When work had Charmaine (AKA Chaz) relocate to Longreach from her home town of Townsville in 2017, she wouldn’t have imagined that she would happen upon her Prince. But happen upon him she did after a day out at the Longreach races when she decided to have a few more beverages at the Birdcage Hotel. David (AKA Bull), born and bred on a property 220 km south of Longreach had spent the day playing cricket in Ilfracombe and he too chose the same establishment for some post-game ales. David had made it his business to find out what Charmaine’s name was and when they looked at each other he smiled and said ‘Hey Charmaine..’ to which she relied ‘How do you know my name and what the hell are you wearing?!’ Despite the initial reaction, an undeniable spark was ignited that night, a compulsion to talk only to each other until the early hours and as Charmaine described so eloquently ‘lots of staring into each other’s eyes happened’. Charmaine had forgot his name the next day when she woke up but ‘luckily he sent me a creepy Facebook message’ asking what I was ‘up to’ at 2am on his walk home from the pub! Charmaine boasts a determinedly independent spirit and she wasn’t about to go falling into any blokes arms, despite the obvious attraction. David chased Charmaine for several months without giving up, he even had a few rejected kisses but he still hung on like the true champ he is! They soon made grand plans 5 minutes (well 6 months) into their relationship, even throwing caution to the wind and booking their first overseas trip together!
Good things come to those who wait…
Once she knew, for sure, that he was her man, Charmaine was keen to put a ring on it though David took his time, making her wait until 2020. By this time they had moved onto one of David’s family properties south of Longreach where Charmaine had taken on building her dream garden with gusto! One day following an afternoon of garden planning, David waited for the sun to set and caught her as she walked away by yelling ‘Hey Charmaine!’ She turned to see him down on one knee and asking ‘will you be my moiety forever?’
Now if you are like me you are wondering what a ‘moiety’ is. (I was particularly intrigued given David’s vocabulary is more cheeky slang than the Queen’s English lol) Well not only is it a legit word but it’s brilliant!
Moiety \MOY-uh-tee\ noun: one of two equal parts. Add to that the beautiful note that accompanied the surprise flowers and earrings that Charmaine received while getting ready and there you have it! A romantic bloke from the bush!
A Barn and a Brouhaha
Weddings in this COVID era are threatened with potential lockdowns so it was with great celebration and merry-making that these two Legends were able to came together at the every-photographer’s-dream Elite Barn Weddings venue to share their vows. The spacious surrounds, graced by the native gums and Black River, boasted a fantastic American-style open barn providing a unique atmosphere of casual yet choice banquet style it’s-time-to-party vibe! Such a perfect fit for Charmaine and David and their favourite people. The Reception was most ably piloted by David’s sister Amanda as MC with the speeches being a highlight (don’t you just love wedding speeches?) and including a spontaneous and hilarious oration from two of Charmaine’s bridesmaids, Amy & Sophia, recounting a story from their high school years (you can always count on your mates to recall good yarns!)
David is the youngest of my brother Peter & wife Donna’s 4 kids and he’s one of the bravest people I know. He battled with debilitating asthma throughout his childhood and teenage years, finding himself in hospital time and again. He never allowed illness to stop him from having a grand time, his capacity for living every moment was and continues to inspire those around him.
The men in the Batt family are careful not to go all soft on each other (David’s brothers & Groomsmen James & Roger strenuously avoided doing so in their speeches) and I’m sure that Dave would be squirming at my acknowledgement but you’ll just have to suck it up Dave, you are one special human and I’m must speak the truth!
The coming together of this fabulous, fun & indefatigable pair will ensure great things, they will achieve whatever they put their determined minds to. Oh and you will see from the slideshow that they have already proved to be a great cross! Beau Batt, arriving earlier this year, is one hell of a cute baby.
Chaz & Bull, I wish you a long lifetime of happiness ❤️
