What a weekend it was! On Saturday, January 28, 2017, my younger brother Ashley tied the knot with the girl of his dreams, Ms. Harriet...
It was a cloudless blue sky day, and the water was clear as diamonds. The groom and groomsmen waited on the beach under the sun, shining like a crystal ball above. We were all wearing light navy blue tailored suits, with sunglasses on, having a laugh and holding water bottles. Half an hour passed before we saw a white laced umbrella rising from the sand dunes. My brother turned to face us while we watched the bridesmaids, wearing beautiful light apricot dresses, smiling and giggling as they continued their walk towards the groom. They stood in a semi-circle line, resembling the crest of a moon, with the groomsmen, awaiting the groom's first sight of his beautiful bride. What a sight it was! The bride shone in white, with long blonde hair adorned with sparkling gems throughout a veil as long as her dress, flowing freely in the air like feathers.
My brother shook with happiness as he turned around, unable to contain his blushes, and smiled fiercely as his jaw dropped to the ground. He softly pressed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss of happiness. The bridesmaids wiped tears of joy from their eyes, and the parents glowed with the same joy, starting to laugh. Meanwhile, the photographers and videographers diligently captured the special moments of their day. The first sight settled the nerves for what was yet to come, marking the best day in the history of two families. We quickly ran to the van for some air conditioning, while the photographers madly clicked away, capturing fantastic images. As we jumped into the van, our shirts were wetter than the ocean itself, and the girls were a couple of shades darker than when they first stepped on the beach. After passing around many water bottles, we headed to the famous Gull's Rock for a photoshoot of the couple. With the cliff face below us, the ocean meeting the waves, and the blue sky above, it was only fitting that the shoot would be amazing. The groomsmen, bridesmaids, and parents stood upon the hill, watching the drone flying around. The photographers, like a whirlwind of leaves blowing in the air, captured the veil and hair flying, kisses in the sparkling sun, the couple's silent dance, and the smiles and joy from everyone.
Then it was time to head to Paxton's Winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia, to officially unite the couple. While the boys walked around doing last-minute touches to the seating arrangements and ceremony, the girls prepared worry-free. Cold coronas and limes quenched the thirst for the guys, while champagne bubbles created a lively backdrop. The girls were busy applying lipstick and eyeliner in preparation for their walk down the aisle.
At 4:30 pm, the groom and groomsmen moved to the arch, and the guests gathered around. White rose petals adorned the ground, forming a footpath leading to the flower-covered archway where the bride and groom would hold hands for the last time before being announced as husband and wife. The wedding sounds began to flow through the air as the bride stepped out, leaving everyone amazed at the sight of an angel walking towards them, followed by her five beautiful bridesmaids. The wedding celebrant's voice filled the air as she welcomed everyone. Not long after, Ashley's voice took over, declaring his love to his fiancé through his vows. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd, and the best man was in shock at what his brother had just said. Smiles and pulsing hearts of every romantic could be heard, like bells ringing in stables miles away. Harriet stood still, holding back tears, thinking, "How can anyone top that?" She took a deep breath and spoke her heartfelt vows. Both equally in love with each other, they exchanged rings, gazing into each other's eyes, and whispered, "I do." The celebrant let the words echo for all to hear, saying, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." A cheer and applause of happiness filled the air, resonating throughout the vineyard, reaching the neighboring area, celebrating the couple's union as they walked down the rose petal path with more petals falling from the skies above, showering them with love.
And now the fun began, the celebration the couple had been eagerly waiting for since Ashley got down on one knee and asked Harriet to take his hand in marriage. It was a great night with fine food, heartfelt speeches, dancing, and, of course, drinking. Not a single head woke up without a hangover or a smile permanently etched on their faces, as it marked the beginning of a beautiful marriage and the start of a new year.
Congratulations, Ash & Harriet!
