Crown Prince of Tonga's Wedding

On the 12 July 2012, Jodie and I dressed in our best to attend the Marriage ceremony for His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala and her Honourable Sinailakala Tu'imatamoana'i Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua. The service took place in The Centenary Church followed by a reception at the Mala'e Pangai grounds. It was an early start with us all meeting at Steves for a few bubbles before we headed over the road with the Digicel crew. A few of the boys made the effort and wore top hat and tails. I was lucky and all military personnel got to wear ceremonials. After the service we all made our way down to Pangai for the reception. In true Tongan form the service was late and it rolled on from there. We eventually made the reception and sat in the main tent, front and centre. The food at our table was a mix of traditional and palangi and the French bubbles went down a treat. 

Jodie and I in our Thursday best, best of all Jodie got to wear one of her newest fascinator. 

As soon as Jack rocked up in his Hat and Tails she was quick to ditch the sailor.

Every pew was full and so were the bleachers. They even had seats set up along the outside veranda's.

The Queen Salote girls lined the edges of the Tapa along the entire entrance way into the church.

The snappy shot of the official "I do's!"

The newlywed's head down the aisle.

They departed the church in Queen Salote's old car with the top down. The crowds loved it.

Rory, Stephen and Jack cruising in their top hats and tails. Very dapper boys.

The flower girls sat around the wedding cake during the speeches.

The head table with Their Majesties, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u with the Talking Chief's sitting down in front of the head table.

 

In between speeches traditional dances came out and performed.

A nice close up of the Royal Family.

What wedding isn't complete without a monster fruit cake.

The Royal couple out for their first dance as newlyweds.

His Majesty, King Tupou VI departed earlier in the night but the Queen remained to continue the celebrations.

As the night kicked on and the partying began, Jodie quickly disappeared into the local crowd. Not too hard to spot though.

Next minute she was up front thanking the Crown Prince and Princess for a lovely night and wishing them all the best for their future together.

Jodie, Karen and Jen all wearing fascinators from "The House of Holly", Jodie also had another two hats out in the crowd worn by other friends. 

After a long day of celebrations we left the locals and headed back to Stephen's for a night cap and pizza.

A great way to end the night.

Finau (AKA DJ Hot Girl) and Jack pumped out some awesome tunes, luckily Steve's guitar was in tune. 

Our Royal invite, order of service and wedding cake.