Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Daydreaming of a Garden (of unearthly delights) Party

From SA Tourism
mikecogh via flickr
Kryztoff
The Fringe Festival has just finished in Adelaide. I adore this time of year. It is when Adelaide really comes to life. There is an energy in the air and always something new to see - from comedy to cabaret, from burlesque to break-dance... even just the weird and wonderful characters that appear from the woodwork and make for great people-watching. 

My favourite part of the Adelaide Fringe is spending an evening in The Garden of Unearthly Delights. The weather is usually great and we spend long nights sitting among huge old trees strung with lights, sipping on wine and soaking up the atmosphere. For 30 nights, there is a carnival feel, everyone is in good spirits, the smell of the food and the sound of the various shows swirl in the air creating a terrific buzz.

It was this event that first prompted my love of a Garden Party. 
The first time I ever pictured my wedding, it was NOT a formal affair with me in a gown at a church, or with a tiered cake in a function centre.

Nope, it was:
- me and my (then) boyfriend, dancing barefoot on the grass, under a huge oak tree - surrounded by strings of bulb lights, fairy lights, coloured paper lanterns. 
- It was guests feasting on hot chargrilled corn on the cob and (of course) poffertjes
- We would have sat at big wooden picnic tables with bench seats. 
- There'd have been a cool little band playing under a rotunda. 
- Drinks would be served from a vintage caravan, carnival-style.
- And there would have been African drumming. Or fire twirling. Or at least a hula-hoop lady. 

Ahhh... If only I lived somewhere with a perfect climate (rain would have ruined it).. where money was no barrier (i know, it sounds low budget but outdoor events are expensive!).. and where people like parents wouldn't find this a totally ridiculous concept (I know it's nice to think it is only about what the couple wants, but i think weddings are also really an event for the families too)

Alas, this wedding wouldn't have been possible for me - but it was a brilliant daydream. What better Garden Party than one of the Unearthly variety?!!

No comments:

Post a Comment