Days 4-5 Stag and Hen Dos

Saturday and Sunday 13-14 June

I can thankfully report that both bride and groom had very enjoyable parties and all returned home happy and safe.

On Saturday morning Pauline had a VERY early start as Finn woke at 4.35am and that was it! He was a little bit grumpy at times during the day as he is teething but overall a very contented and busy little boy.

We got updates from both the Hen and Stag parties as the day went on. It was a glorious summer day so Pauline and I were able to get out to the park with Finn also.

Stag do in Ghent

This was organised by Dave Henderson, who lives in London and is a former flatmate and friend from university. Both Dave and his wife Kath are lawyers and longtime friends of Craig.

The group of guys were all from NZ originally except Hamish, who is Sarah’s husband and comes from Melbourne and Mike (India then Scotland). About half still live in NZ with the others in London and Andrew in Singapore.

Hamish is front left beside Dave. Peter/Pedro (also the wedding celebrant) is front right beside Roger

Of course there was a drinking game, easily won by Dave and Sam ( front right)

Goodness knows what Andrew was supposed to be doing.

Craig met Andrew in Singapore but it turns out that he and Craig were in the same class at Knighton Normal School as 7 and 8 year olds. Andrew and/or his mum found Craig’s name on an old school photo.

Ghent is also very picturesque.

Evidently Ghent has the 4th highest per capita ownership/use of bikes in Europe

Mike thoroughly enjoyed meeting the guys and thought they were a great bunch. We are very much looking forward to Tuscany.

Hens Do

Sarah organised the Hens Do and did a fantastic job of it. The bridesmaids had a brunch first and then met up with the others as per the schedule below.

They had decided on a tiger shirt theme as Craig has grown his collection of tiger shirts and tiger themed clothing consistently over recent years. JenY was presented with a white tiger patterned shirt at the brunch but was still able to look glamorous even with shirt, veil and heart shaped glasses!

JenY and bridesmaids had brunch first where she was presented with tiger shirt, veil and sunglasses

Unfortunately 1 of the bridesmaids is recovering from a viral infection and another was en route to the party from a wedding elsewhere in England.

The following day us five girls had a lovely walk to lunch at a cafe. Finn was pretty good given his early start and sore gums.