Tomcats 2012 trip to Central Europe: July 7, 2012 Wedding Day Genthin,Germany

STEFFI AND TORSTEN'S WEDDING DAY

July 7th 2012.

Genthin Germany.

The big day had arrived, which we had all been waiting for. WOW what a day. Wedding time was 3.00pm. We were picked up by Torsten's brother Thomas at 2pm to take us with Torsten to the castle. What an honour to arrive in the groomsman car. Just as we set off, the rain started to come. Poor Steffi we thought, but fortunately when she arrived one hour later it had just stopped.

The castle setting was perfect, and you could walk all around the property during the afternoon. They were married in the castle and after the service we all went into another castle room for cake and coffee. This part of the function was mainly for family and relations. Later at about 6pm, friends and colleagues arrived for the wedding celebrations dinner which took place in a large tent on the back lawn of the castle. Therefore you can see the real need for the fine weather to walk around as you pleased during the evening. As the weather cleared the sides of the tent were put up opening out to a deck where after dinner we had the options of sitting inside or out. In this climate you can sit outside very late.

We arrived at the castle at about 2.20pm with Torsten. We didn't get home until 12.45am and we both had sore feet from standing/dancing. A very long evening.

Steffi and Torsten got home at 5.00am. No way could we have lasted that long.

We had a wonderful time including watching all the traditions, a few games which PT and I were called out to take part in like musical chairs but not like the kids one we know of at home. When the music stopped they announced that you had to go and collect something and get back to your seat. Last one was out of the game of course. Then they take a chair away. Some of things you had to collect were a Mobil phone, makeup, a shoe etc.One thing was a mans belt, so you have to rush up to anyone near by and rip off his belt and get back to your chair. Strange rushing up to somebody I didn't know and trying to rip of his belt, helping him so I could get back to my chair. I was still in the game at this stage but probably went out after that. PT stayed in a little longer than me.

I will explain other traditions as I go under the photos.

Everyone was so friendly, making us feel that we were really part of the day. Helping us with translations although a lot of the younger ones could speak English very well. It was translated to us when Torsten gave his speech that he mentioned that we had come from NZ for the wedding and about when we first met in NZ and how the friendship has continued. Everyone started clapping, so made us feel very proud to be there.

So many photos, but will be so many wonderful memories for us. Thank you Steffi and Torsten for having us here to celebrate with you.

Torsten and Janne waiting for Steffi to arrive.

The bench seat where Steffi , Torsten and Janne sat to be married. Although Janne wasn't always sitting. He was running up getting sweets from the celebrant.

The marriage room where family came to. Everyone hadn't arrived at this stage.

The celebrant had started the service. Note the little yellow daisies in Steffi's hair to match her posy which you will see later.

During the service while sitting on the bench chair with Janne looking on.

Torsten's brother Thomas handing over the wedding rings. Thomas was really good to us, always keeping an eye on us to make sure we had everything we wanted and helping in the translating, thank you Thomas you really made us feel very welcome.

The celebrant

We are now married, The Kiss.

They are married, looking more relax now after a bit of tension beforehand.

The front of the castle where Steffi and Torsten will appear.

Torsten's car (VW) looking very smart with its posy of sun flowers on its bonnet.

A better look at the front of the castle.

When Steffi and Torsten arrive at the top of the stairs everyone was getting ready to let these gas balloons go up in the air. Really nice idea.

Just before this shot they had someone present them with two doves to release.Close up of one of the balloons

Up, up and away they went until we couldn't see them.

Torsten don't worry it's alright.

One of the rooms in the castle where the family gather for coffee and cake after the marriage as the rest of the guests don't arrive until about 6.00pm

The lounge of the castle. Unfortunately we didn't see the rest of the rooms upstairs by the time we were told that we could it was too late.

The tent on the back lawn of the castle where celebrations began, and partying into the early hours of the morning.

Showing how the sides of the tent were up and later in the evening could sit outside. I took these photos of the tent before every one came in.

A closer look at the tables.

These stones and leaves were at our sitting place. One stone has Joy on it and the other has Love. Steffi was finishing the writing on the leaves the day before. She is very artistic and creative.

One of the traditions to bring good luck , we have to throw crockery/porcelain to break on a big stone .If you look close you can see the stone on the left. Good action of one of the littlies throwing a mug which you can see still in the air.

What about this guy he threw a hand basin which actually broke into pieces.

Can hardly see the stone. Torstens job was to go back the next day and clear it all up.

Another tradition is to saw a log of wood in half. This denotes team building. Torsten said afterwards, Thank goodness the log wasn't to thick. At one stage Steffi's handle fell off!!!