having a combined 18th party in their backyard. On the way we made the usual stop past the bottlo and stocked up on our refreshments for the night.

We arrived at the house with two of the security guards from my work manning the door for the night to keep unwanted guests at bay. Once inside the backyard was huge and decked out in decorations for the evening. The latest music was playing with Dad's speakers set up around the place to create a great atmosphere. Watching 18 year olds drink was quite scary and showed how free they were at that age.

Time passed and we were also able to catch up with Tan's mum who had also flown in for the party. Speeches then came up and the two birthday girls were starting to hit the wall. By the time the adults finished their talks albeit over the 50 teenagers who wouldn't shut Kristie was on her way out (not out into the city.... out for the count). Gabbi and I along with Kristie's boyfriend James went out to the front lawn where she was lying on the grass about to be sick. The party was a success!!! We all looked after her and then got her home and safe to bed. Next day she said she didn't remember a thing. Well she didn't miss a thing either......

Hunter Valley Trip

After returning from my shortened trip we finally got a chance to get away and spend some time together in the Hunter Valley. Gabbi booked the accommodation for the long weekend in October and it was all a surprise for me. Having driven past the wineries so many times on trips to Tamworth and back I had never actually stopped there and looked around. We arrived Friday afternoon and checked into Billabong Moon, an amazing place to stay. It had about 6 new cottages placed in there own private areas over a huge property so it felt like we were alone.

We settled in and then did the right thing and opened a bottle of wine that they had left out for us. We sat and watched the sun set together before enjoying a home cooked meal. The next day we were up early and then out to visit the wineries in the area. Over the next two days we were able to taste and buy wines from Brokenwood, Tempus Two, Peppertree, Peterson House and also the usual taste tests and many other wineries.

Saturday afternoon we returned in time to see the end of the AFL grand final and the swans go down by a point to west coast. Sunday night we planned to go out for dinner and found a wonderful restaurant just around the corner from where we were staying. It was very romantic and the food was sensational. All in all a very relaxing weekend away together and some well needed time alone with each other.