THE WEDDING

THE WEDDING



The sun was just going down over Cape Sable Island as the eighty invited guests slowly walked to the candle lit, decorated gazebo near the boardwalk in Clark's Harbour. The late summer was perfect to hold this special event and the weather was co-operating. They marveled at the many beautiful flowers stretched far inside the gazebo like a lovely sun-drenched rainbow. There were buckets and vases of many wild flowers. They heard the soft but happy music of a bagpiper down near the sea; what a spectacular sunset!

Jade's dog, Lex, was on a leash with a bow tie around his neck and being attended by a friend; he was attentive and watching for her as she made her way along the lit shell-lined path. She reached out to pat him as she slowly walked by and smiled broadly at him. He seemed to know not to misbehave and was quiet and obediant.

As the sky settled on cirrus clouds and a huge orange ball of fire for the ceremony, the seated guests lowered their murmuring to gaze at the bridal party. The very handsome groom, wearing a new gold watch Jade had given him, took his place beside the best man, his own grown son who was just as handsome as his Dad. They smiled nervously at one another. Their crisp white jackets and dark pants were in stark contrast with the array of colorful flowers, tastefully surrounding the archway. The pathway was lit with tiki torches and lined with hundreds of shells and starfish.

When the music to "HERE COMES THE BRIDE" began, the groom followed everyone's eyes to watch his darling approaching him. Her arm was casually draped through the elbow of her black haired son, who was so happy for his mother that he had already had to wipe a tear away. She was smiling broadly and beaming from ear to ear! She wore a knee length ivory dress, trimmed in the front and (very low) back with hundreds of beads covering the bodice. The attached skirt was tightly fitted to just below her derriere but then hung in semi-wide pleats. The long tapered sleeves hugged her arms as the sheath hugged her body. Her auburn hair was unadorned and soft as the evening air blew through it. Her satin ivory pumps matched her gown. Jade carried her favourite white Bible that her late parents had given to her. Her only jewellery was her gold earrings, a gift from her husband-to-be. A new French manicure showed off her gloveless hands.

Will could not take his eyes off of her; he had never seen such sparkle illuminating from her brown eyes before. She caught his stare and looked lovingly into his face. That's when he winked at her and her tears began; tears of sheer happiness. She was remembering the first time he had done so. He had to swallow hard but had promised her he would not cry if she did so. Jade gathered her composure, straightened her shoulders and bowed her head to pray with the others.

With the Ocean for a background and the sound of the foghorn, the ceremony proceeded, guided by their religious beliefs. It was a double ring ceremony and the groom's small grandson came forth with the rings on a satin pillow shaped like a ship's wheel. Wills granddaughter was the flower girl and did a wonderful job of it. The groom beamed with pride as his daughter and Jade's daughter held hands during the short service. They had become fast friends during their parents three year courtship.

When 'AVA MARIA" was sung, not one breath was exhaled and if it was, it wasn't heard. The traditional vows were exchanged and another song sung; this time it was one of their favourites called "THE POWER OF LOVE" ("I am your woman, you are my man"). There weren't too many dry eyes left in the house after that rendition. The friendly Minister pronounced them "husband and wife" and Will swept her into his arms for a sweet, tender kiss. Cheers erupted; they left the Gazebo arm and arm to walk along the Boardwalk for some photographs to be taken there by the calm and deep waters of the Atlantic. Then they took a private stroll by the sea, his arm around her waist, while listening to just the rapid beatings of their own hearts. It was obvious to everyone that they were very much in love! Of course, Lex was at their side.

People were leaving to attend the small Reception in a nearby hall where her friend's band was performing after a meal of steak & lobsters with all of the trimmings for their invited guests; no alcohol was served. The bride changed into a pair of black palazzo slacks and a white silk blouse with her pearls, to enjoy the evening with her new husband and her new family(s). Happiness was written all over her face as she hung on her husband's every word. He, too, had changed into a pair of tan slacks with a white (tieless) shirt. They were beaming!

The delicious chocolate cake was a huge brownie, decorated and big enough to feed an Army. Their first dance was to Bob Segar's "IF I HAD YOU BABE, I'D BE SATISFIED." Then they slow danced to "BOARDWALK ANGEL", the bride's favourite song by her old friend, Billy Jo Royal. As he winked at her; her heart stopped. Everyone cheered and clapped as balloons were popped and cofetti and rice were thrown at them. Hugs and kisses were exchanged by all in attendance on this very happy night. Lex left with his dog-sitter and seemed very happy too!

As the new "MR. AND MRS" left for their home inside Blue Haven, there appeared a real rainbow above them, spectacular to the human eye. When her husband carried her over the threashold in his strong arms, she felt like Cinderella. She finally had THREE FIRSTS: a "Diamond" , a "Wedding" and for the very first time in her life, a "Man" who was her best friend, her partner and her lover. The combination took her breath away! Blue Haven anticipated the long, wonderful night ahead as they closed its door on the outside world to enter their own majic kingdom.