We watched some of the professional picture taking from our balcony, and I wondered how the ladies in the wedding party were navigating the slippery tiles and, even worse, the sand on the beach. It seems that my concerns were groundless, however, as no one so much as chipped one of their perfectly manicured nails.
The 40 chairs at the wedding gazebo were almost filled by 5:15, so we took our places in the assembly. An older couple looked unfamiliar; turns out they were wedding crashers who later disappeared into the general resort population. Harry seated Marilyn and then stood by the gazebo waiting for the rest of the wedding party. Unlike the familiar wedding setting, where an anxious groom is supported by his groomsmen, Harry was all alone in front of the crowd, communicating silently but effectively with the guests. After five minutes or so, Harry glanced in the general direction of the hotel lobby where the bridal party had convened. When there was no sign of movement, he grimaced, drawing his hand across his throat, much to the amusement of the crowd. No danger of a no show, we all figured.
Not long after, we glimpsed the first of the attendants, processing as couples along the path between the palms toward the wedding gazebo. The bridesmaids wore short burgundy gowns, beautifully simple and elegant. All the groomsmen wore white shirts that looked both casual and “dressed up”. Finally, the bride appeared on the arm of her proud uncle. Most brides are beautiful, but Laura was absolutely stunning, dressed in a classic cream gown, with no veil or train to draw attention from her loveliness and joy.
They must have picked the judge for his good looks, not a bad idea because he will be in everyone’s wedding photo. I loved the fact that he conducted wedding in Spanish, reminding us that Spanish is “the official language of the Dominican Republic”. The judge’s words were translated for Harry and Laura, so I guess it was OK for them to speak their vows in English.
We gathered for drinks and appetizers, with entertainment provided by a lively three-man band. We then headed into a private room in the conference center for the wedding dinner. The meal, steak and lobster for most of us, was beautifully presented and served by professional, attentive hotel staff. Laura’s siblings, Diana and Michael, with a great job with MC responsibilities. I enjoyed the toasts from both sides of the family and the bride and groom’s closest friends. Interesting to know that Harry and Laura first met in 6th grade, and have been together since a blind date in high school, set up by two members of the bridal party.
Marilyn’s good Stratford friends (Dave, Brenda and Doug) were our very pleasant dinner companions. Our conversation covered many topics, including the McIntosh apple – which I thought must be too much of a “cold weather apple” for southern Ontario. Not so according to Doug. In fact, I couldn't wait to look up the history of the McIntosh – here’s one version http://canadianhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/mcintosh_apple_a_tasty_canadian_development
Harry has married into a distinguished and delightful family and I’ll enjoy getting to know them. At least one of the Nguyens may be easy to track: Michael will soon be heading to Los Angeles to intern with “24”. Not being much of a TV fan, I just barely heard of the show http://www.fox.com/24/ -- but I’ll be watching it from now on. I think we’ll be hearing from Michael in the future: this is one of the many hits from a Google search http://gnugget.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/g-nugget-is-going-to-la/.
I felt very proud of Marilyn, happy and gracious and elegant; I can’t bear to describe how I missed Ken, his friendly smile, exuberance and comforting presence. How he would have loved this satisfying, happy day!
Congratulations, Laura and Harry! Thanks for sharing your wedding day with us. You’re a great couple and we await the next chapter in your story.
Beautiful picture. Laura is a stunning bride. Enjoyed your blog very much. Felt like I was there except for the sunburn & mosquitoes. I know what you mean about the airport. been there doen that. We have wing exits seats for Florida next month but they may not let us sit in them if I arrive with a walker & a cane. All the best.
ReplyDeleteSheryl, you have to force yourself to walk without a limp if you can. In many of my knee crises, I have done just that, just to get the exit rows. I know that in an emergency the adrenaline would make me forget the pain so that I could react appropriately. And that would be the case with you.
ReplyDelete