The Wedding

The day itself starts with Chuck having stayed the night with Brandon, Matt and myself, all at Brandon’s place.

We all head for breakfast at Denny’s- big greasy food! I am educated on the differences between Biscuit, Cookie and other such foodstuffs. The words are familiar but as often happens the meanings change. So I had to try Biscuits and gravy: a very novel idea to an Englishman as our biscuits are traditionally sweet. And I ordered the Grand Slamwich. That sort of idea is very American! The waitress noticed my accent an asked if I was English, which was nice as it isn’t everyone who can place my accent right away. When I answered

“Sure” She hit me with

“Oh, I’ve been to Italy”

“Yeah that’s close” came the instantaneously condescending reply. I couldn’t help it, the poor girl! Chuck, Brandon and Matt dissolved into laughter. It was an easy start to a wedding day- which could always turn into several hours of high tension. I didn’t believe that Chuck would become stressed, he just isn’t that guy. But nervous and tense-sure- who wouldn’t be on their wedding day?!

The rest of the day involved setting up the venue, so we headed first of all to the beach house and wished the father’s an enjoyable afternoon watching the FA Cup Semi-final, and waited for word that Gemma had left the Serenata Beach Club and the way was clear for us. As tradition dictates, the groom wasn’t allowed to see the bride until the ceremony. As a result the journey to the club was amusing, with Chuck hiding behind my backpack just in case Gemma passed heading in the opposite direction.

The Wedding planner was suitably disorganized, but we had plenty of ‘cooks’ as the old proverb goes, and weren’t unduly worried. By 4pm, there was nothing left to worry about and after G+T all round, Chuck went to get ready while the final touches were sorted by Brandon and Matt.

Only that morning, Gemma had told me that I would be on videocamera duty. Brilliant- don’t get me wrong, I was honored- but to be in charge of capturing for posterity one of the defining moments in marriage…whoa hang on! Gemma’s dad and I get along well, but if I mess this up....was the train of thought in my mind. In truth, I relished the task, and simply thought ‘what would James (my bro and a talented film student) do?’

So I went outside and picked my locations, and watched where the official photographers were taking stands. At 5:45pm I headed for the entrance ready to capture Gemma as she arrived. The Mustang pulled up with Gemma flanked by her brothers, wearing Jono’s aviators to stop the mascara running in the wind! Such a cool bride! The rest of this story is best told in pictures and many of you will have access to these already. When Gemma and Chuck return from the honeymoon I will catch a few more from them then. As I was holding the videocam, I didn’t get many still shots myself and will have to borrow some.

I did see a scene worth describing though, as I don’t think it could be captured by any other means.

One Moment

Looking above the lense of the videocamera I was holding, I managed to catch a moment that spoke volumes. I was expecting Chuck to shed a tear or two, and in fairness, I had already choked in the little message I left both of them at the start of the video footage. I was behind the camera all night and I know Gemma well enough to know her likely reaction to me not being present on camera at all.

So as she walks between the aisles of chairs set out on the beach and arrives at Chuck’s side, she blanches ever so slightly. Finally a nerve shows in an otherwise serenely composed girl, no- woman, (it’s been 10 years phlaris, as she had said a couple of months previously).

Gemma looks down at the sand between Chuck and herself, and swallows gently. Her gaze travels up and meets Chuck’s. As their eyes lock they both smile at each other, Gemma takes a breath and straightens. This couple have been perfect for each other for years now, and the shared look strengthens them both. I don’t think the camera caught what I could see here, encapsulated in one moment.

After the ceremony everybody retired to the tables and the wine began to flow. The best man had to shoot off to get the cake topper and as speeches were called he wasn’t yet back, so Matt had to encourage a tactical newlywed kiss and had the happy couple visit tables to stall the proceedings. So fluid was this tactic I didn’t even realize it was unplanned until a couple of days later.

Soon we were at the first dance, and I filmed. Soon enough I was seized and dragged to the floor to encourage everyone else, who needed little encouragement! Camera down I could relax, and despite my hesitation at being early to the dancefloor (my traditional dance moves leave a lot to be desired, as I don’t practice often!), I was glad to join in fully with the rest of the evening. Of course there was a dance off, and later at the beach house the party continued with Keg-stands and cigars, cocktails and laughter and friendship.

On being a best man:

I have this role to play for a great friend of mine in September so I asked Brandon for a little advice. Brandon says that he didn’t really do much. That might feel true but I disagree. By his presence he did all that Chuck needed of him. Chuck knows that Brandon is the guy who will get stuff done if he is asked. That is the example I intend to follow. Although I believe I am already that guy, the lesson is in recognizing how useful this is, rather than feeling the need to dash around and create a ‘too many cooks’ situation.