The Wedding

Phew!

 Well the dust has settled, livers have shrunk, brain cells regenerated and sleep caught up on, after a hectic but very enjoyable wedding period.

The ten day party started......

Victoria getting into the party mood!

Guests from as far away as Australia, Chile, Mexico and UK, started to arrive about eight days before the big day. All of the people had rented villas and apartments in Marigot Bay which meant there was a ready made party each evening and everyone seemed to convene at Chateau Mygo.  The youngsters were all in one place; Franz and Pascal’s amazing villas, with huge pool and great views – ideal for twelve friends from school and university who hadn’t seen each other for some time. Grownups opted for quiet villa rentals, where they could entertain and get to bed at a decent time.

There were group BBQ’s at the various villas, chateau Mygo band nights and late night swimming

We scampered around finalising wedding licenses, chairs, flowers, table cloths, wedding cakes, beer and wine. We were doing very well until disaster struck on the day of the wedding ,as Jeff was hauling 50 seats up the hill and a neighbour reversed into our truck, rendering it undriveable- it is still in the body shop awaiting parts. We changed cars that day so many times, trying to borrow vehicles that were suitable for the numerous tasks. It was all very fraught but by the afternoon  everything was done.

Most groups had rented cars and a full plan of excursions and activities were arranged on a daily basis. There was one major excursion for anyone under thirty- a day out on a large catamaran for a rum and music tour. They had the boat to themselves and stopped off at various points down to the Pitons. They swam, snorkelled, danced and drunk every minute of the day and it was easy to know when they were entering the bay as the noise and hilarity was quite something!

Most of the guests were Old Dauntseans or vets from the Royal College.

On the eve of the wedding, Jeff and I sailed John and Victoria out of Marigot Bay for a Champagne sunset cruise - it was so romantic!

The ceremony took place at our friend’s house on the point above Marigot Bay, looking out over the Caribbean Sea. It was a stunning location, breathtaking views surrounding lush vegetation. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity, especially as they worked so hard to complete the gardens and buildings ready for this day. They willingly gave the venue and their private apartment to John and Vic’s to use as a changing area before hand and a place to spend their first night as a married couple.

Guests were greeted by great music, from a one man steel pan band, a Rasta called Dayton. The registrar looked like he doubled up as a cricket umpire. He was thoughtful slow, enjoying his moment and his droll sense of humour had us all eating out of his hand.

Jeff read a passage from Captain Corelli's Mandolin....

Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being ''in love'' which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.

John and Vic’s had sensibly decided on a dress code of no ties or socks but all the guys looked great in their linen suits and the bride looked sensational in her beautifully cut, simple white gown. It was perfect for the occasion. Even though we had planned the ceremony for the late afternoon, the temperature was still 30°C, so we basked in the heat hoping for some relief from the gentle breeze.

The inside of Villa Susanna.

James Tucker - Best man - and his Fiance Maria Eugenie.

Beautiful Bridesmaids

And Handsome groomsmen

After the ceremony it was time for the photo calls- there is no getting away from it even in the Caribbean- and we drank rum punch and piton beer to re-hydrate and get ready for the reception to follow.

Having so many family and friends there made it what it was, a truly memorable day, that had the women sniffing with emotion as John and Vic’s said their solemn vows and promised their love to each other.

 

John and Vic’s were the last to leave Villa Susanna, as we thought it fitting that they should arrive at Chateau Mygo dock, courtesy of Carlos’s water taxi, giving people a chance to welcome them as Mr and Mrs Bullen and shower them with fresh bougainvillea petals and confetti.

The reception flew past in a flurry of great food, lots of wine and Champagne, toasts, speeches, cake cutting, dancing and fun.

Fiona had given John and Vic's a champagne sword as a wedding gift and both the Groom, bride and best man were able to show off their expertise in removing the tops of Champagne bottles.

Mr and Mrs Bullen - The first Dance.

Two days later all the visiting guests departed, John and Vic’s went on a mini honeymoon down south in a secluded private resort and we caught our breath and were able to at last reflect on a job well done.

Peace......