I like to be in America: Wonderful wedding (part 1)

I'm skipping a few days, but I'm sure no one will mind. I want to capture yesterday while it is still fresh in my mind, although I'm sure I'll never, ever forget the wedding of our first son to his beautiful French amour.

The day started ordinarily enough, hot and muggy and lazy. A few swims in the pool, a trip to Walmart around the corner, general pottering, you know. We had been told at the Drinks and Nibbles Catherine and Joel (Julie-Ann's parents) had put on the night before, that we were to meet at the Doubletree Hotel in Fort Lauderdale by "NO LATER than 5 o'clock!". That was a bit of a surprise for some as the wedding invitation had said 2:30, but had not stated the venue. Most mysterious, indeed.

By 2 o'clock I thought it was about time to start getting ready. I find these days it takes more and more effort, for less and less effect, but still, as mother of the groom I felt I had to at least try.

We left by a quarter to four as we had quite a way to drive and of course we had to factor in minor disasters like traffic jams (and, of course, taking the odd wrong turn or two). Anyway, we arrived in good time at a rather grand hotel by a canal in Fort Lauderdale, to be greeted first by the car valet and then by the only other early arrivals, the 'mad aunts' (as the kids fondly call my sisters), their partners,Granma and Steve and Mary, all looking a million dollars and quite at home in the plush surrounding, sipping on cold champagne.

"Ah," I thought, " now this is more like it!"

In my head, I had visions that all the people in Florida were glamorous and gorgeous (too much tv in my younger days I guess) and so far, I have been terribly disappointed. Everyone here look like ordinary people. ( Except of course the exotic, dark skinned, braided beauties from Haiti).

Well, today I got my glamour hit and now feel satisfied.

Gorgeous, glamorous girls.

Gorgeous boys

The groom, surprisingly calm and his bestman and brother, Tom.

With one of the beautiful mad aunts.

With one of the beautiful sisters.

With the glamorous grandma.

Soon after 5 the lobby was filled with excited guests and groomsmen, meeting and mixing. The fact that half the guests were French, added another glamour shot.

It was announced that at 5:45 we were all to board the Sun Dream!!!

Docked outside the hotel was ...

And this was to be the venue for the wedding.

The POG and POB boarded to have a few photos with the groom and groomsmen before everyone else boarded and we were all directed up to the open top deck. We cast off and we were away, cruising the canals; the millionaires alleyways, on a beautiful, balmy evening. It was unbloomingbelievable.

The music changed and the first bridesmaid, a vision in fuchsia and orange appeared, escorted by the handsome Tom in his bright pink tie and waistcoat. The next bridesmaid appeared, with Guillaume looking just as good, by her side.

Then Joel was there as we waited for Julie-Ann. Finally she arrived, gracefully negotiating the steep steps up to the fly deck, looking utterly exquisite in her close fitting, white gown, with one shoulder and ruching down the side. She had a slight train and a small veil tucked into her dark, jewel encrusted curls.

I knew I would disappoint everyone if I didn't start crying ( they expect it), so I did. ( gracefully, not in a huge, gulping sobs sort of way)

I could hardly believe my gorgeous baby boy, looking as happy as he ever has, was getting married. (Let alone on a luxury, party boat cruising towards Miami)

The ceremony was short but meaningful and sincere. A new ( for us anyway) little twist was each off the couple pouring sand into one container symbolising two people becoming one..

After the ceremony many more photos were taken, mostly immediate family ones, which was just as well for me, as trays of exquisite nibbles were being handed around and I hardly managed to snag any, thereby saving myself for the meal.