22nd September 2018
The big day is finally here, but still a lot of things to do before the party starts.
All the chairs had been delivered so my first job was to set them out. I had a stick and a piece of rope which I used to create the first arc of chairs, as the length of rope was limited it dictated the diameter of wedding circle.
As the chairs were set out, it started to become real.
The delivery of the flowers brought the tables to life, making a colourful splash in the cool vases.
All the wines and beers were gently getting cooled in the giant refrigerator, I had rushed out last night to get a few more just in case. Running out of food can be excused, but never the beer.
Matt and Chris arrived to practice the music as Kelli and myself left to make ourselves respectable.
The weather was perfect, a blue sky, and a smooth lake.
I went to Damian’s place to change, Ethan was running round like a maniac, ignoring his father’s pleas to calm down.
I got back to the venue expecting the officiants, Stephen and Kathi to be there to go through any last minute changes, and to set the volume of the PA system, but they were running late.
Eventually with less than fifteen minutes to go they arrived, so it was a mad rush to set the levels.
I stood in the circle waiting for the ceremony to start. Chris took his seat and started to play the guitar. The seats started to fill up, some people I knew, others I didn’t.
Damian stood by my side with the rings in his pocket, I hoped he wouldn’t drop them on the grass when he handed them over.
Seeing Kelli walking towards me dressed in her white dress with her hair in tassels with a crown of wild flowers took my breath away. As she stood facing me, her face was smiling, I was smiling, and the guests were smiling, it was a happy day.
The whole ceremony went very quickly, so with Chris performing Paul Simon’s “America” we faced our guests who blowed bubbles over us as we walked back down the path as husband and wife.
We walked down the road to get some pictures taken. Matt snapped away as we tried to be natural.
We made our dramatic entry back into the venue to the music of “September ” by Earth, Wind and fire. We burst through the doors with Kelli dancing into the crowd whilst they clapped wildly. I was a little more refined, only because I hadn’t had a drink.
The reception was a blast, everyone was having a great time, including the bridesmaids, who having consumed enough alcohol to kill a horse put on a floor show that would have made Peter Stringfellow blush. Damian said it was worth the journey just for that.
Ethan had a great time, the cup cakes were just at his level so he managed to lick the topping off about six before he was dragged away.
Just before midnight, we ended the celebrations, a few die-hards remained up to the end. Everyone was on a high, everything was perfect, the food, the drink, and the music was great. Kelli’s cheeks were hurting because she never stopped smiling all day, it was wonderful to see her so happy.
Another Lifetime to go 