Mitch and Sophie acknowledge that they are each the product of previous generations and life experience, and that celebrations such as this, are a time of reflection on the people and events that have brought them to this day. They especially remember with love family members who are no longer with us: Sophie’s Nana Maureen and her Poppa Colin, Mitch’s sister Narelle, his Nana Audrey and his Grandad Reg.
The love story of Sophie and Mitch began in 2017 when they both took part in a comedy variety revue. It was an all-consuming group project for many months creating, rehearsing and finally performing the show. Interestingly there was an underlying nod in the show, where his character was in love with hers… a case of fiction transitioning to fact. Although neither of them was looking for love, Mitch and Sophie’s friendship deepened and their relationship blossomed.
Fast forward 2 years and they were ready to spread their wings and travel on their OE together. They moved to London for 2 ½ years travelling to 16 countries across Europe, Africa and North America. Exciting times! It was actually in London that Mitch bought the engagement ring for Sophie… but it would be 2 years, several countries, 3 house moves and an MIQ stay later, before he finally used the ring to propose. The place he finally chose was Vancouver Island, while drinking coffee and watching the sunrise…. A day forever etched in their memories
As a couple, Sophie and Mitch are alike in many ways. They describe themselves as a bit nerdy, with technical jobs and a love for fantasy and science fiction books and movies. They appreciate the way their jobs support their community. Mitch and Sophie like to experience the world together through food, travel and more local excursions. They also enjoy a laugh and don’t take themselves too seriously. Of course they do have their differences, such as Sophie liking to plan in advance, whereas Mitch is happy to take things as they come and go with the flow. Yet despite their differences or perhaps because of them, Sophie and Mitch complement each other. They agree on the important things in life and are on the same page when it comes to making the big decisions. Of the future this couple plan to continue enjoying life with their doggy – Harley the Cavoodle, keep renovating their home and honing their DIY skills and intersperse these activities with periods of travel.
I recently asked Sophie and Mitch, what it is that they loved and admired in the other. Mitch said ‘Where do I start? There’s so much I love about Sophie. She’s a better planner than me and manages to often surprise me. She’s very supportive and will often put others’ needs ahead of her own. She has a big heart, is empathetic to those around her and to the world in general. Sophie told me that Mitch is her rock. He calms her down when she’s stressed or overwhelmed. He’s resilient and often goes out of his way to make life easier for her. Sophie knows that whatever may come, Mitch will always have her back.
All I know about love
BY NEIL GAIMAN, READ BY SAM CHRISTIE
This is everything I have to tell you about love: nothing. This is everything I've learned about marriage: nothing.
Only that the world out there is complicated, and there are beasts in the night, and delight and pain, and the only thing that makes it okay, sometimes, is to reach out a hand in the darkness and find another hand to squeeze, and not to be alone.
It's not the kisses, or never just the kisses: it's what they mean. Somebody's got your back. Somebody knows your worst self and somehow doesn't want to rescue you or send for the army to rescue them.
It's not two broken halves becoming one. It's the light from a distant lighthouse bringing you both safely home because home is wherever you are both together.
So this is everything I have to tell you about love and marriage: nothing, like a book without pages or a forest without trees.
Because there are things you cannot know before you experience them. Because no study can prepare you for the joys or the trials. Because nobody else's love, nobody else's marriage, is like yours, and it's a road you can only learn by walking it, a dance you cannot be taught, a song that did not exist before you began, together, to sing.
And because in the darkness you will reach out a hand, not knowing for certain if someone else is even there. And your hands will meet, and then neither of you will ever need to be alone again.
And that's all I know about love.
Mitch’s vows
This is everything I know about Sophie. I know you are caring to the people around you and care for me in the same. I know you accept who I am and love me regardless. I know you are the most beautiful girl in every room you are in. I know when I first saw you, I saw my future wife. I know you push me to be a better man. I know you encourage me to keep my dreams alive. I know you can make me laugh even when I want to cry. I know I don’t want another day without you in it. I know you make my life better than it ever could have been. I know you will love our family until you can’t get out of bed. I know there’s so much more too you than everything I’ve said.
Here are my three promises:
I promise to Push you when you want to stand still. To be by your side in building our future. To push you with all your current endeavours and those that you will dream up.
I promise to Pull you towards happier days. Making you laugh, especially when you need it the most. Pull you up the mountain when your legs get sore.
I promise to Hold you when you need a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold. Hold when you need someone to be a calming centre in a noisy world. Hold you until we grow old and can talk about the life we’ve made.
