Fortune Smiles On Medieval Wedding
Illawarra Mercury
Monday November 6, 2000
Saturday's dreary weather forecast posed no threat to a Wollongong couple determined to wed out in the open in true medieval style - they had their own fortune teller on hand to ensure no rain would spoil their big day.
According to groom Paul Griffiths and his bride Debbie McCulloch, it was Debbie's passion for candles that provided the impetus for the couple's decision to turn their wedding celebrations into a medieval costume party.
Even the celebrant agreed to don a black cloak for the couple's nuptials at Killalea State Recreation Area on Saturday.
``It started out as a joke," Paul, a carpenter with Pioneer Homes, said yesterday. ``I thought it would be nice to have a different wedding, and things just seemed to grow from there."
Paul and Debbie, an employee at the Queen Beatrice nursing home at Albion Park Rail, had been hoping some of their 70 invited guests would wear medieval costume and, to their surprise, about 95 per cent did.
Debbie modified her embroidered lace wedding gown to include delicate pearl and diamante fancy work, sleeves and a cape. She also made Paul's knight's garb.
As for the guests, including sorcerers, maidens and other assorted medieval characters, most made their own outfits.
But costuming was about where the medieval theme ended, with Debbie unable to find an authentic ring of the era that would fit her small fingers or a medieval-style wedding cake.
Nevertheless, the wedding party and guests reportedly caused quite a stir among Albion Park Bowling Club patrons when they arrived for the reception.
© 2000 Illawarra Mercury
