The Bush Wedding
and Gracie, the family kelpie
The 1662 wedding service had been chosen because the couple to be married were of an older vintage who appreciated the rituals and words of the ancient service; words that when read out aloud give a richer meaning to the prayers, the emphasis being on procreation and fecundity.
The celebrating priest arrived at the little bush church to find that before the ceremony, and in order to cool it down, someone had helpfully opened all the windows to let in the fresh air.
But more than the desired lovely cooler air, big fat blowflies now buzzed everywhere, adding that distinctly unique flavour to this Australian country wedding, a flavour that mixed in beautifully with the iced champagne in heavy, crystal glasses.
The bride appeared supported by her bridesmaids and their special guest of honour — a very pregnant much-loved kelpie, Gracie, who sported a huge matching bridal bow tied around her neck.
As the ceremony progressed and the words “I Pronounce you Man and Wife” were spoken by the priest to the bridal pair, the faithful Gracie took it upon herself to waddle around and sit down very heavily next to the priest; where…