I love you Sophie Burridge.
Sophie’s vows
Mitch, you are my best friend and partner in life and love. We have already been through so many highs and lows in our time together and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support, love and laughter.
I promise to be by your side as we take on life together, whether that be on regular days taking Harley for a walk or on more grand adventures climbing mountains or immersing ourselves in new places.
I promise to show up. For us, for you and for myself so we can continue to build this wonderful life we share together and with our family and friends.
I promise to care about everything. The good things. The bad things. The terrible things. The mundane everyday things. All of it. All the time. Every day. Your life will not go unnoticed, because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed, because I will be your witness.
I love you and I look forward to many more adventures with you as we write the next chapters in our story.
MC – Sarah Whitehouse
Hello everyone I am fellow MC Sarah and I’m honoured to be a part of Soph and Mitch’s very special day. You’ve heard a lot about Soph and Mitch’s love story over the course of the day and you’re going to hear much more over this evening. But I’d like to say that Soph and I go back way further than Mitch and Soph. As some of you do not know me, I’m going to deviate slightly from the script and I’m going to share a little snippet about the love story of Sophie and Sarah.
It all started on sunny morning in February 2005. Little Sophie and little Sarah walked through the front gates of Carmel college, with big dreams, oversized bags and uniforms that were about three sizes too big. Fast forward to the naughty teenage years. Whilst others were sneaking out of class to hang out with their young loves a.k.a the Rosmini Boys. Soph and I’s friendship really blossomed over our own young loves, the loves of physics and calculus.
Surprisingly there weren’t too many other sixteen-year-olds at Carmel that shared a love for either of these things. So, we spent many days and nights understanding the true workings of the universe and integrating not into society but logarithmic algorithms.
You might have thought that the looming idea of university might get in the way of our young love. But when life throws you challenges (and I think you should listen to this Mitch) when life throws you challenges and obstacles, you can choose to part and live with regret. Or work through those challenges together as a team. Soph and I chose the latter and we studied engineering together at Auckland university. There are countless amazing memories, dress up parties and Canadian clubs over those years and then she met Mitch.
The man who would eventually steal Sophie’s heart away from me. It was easy to see why falling for him. After all he does share striking resemblance. Mitch you are an absolute joy to be around, you light up every room. You’ve always got a funny story to tell and you instantly double the ginger hair count which I really appreciate. Thank you for allowing me to share this special day with the both of you and for trusting Cam and I to be your
MC’s tonight. I promise to stick to the script from now on.
Opening
joke
JOHN ROBINSON – POPPA TO SOPHIE
First of all well done, congratulations to you. But I’ll tell you about the story of the lady who goes into the doctors. She’s got a small baby in her arms and she says “Doc, I want you to have a look at this child, he’s just not thriving, it’s just not doing very well at all.” So, the doctor has a look at the baby and says “mmm not very good at all, it’s definitely under fed. Tell you what you sit down, whip off your top and I’ll have a look”. So, she sits down and he has a bit of a poke and a fiddle around. He says “but you’ve got no milk” and she says “I know, I’m his grandmother.”
Maid of Honour – Hannah
Hi everyone I am so excited to be here tonight to celebrate my sister and my new brother-in-law! For those of you who do not know me I am Sophie’s sister Hannah and I am the Maid of Honor tonight. Like most sisters, Sophie and I’s relationship has gone through many phases. In the beginning Sophie was the boss and (as Cam just mentioned before) used to push me over when I was learning to walk. We used to share a bedroom and there was a line in the middle of the bedroom which I was not allowed to cross over and I do remember this very clearly because the barbie dolls were on Sophie’s side of the bedroom. But as we got older and we no longer shared a bedroom we became closer. Many hours were spent singing superstar on Singstar and trying to get the highest score. I was allowed to come to her birthday parties and a highlight for me was that I could be one of the Spice Girls with her and her cool friends. As we became teenagers, I spent many years sitting on her bed while she was trying to do homework and now as adults, we give each other advice and she has visited me lots in the different places we have lived. She was the best maid of honour at my wedding and now I get to return the favour. Now anyone who knows Sophie well, knows that she writes many lists. So tonight, I have written a list of my own. Sophie’s best ten qualities.
