I have to start out by stressing that weddings mean different things to everyone. I didn't dream about being the girl in the white dress, so when I had to find an outfit for the day, I decided I wanted to wear a onesie. The quest for onesie acquisition that was both thematically appropriate and wouldn't cost more than my future child's education proved somewhat trying. So I gave up. I chose to instead wear a jazzed up version of my grandmother's veil with a fairly simple dress. Now that was locked in, I could get onto planning what I really cared about - sharing a beautiful experience that celebrated our commitment with people we love.
So what was the experience? It was filled with talk of flamingos, champagne and copious amounts of good Italian fare. Our friends were the curators and musicians, and along with our families they gifted us with beautiful speeches that filled our hearts with giddiness and made our eyes cry with laughter. Everyone created the most amazing atmosphere that we truly wish we could bathe in. It's only in retrospect that I realise it's our inability to do that, that makes the day so precious. It's but a brief moment in time, but if it's done right, it's something you can dip back into the memory of whenever you need to.
There were many little mishaps on the day which from a pragmatic perspective have informed my ability to help guide couples as best I can. In the final analysis I discovered I'm a much better using my powers for good as celebrant rather than 'bride.' I found the letting go very hard, but was lucky to be in the hands of some pretty excellent professionals.
FAVOURITE MOMENT: Arriving at the venue - the buses were late, the drivers had to go, nobody had told us that the band had started playing the entrance song. We were kind of running toward the aisle. I was panicking until I turned to see the amazing floral arch my friends had decorated. I saw the love and joy on everyone's faces, and of course, my husband. I felt calm immediately, and took my own advice to look everyone in the eye and breathe the moment in. From there it was like being inside a giant insulated cloud of deliciousness....but I do have to say, I now always make sure my brides are ready to roll before that music starts playing!
PHOTO CREDIT: Stano Murin.