Steph and Tenne
Yesterday was the biggest day for Steph, who was first one in our group of school friends to get married. I was a little surprised six or seven months ago when she and her partner announced her wedding plans for early 2008. I was even more surprised when she asked me to be one of her four bridesmaids. Anyway, after giving it some thought, I have chosen the option to accept her invitation.
The last couple of months were the busiest and the most exciting times for Steph, Tennessee and their parents. As Stephanie and Tennessee didn’t have a wedding planner and they only had six months to plan for it, I was amazed at how much they did in a short amount of time. They held an engagement party, a bucks barbecue, a hens night, the wedding dress and the suit for the groom, dress fittings for both sides of the bridal party, organised the church service and the reception, sent out invitations, organised the photographers, the makeup artists, hairdressers, honeymoon, wedding cake, etc.
The wedding went very well yesterday. The weather was perfect, there wasn’t any major hiccups at the event and everybody enjoyed themselves. The bride and the groom both looked wonderful, the other bridesmaids looked amazing, the groomsmen were nice; everyone tried to fit in the scene. I was also surprised to see Tennessee in tears at the church service. I have never seen him this nervous before. It was a very emotional moment for both of them and everybody else in the church. When Tennessee lifted Steph’s veil to kiss her, the happiness and emotion grew even stronger that my worries had eroded. I am very joyful to see that Steph has found her lifetime partner whom she can share the rest of her life with.
The speeches were very touching. Clarey’s speech reinforced a lot about the true meaning of love. Although it was held in a Baptist Church, the things being said about love - commitment, faith and compassion and this is quite similar from what I have read in translated Buddhist texts. The best speech, however was Stephanie’s father’s speech - he had commented about Steph’s inner determination and how Steph and Tennessee’s strengths and weaknesses complement each other. As I don’t have a very good memory and I was a little bit drunk from the champagne, I couldn’t remember exactly what was said in the speeches.
Finally, I would like to once again wish Stephanie and Tennessee all the best for their future together.