1. She is loyal
2. She is very smart
3. She is dedicated
4. She has great hair
5. She is organised
6. She likes to travel and go on adventures
7. She is good at karaoke
8. She is a great dog mum
9. She is passionate about cycle lanes and flush medians
10. She cares a lot about her friends and family
Now though I do love my sister very much. Tonight is also about another very special person, her new husband Mitch. So I do have to say I do not remember exactly when it is that I did meet Mitch, but what I do know is that I have liked him from the very start. He is easy going, smart, tall, very funny, happy to give anything a go and an amazing partner to Sophie. You make the perfect couple. Mitch and I have bonded over our love for cosmos and which sex in the city character we are most like. So, I do feel it is only fitting to end my speech with a poem from our girl Carrie Bradshaw. His hello was the end of her endings. Her laugh was the first step down the aisle. His hand would be hers to hold forever. His forever was as simple as his smile. He said she was what was missing. She said instantly she knew. She was a question to be answered. And his answer was I do. So can we please give a big cheers to the new couple
Groomsman – Tim
For those that don’t know me my name iss Tim. I’m proud to be a good mate of Sophie and Mitch’s. I’d firstly like to take the time to thank you all for showing up this afternoon. But most importantly I’d like to make a special thanks to anyone who was directly involved in raising either of these special members here tonight. To be perfectly honest with you all, I’m probably the least likely of the groomsmen who you think should be given the responsibility of delivering a speech tonightserious discomfort of large crowds and public speaking. When Mitch originally called me and asked if I could do this speech. I questioned him and was like “Hey mate are you sure you want me to do this, you don’t want someone competent?” to which he replied “nah you’re good”. I’ll be honest between the time he originally asked to do the speech and now. I’ve pretty much been waiting for you there to call me and just let me know this isn’t some cruel joke. Hang in there with me as I fumble my way through this. I will make sure to stick to the allocated half hour time slot.
I first met Mitch some 15 years ago not long after joining the Air Force and what can I say? It was love at first sight. We have shared the privilege of working together, living together, travelling together, almost dying on the Zambesi River white water rafting together. Over the years I have had the pleasure of watching him grow from the young thruster he used to be to the fine specimen you see before you now. But it wasn’t without its comedic misadventures.
I would like to take the time to tell you a story about Mitch which I feel especially captures who he is as a person. Picture this, all our flat was sitting there watching tv one Saturday afternoon when Mitch announces he is off to get something for lunch. Shortly after he is back in the house, nonchalantly asking us if we could give him a hand with a situation he has found himself in. “Sure mate, what seems to be the problem?” Much to our amusement Mitch had made it approximately 50m down the road before steering the front end of his van into a tree on the side of the road. Perhaps trying to avoid an oncoming car, dead power steering or perhaps distracted by the attractive female crossing the road slightly up the hill. With a stonecold face, he mentions he was watching a neighbourhood dog cross the road. Yeah of course mate that makes a lot of sense...
Now on a surface level you all might be thinking maybe this happened to Mitch because sometimes he is a bit of an idiot, but those are your hypothetical words and not mine. I like to think he was caught in an ethical dilemma, forced to make a splitsecond decision between focusing on his own path or making sure that the dog crossed the road safely. And knowing Mitch it makes perfect sense he chose the dog.
He is the kind of guy that instinctively cares for others, even at his own expense. He is the type of person who will put someone else’s wellbeing before his own, or in this case a dog, even if it comes at a personal cost. And that is the thing about Mitch, beneath the laughs, beneath the humour and beneath the ridiculous situations you sometimes find yourself in he is a person with a heart of gold. He always looks out for others, even if it means steering the front of his van into a tree. It is that same thoughtfulness and care that makes him such a loyal friend and will make him an incredible husband to Sophie. To keep a man like Mitch on the right track both literally and figuratively will take a special kind of woman. Intelligent, patient, caring and loving. Someone who knows when to steer and when to let go of the wheel. Sophie you couldn’t be more perfect for Mitch. I would like you all to raise your glass for a toast. To Mitch and Soph may your journey be full of love and laughter and a smooth road ahead. Here is to a lifetime of happiness – cheers!
Mother of the Groom - Sue
Good evening, everyone. I am Mitchell’s mum Sue and this is my partner, Alec. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day. Sophie, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you into our family. You are truly everything I could ever wish and hope for and more for Mitch. You have bought so much light, love, and adventure into his life, and I will be forever grateful for the happiness you have given him. Your kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support have been a blessing to witness. I honoured to be your mother in-law.
