Mark's Birthday (part 1 - 5th June)

Jay had everything planned for Mark's birthday: a flying lesson in the morning and then a trip to the Coast for an afternoon of whale watching.
Unfortunately the whale watching was cancelled for the 5th of June due to weather and low booking numbers, and it wasn't until over two months later that we had time to reschedule.

So, after his flying lesson, we still went off to the Coast and had a seafood buffet instead.

(Click the video above to play)

The flying lesson started first thing in the morning on Mark's birthday (we had both taken the day off work) and Mark was in the air for about 45 minutes.

 View from the revolving restaurant during lunch.

When we got back from the Coast it was time for cake and presents!

Before the Ceremony

Walking to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (l to r: Mike, Mark and Charlie)

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, where the Civil Partnership Declaration Ceremony was held. 

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Cake and flowers

 Fresh flowers from the market.

 Mark spent weeks making the decorations for the cake, and then days making the cake.

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Flowers

The theme of the day, the cake and the flowers, were taken from the painting of irises in our living room - purple, green and yellow. 

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Cutting the cake

It was such a shame to cut into Mark's beautiful creation, but it was also so exciting to finally get to have a slice! 

Carmel and Prue provided yeoman service, not only cutting the cake but also then making sure it was presented beautifully on serving plates and served around. (Special thanks also to Rob, who took it upon himself to ply everyone with drinks and be self-appointment barman, and to Darryl, who brought in all his spy cameras and placed them all over the house, and Riley and Carolina and Alberto, who all took loads of photos and video and sent us every bit they captured.)

 (Click images for larger views)

Speeches

Everyone gathered around the cake, downstairs, as Charlie got ready to give his speech.

 Charlie, as Mark's oldest friend, gave a wonderful speech recounting his memories of Mark as they grew up together, and the first time he heard about and then met Jay. 

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A video of Charlie's speech, followed by a short speech by Jay and then Mark. 

(Click on video to play)

The Cake

Mark's ultimate creation and pièce de résistance, the cake was made of four tiers and the decorations took weeks to make. Each flower was intricately handcrafted and carefully placed.

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