Most brides dream of perfect conditions for the big day, but the universe was not on one local couple’s side when bad weather conditions led to a rushed change of venue.
Michael Greenhill and Sarah Greenhill (nee Costello) were married on Saturday at Junee’s Athenian Theatre where they performed a surprise musical number for their guests.
“It was all a big panic but it turned out perfect in the end,” Mrs Greenhill said.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, the couple – still dressed in their wedding finery – joined the Junee Town Band to perform with Mr Greenhill on the tuba and Mrs Greenhill on the violin.
The band performed Processional by Stephen O’Doherty, an artist who originally wrote the song for his own wedding.
The song had particular significance for Mrs Greenhill, who had once played it with her mother at the Leeton Outback Spectacular.
“It was a surprise for our guests and it felt amazing to perform with the band on our wedding day,” Mrs Greenhill said.
“It made our wedding day very unique.
“Everyone came up to us and said how special it was and how it was very ‘us’ and all the guests enjoyed the music.”
The couple met in the Junee Town Band in 2015 and finally started dating in 2016 facing obstacles such as a protective mother.
“I moved to Junee in 2014 and then in 2015 I joined the local band, which a few months later Michael joined as well,” Sarah said.
“He was going through a divorce and he wanted to get out there and meet new people.
“I was an immature teenager at the time so it took a while for us to get together.
“He kept trying but my mum was there as well and she wasn’t too impressed that someone was chasing after her daughter, so she tried to keep him away from me.”
While it may have started out that way, Mrs Greenhill’s mum is a huge fan of Michael and “loves him now”.
Aaron McDonnell, the Riverina marriage celebrant who conducted the wedding, was delighted by the surprise at the end of the ceremony.
“It was so cool that they met in the band and then were able to perform for the guests, it was a really special moment,” he said.
Mr McDonnell also emphasised the message he tells all his clients, which is to make your wedding day about you and your partner.
“The important thing is that couples realise they don’t have to stick to the stock standard,” he said.
“They can do whatever they like to make their wedding day individual and unique.
“They don’t have to do what everyone else does.”
Annie Lewis
Have a tip? Email me at a.lewis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Have a tip? Email me at a.lewis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