Mitch, growing up you were always very cheerful, fun-loving, and just a little mischievous. I remember a time you were outside playing with your football and you kicked it into the shelter-belt trees and it got stuck. So, you threw up your gumboots one at a time to try to dislodge the ball but to no avail. However, you didn’t give up. You then decided in your wisdom to climb the tree yourself and as one would expect you also got stuck, very high up in the skinny branches. Along with your boots and ball. Luckily with the help from a neighbour and his forklift, we were able to rescue you, the ball and the boots to safety. Although your high hopes that you set yourself was a little high that day. Your optimistic attitude has given you the confidence to succeed and believe in yourself. Setting your sights high has led you to find your perfect partner in life. Mitch, watching you grow the curious energetic little boy into the amazing man you are today has been the greatest privilege of my life. And you have a heart of gold and you have made me the proudest mum in the world.
When you introduced me to Sophie, I saw the love and respect you had for her. I’ve seen how you two bring out the best in each other. Whether you are working on a project together or simply enjoying quiet moments side by side. Please treasure those simple moments, the inside jokes and the quiet gestures of affection that make your relationship so special. I know that together you will build a beautiful life. Filled with love, laughter and endless adventure.
I would to like to ask everyone to please join me in raising your glasses for a special wedding toast to the newlyweds. May you Sophie and Mitch enjoy a lifetime of love, health and happiness together, cheers.
Parents of the Bride - Jo and Brett
Brett : I’m a bit nervous after everyone’s done such a great job at these speeches, I’m not sure I can follow up. Firstly, I’d like to just to, on behalf of our family, welcome and thank you all for coming, all our extended family and friends. Mitch’s family and friends it’s great to be able to share this day with you. I’d also like to share a special shout to Auntie Noelene who’s come all the way from Florida, a bit of a trip. And to Sue and Alec, it’s been nice to get to know you and nice to spend with you as well. Jo-Annes going to start with a quick word.
Jo-Anne : Just a very quick word. I’d just like to acknowledge Sophie’s grandparents who have passed and unfortunately can’t be here today. Colin, Brett’s dad who I know would be very proud to see another granddaughter walk down the aisle and my mum Maureen. Sophie was very close to her nana Maureen and I know she would be wishing she was here today, as we all are. Sophie, I’m sure nana is looking down on you today and thinking how gorgeous you look, which I’m sure everyone here agrees. Sophie, dad, and I are both very proud of you. Not only are you smart and creative but you are also kind and caring daughter who is very loyal to both your family and friends. And Mitch, I don’t really need to say welcome to the family because you’ve been a large part of this family for many years now. You’ve been through with us through good times and bad. And even managed to survive three months locked in a house with us during Covid, which I know is no mean feat for anyone. Thank you being such a good partner and friend to Sophie and wishing you both a long and happy marriage.
Brett: I first met Mitch maybe six or so years ago and it was pretty obvious right from the start that he was a very nice chap. As Jo-Anne said you fitted into our family very well and are a very well-loved member, especially by our red haired oodle Ruby, who loves you for some reason. You are laid back and have a great sense of humour, I suspect this laid back might be some of the reasons why 40 SQN never gets the prime minister’s plane leaving on time. I am proud to have a man who has power over our top politicians as my future son in law. Sophie was born in London and it was a bit of a shock becoming a dad for the first time, but certainly being Sophie’s dad changed me for the better. Sophie was a bit of a tomboy when she was little and we would hang out in the garage doing jobs and trips down to Bunnings for supplies for the latest DIY project. We would spend hours at beach firing down waves on a boogey board and there was lots of sand based civil engineering projects we would get involved in. Little Sophie has a really strong spirit, a very active mind and imagination. She had the strength of her convictions and absolutely no fear, something I always admired in her. Unfortunately, that did mean she ended up breaking a lot of rules when she was younger. It was a bit of a tricky job as a parent and we managed to work our way through the ups and downs. There was certainly lots of laughs and lots and lots of funny stories, although lots of those are only funny afterward.
