Paris and Lara Bisleywere married on October 5, 2013, at St Josephs
College Chapel followed by a reception at a nearby boathouse. The
Stuart and Grant Roffs were invited on the basis that our kids have
been mixing regularly with Paris and Lara while they lived in
Melbourne and later in Sydney. They regret all the family couldn't be
invited but it was a small(ish) wedding with limits on numbers.
The wedding was conducted by a former St Joey's chaplain, Kevin
Tuitu'u, who was in residence when Nick was a student there.
The Joey's ex-students present were very nervous as, when they were at
the school, they weren't allowed to walk on the entrance tiles. Having
permission this time made them feel very special.
Among the bridal party were Scarlett and Jasper Bisley (Steve Bisley's
new kids), Amber, Jesse and Indiana. Alaine did the first reading
which was the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. It
doesn't matter how often you hear it, it's always a great reminder of
how we should behave in our relationships.
Daniel led the responsorial psalm and, given what he does for a
living, seemed slightly embarrassed by the response which was,
'Blessed be the one who greatly delights in the Lord's commands".
Most of the Forrests attended (Brad, Shauna and Vanessa) but Aunty
Betty was a late scratching which was a shame as she would have
thoroughly enjoyed it.
The reception had a live band (friends of Steve) and the location was
on the harbour. Tables were set for eight and the food was excellent.
Among the speakers were Indiana (thanking Paris and Lara for keeping
him on the straight and narrow) and Steve, who spoke with great
affection but also used the opportunity to sell his new book (signed
copies available in the car park!).
There was much dancing with both Stuart and Milly entering the circle
for show-off demonstrations of their skills. Alaine's attempt to copy
them led to a fall resulting in a broken arm (two places!). Marianne
texted us from a hospital at 6.00am the following morning where they
were still waiting for treatment.
Nick went to the after-party at Paris and Lara's house and arrived
back at Adam's house where we were all staying about half-an-hour
before we set off for the 12 hour drive back to Melbourne. He wasn't
much company.
Attached are two pics - one out-of-focus shot of the wedding itself
and the other of me standing under one of the many Glenn Roff shrines
at Joey's. This was a picture of the cricket team he captained in 1965
which won the private colleges' championship that year. It remains a
family mystery as to why HE went to Joey's while the rest of us rotted
at the public high schools in Moree. Mind you, as you can see from the
picture, the rest of us aren't resentful.
Paris and Lara are in Europe on their honeymoon as you read this. Lots
of love to them and the best of luck.
- Grant
