SGS

Finally, the 3rd and final instalment of the “SGS Engagement” has arrived and we chose Ruffey Lake Park as the place to hold the celebration.  Although we’ve been engaged for 3 months, holding a party on this day was chosen for a few reasons:

1. We held a separate party for our two families, so they had a chance to get to know each other.
2. Some of our friends were still holidaying overseas (most of them would’ve returned by now).
3. Sam was in Melbourne for the weekend.

The lead up to the party was a story in itself.  3 weeks prior, the 28-day weather forecast predicted a high chance of rain on this day.  So we prayed… God certainly granted our request, and being a Christian, the verse was a reality:

“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!  He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.” – Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)

So the Melbourne heatwave that was almost on par with Black Friday arrived!!  We prayed again… this time for the day not to be so hot!  It turned out to reach a maximum of 30.5, and with a cool breeze, it became the perfect day for an outdoor party.

Update (09/02/2009): while we thank God for the beautiful day, Melbourne reached its hottest day on record of 46.4 degrees on Saturday 7th Feb.  It’s sad to hear of the many lives lost during this season.  When you do get a chance, please give a word of encouragement or two to the numerous firefighters who are out there risking their lives by visiting this site.

With 130+ guests, we hope we had the chance to briefly catch up with all of you.  Please forgive us if we hadn’t! -_-;  For those who weren’t able to make it, we hope to say more than a “hi-bye” at some stage!!

The speech was a summary of how we began, and of the Port Fairy Trip in which I (Sam) did try to ask her out!  I often forget details, especially when making speeches with a photo decor lashing at my head!  So in all sincerity, please forgive me if I have left some thankyous out… so for the record here they are, with greater sense of appreciation:

• Michael Benjamin – for flying all the way from Brisbane, and for (sweating it out) cooking at the BBQ
• James Kok & Lee-Mei – for the drinks/chips, for minding the park while we left to get the meat and ice, and Lee-Mei for her help in cooking at the BBQ.
• Sam’s Mum (Fong) and Dad (Thin-Siew) – for preparing/serving Leong-Fun (涼粉 – grass jelly) drink
• Elisha (Sam’s bro) – also for cooking at the BBQ in the hot sun
• Justin (Steph’s bro) – also for cooking at the BBQ, thanks JT! =P
• Anna – for making the 300+ pieces of kimbap (Korean sushi)
• Jasmine – for making the Gado-Gado (Indonesian salad)
• Joy, Anoushka & Sheba – for the yummy salads
• Ken Yi – for bringing the tomato/BBQ/mustard sauces
• Sonia – for making the White Chocolate Cake (thanks to Eric as well for transporting it here!)
• Ben – for providing the large white serving platters
• Mark & Sebastian – for bringing your Esky coolers
• Lucas – for photography (hope we helped build your clientele hehe!) – see some photos below…
• Petrina (and others) – for photography
• Elaine – for the SGS banner logo (featured on this blog and on the labelled cups)
• Uncle Lawrence and Auntie Sanria – for helping to BBQ, serve the food and cut up the cake
• Everyone who helped us in the big clean up at the end of the day
• Everyone who gave to the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (see separate post)
• EVERYBODY – for being such awesome and special people in our lives with whom we wouldn’t be who we are today: friends from high-school (PLC and MHS), university (Monash and Melbourne), work (ANZ and Aker Solutions), church (CityLife) and random ones we’ve had the honour to cross paths with.
• And most importantly, GOD: who blessed us with such a beautiful day!!!!

I (Sam) would also like to thank my dear Steph for the decorations (streamers, hanging photos, labelled cups) – what an awesome idea!!!

Please let us know regarding food recipes – and we’ll connect you to our masterchef friends =)

Finally, please send us your home address (send to: blueandlavender[at]gmail[dot]com) as we will be sending wedding invites around July and August.

See you all on Saturday, 19th December 2009!!