The people that know Sophie well, as you may have heard before, know she is very caring and cares a lot for the environment and that started at a young age. She was probably about 5 or 6 and we went sprat fishing down at the rocks at Red Beach. We were fishing down there and she sauntered over to the little kid fishing next to us to see what was in his bucket, and she saw he had a bucket full of sprats. So, Sophie thought she would do the right thing and return them back to their natural environment. Not sure if it was because he had caught more than her or she just thought it was a bit funny. When friends or family would come and visit you were never 100% sure if they were going to get a big hug or a little slap. Mitch you obviously got the bear hugs. As Sophie grew she channelled that wild spirit into her school work and did really well. Won lots of prizes at school and was involved in the wider school community, singing in the Barbershop, netball and Prefect. And then when she on she went to university she saw the light to study Civil Engineering, achieving an honours degree with first class honours. Which, there are a few engineers here, so I am sure you know that it doesn’t matter how smart you are, that just takes a lot of hard work. Probably my best contribution as an engineer was maybe having a small hand in bringing an intelligent woman into the profession. You have had good jobs with good consultancies, obviously the covid years were a little bit rocky as you are trying to develop your career but I am sure you will do really well in the future.
Very proud of you Soph, I love you very much and have certainly enjoyed every minute of being your dad, way back from the first days back in London. Part of the bride’s speech I am supposed to say something clever or marriage advice.... I remember way back when people started talking about partners, what is this, this is all sounding a bit PC but the more I thought about it, it is one of the keys to working through your relationship is as partners. The good times and the bad times and working together and I think that is the secret for growing together as a couple. Soph and Mitch you are already a great couple and I can just see great things for you guys in the future and look forward to watching you grow. Sophie and Mitch well done.
Mitch’s speech
For those that don’t know me.... nah just kidding. I want to thank everyone for coming here tonight. It’s no small feat putting this stuff together. I want to appreciate everyone who’s made the effort to come here and share this special day with Sophie and I so a round of applause for yourselves and cheers from mine and Sophie to you. Cheers!
Contractors: DJ Ray and ADJS for building up the hype and getting the party started for us. Kiri Marsters for taking wonderful photos and helping to capture some of the magic moments. Abigail and the Settlers Team for manicuring a beautiful venue for the perfect day. Abigail even got the weather to come to the party. Alex thank you for making the delicious cake. When Kev said you had a great cake Soph and I were intrigued. Turns out you make great cakes as well.
Friends and Family: We want to thank you all for being here tonight. Big special thanks for everyone who came here tonight. Big party later on and ill hopefully see a few of you there
MC: Now our first MC of the night Cameron. Now Cam I know you were not everyone’s first choice as MC. But I just want you to know you were mine. Thanks for keeping the party going tonight
Bridesmaids: To the girls Sarah, Eva, Morgan, Hannah. Sarah thank you for taking on, not only MC, but bridesmaid for Sophie and I. You are the truest friend a girl could ask for. I’m speaking on behalf of Greg actually. Eva…… It just says thanks. But I’ll say thank you for being the one we can all look up to because you do everything first, I know Greg looks up to you as well. Morgan thank you for being a great friend to Soph and I. I know you are our biggest fan and your support has meant the world. Nothing to rip on their Morgan you’re the best. Hannah thank you for getting married earlier this year it really took the heat off. You are an amazing sister and looking forward to you and Scott living closer soon.
Groomsmen: Now to Tim, Gav, Codey and Greg. Greg thank you for being someone Codey can always look up to. You may be a sticky mess but you are sicky glue that holds this group together. Codey thank you for reminding me what is important in life. Even if it’s not getting up and doing a tap dancing routine which I hear is coming later on tonight. Gav thank you for always being so helpful, even when it is a simple question, I know I’ll get the full history from ya. Tim thanks for being someone Greg can look up to. You are always available for a laugh when I need and I couldn’t ask for a better mate.
Sue: Mum I want to thank you for providing to setting for the man I will become. If I can be half as providing for Sophie as you have been for me, I sure she will be in good hands. Thank you for welcoming Sophie so easily, you now have a new daughter. So on that, she is now available to chop wood, blow leaves, chase chickens and move sheep around too.
Jo and Brett: Thank you for being so welcoming to me with your generous hospitality. You have made getting to know you really easy. I’m honoured to be taken on as another son as I know the first one didn’t go so well, and the most recent one only visits once or twice a year. You are a staple for the happy marriage I can look forward to having with Sophie Sophie: Give it up for the main lady tonight and my wife Sophie!!!
Sophie you look absolutely beautiful tonight and I want to give another round of applause for how beautiful she looks. I can’t really put into words how special this day has been for me Sophie. But i have enjoyed every single minute of our life together and I’m going to continue enjoying every minute going forward. You make me the man I want to be and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I always say something cheesey like I’ve been doing an emotional jigsaw lately and it turns out you were the missing piece the whole time. But I want to say that is 100% true. Without this woman here I wouldn’t be who I am today. Please give it up for Sophie
