Proud grandmother and Narrabri resident Joan Burrell-Melbourne was delighted to be able to attend two of her grandson’s weddings earlier this year.
Joan’s daughter, Julie Anderson and husband Rob are the parents of the grooms, seeing two of their three sons married in February and March of this year, both events enjoying delicious long lunches taking place in picturesque surrounds.
Henry Anderson and Kate Smith were married on February 5, with 40 guests attending the iconic Fig Tree Restaurant in Byron Bay.
Their wedding was the first to be held at the newly renovated venue since fire destroyed the building in late 2019.
Parents of the groom Rob and Julie Anderson, and parents of the bride Bob and Phae Smith hosted the event with Henry and Kate travelling from Western Australia for their marriage ceremony.
Drinks were served under the venue’s renowned Moreton Bay fig tree before moving inside to the restaurant for the wedding luncheon.
The bride wore a white high-neck satin gown and the groom was dressed in black tie with a beige linen jacket.
The wedding cake was made by Julie Anderson.
Speeches were made by the father of the groom Rob Anderson and father of the bride Bob Smith, welcoming the couple into their respective families, and a heartfelt response was given by Henry.
A trailer-load of cotton sprigs specially picked in Narrabri for the wedding bouquets and table decorations was organised by Joan’s husband John Melbourne.
Henry and Kate travelled from Kununurra, Western Australia for the celebrations and have made their home in the region.
Thomas Anderson and Lisa Caldwell were married the following month on March 20, and their wedding was held at the home of Rob and Julie Anderson at Daruka, near Tamworth.
Fifty-four guests attended the celebrations together with the parents of the bride, Jim and Sue Caldwell.
Befitting of the long-lunch theme, the meal was served at a single long table in the beautiful garden setting,
The tables were adorned with tall white hand-crafted candles, white roses and hydrangeas, and lime green jackfruit completing the lovely scene.
The bride wore a white strapless gown with separate organza sleeves, and the groom, formal black tie.
The bride and groom were attended by flower girls Ziggy Anderson, Lulu and Sybella Bond and page boy Harvey Williams, the son of Lisa’s sister Natalie Williams from Parkes.
Unfortunately, sister of the bride Brooke Caldwell, who lives in New York, was unable to attend the wedding, but she watched the ceremony via video link and later made a toast to the bride and groom.
Speeches were made by the father of the groom Rob and father of the bride Jim Caldwell, with welcoming and warm wishes to the happy couple, and a convivial response was given by Tom.
The String Family Quartet played during the ceremony and reception, with a live band playing until midnight, as guests happily danced in some light rain.
The wedding cake was made by Tom’s grandmother Joan Burrell-Melbourne.
Tom and Lisa have made their home in Sydney.
The Anderson family delighted in the double festivities.
Guests to both weddings travelled from as far as Parkes, Sydney, Western Australia and Queensland.
Joan and her husband John Melbourne were especially proud to attend the happy celebrations and the two occasions will make for very happy memories.
Read more stories like this:
- Roses all the way at 2020 Spring Rose and Flower Show
- Another successful year for ADFAS and new incoming committee elected
- A young love celebrated | PHOTOS
