Kobus is a Jew for a day. No really, he is! He's the best man at Caleb's wedding and is wearing a Yamika. He looks great. I have heard the Best Man speech now about six or seven times and I have to say, it's a gem! He's a witty man is my Kobus!
Caleb has called by and is full of nervous excitement. He had a bright yellow t-shirt on which echos the happiness and fun that we are all going to witness today. Paul, their friend who is conducting the ceremony, just called to our room to get Kobus and Caleb. I reckon that the bros are going to discuss proceedings!
Caleb and Kara were legally married on Thursday. We were honoured to witness their marriage, along with Kara's Auntie and Uncle.
They had a civil ceremony by a Catholic priest called Father Pearse in the sacresty of the church. The words were simple and honest and filled with commitment. As usual, my tear ducts were on overdrive so I had to swallow hard. The room was simply decorated, just a table, a filing cabinet and a few chairs which we sat on. The sun streamed through the window and shone on Caleb and Kara. Maybe their guardian angels also bore witness to their promise? Father Pearse was a very pious man. I liked him. I wouldn't say that I totally agree with everything the Church preaches but I think this man transcends the rules of the Church and sees everyone as being the same. His words were very poignant and his advice to Kara and Caleb was honest and truthful. It was a special marriage I have witness. Just love and promise. The most important elements.
The wedding on Sunday started after three in the afternoon on the lawns of Lythwood Lodge. The heavens beamed their rays of joyous sunlight onto the heads and shoulders of the congregation and the jittery, smiley husband to be. Caleb and his buds waited patiently for the woman of the moment to arrive with her entourage. I watched Caleb and I realised that Kobus must have also been a mixture of emotions on our wedding day. He always says that he didn't really relax until the speeches were over.
I guess us girls plan our dream day from the age of four and the excitement quenches any serious nerves or unruly bowel movements. Men are different. They never think they will get married until they are in their late thirties when they have achieved world domination, have a large investment portfolio and have shagged at least one girl from each race! Hence nerves pervade when they are the centre of attention, dressed in a suit looking respectable, clean shaven and overflowing with love. Poor fuckers hah! Seriously, I'd rather be a girl than a boy any day. As a girl, it's acceptable to babble about love and cutsy wutsy fluffy feelings, the feelings that make us glad to be alive, when you find that one person who is your best friend, the person who you have the greatest arguments with and two seconds later you are closer to them than ever before. If a man declares those types of thoughts to his buddies, they call him a fruit! No wonder the nerves get to them. The emotional bucket is full. There is nowhere for the love to go except through their sweat glands, bowel and finally, their eyeballs.
Kara and her bridemaids arrived at the top of a little hill about 50 m from the wedding congregation. It was so romantic to watch her take the long dreamy walk towards her husband. Kara was met by her Mum and her brother, Barry at the back of the congregation who walked her up the aisle. Kara's Mum Joni is a brave and inspiring woman. She had an accident a few years ago and is in a wheelchair, well, actually, she has a nifty scooter she zips around in, very cool. I don't know Kara's family but I was tearful watching them give Kara away. They seem to be a family full of love, passion and heart. I'm sure her Dad was with them while she floated elegantly towards Caleb to the song "All you need is love!" Maybe her Dad, John and George were all watching together from heaven, humming to the tune. It's a nice thought anyway.
Caleb and Kara's ceremony had some memorable Jewish traditions included, the choppa, breaking of the glass (which was a 60 watt light bulb! That made me chuckle!) It was brilliant! Paul was the Master of first ceremonies and did a fantastic job. But of course he did. This is the man who, in his own words, "does not reward mediocrity" so he was going to pull off a flawless performance. Honestly, he said that once about a waiter in a café we were in. I nearly died of embarrassment!
The vows are always my favourite bit of any wedding. Caleb and Kara were encapsulated in their own bubble, promising to stand by each other for the rest of their lives. Even though we were there to watch, Caleb and Kara were probably in their own world.
That's what I think anyway because all couples have their own magical love land that they live in, where you have your own made up words and gestures that only each other can decipher. This land lives in each others eyes and there are only two on the guest list.
After the ceremony, the couple cut the cheese! Yes, the chesse. A beautiful creation of different wheels of cheese instead of cake. Great idea!
After the photos, we were called for dinner. Kobus was starting to sweat like crazy.
After the starter was served, speeches began. Caleb's friend, Walter was the MC. Very articulate bloke. Quite hot too! He introduced Kara's Uncle Derek who gave a brilliant speech about Kara and showed some pics of Kara when she was a child through to an adult. He was so proud of her and obviously loves her very much.
Walter got up to speak again and mentioned a story about Caleb called "The Basket". This was a Uni tradition where the second years would kidnap a first year, strip him, put him in a basket and dump him at the top of a hill. All the girls would be told to line the road at the entrance to the dorms and the naked guy would have to run past them all, being taunted and cheered. Kobus’ face dropped, "Fuck, that's in my speech too! Shit!". I told Kobus not to worry. Walter only mentioned it, you can still include it in your speech. Now, it was Kobus' turn to speak. I watched him trudge to the microphone. I wish I could have swallowed his nerves for him. I knew he would pull it out of the bag though.
This is one thing I love about Kobus. He made out to everyone that his speech was short, mediocre, nothing special. When he finally delivered his speech, peals of laughter resonated through the room. People were impressed. I was proud of my man!
Good man yourself Kobi Bear! That's my boy! Paul turned to me and expressed his delight at Kobus’ speech. "He was good!!!" "Of course he fucking was!", I replied, smiling like a Cheshire Cat!
Kobus plonked into his seat, asking about 500 times how he did. He was grinning so he knew he did good!
Dinner was delectable and the company at our table was second to none. As usual, I got lots of attention because I am Irish. Saffers love the Paddies. At leaast my nationality has some use, even if the country is swimming in a toilet bowl full of turds at the moment! Bloody recession!
After dinner, the Horrah dancing began! What a spectacle! It was insanely wonderful. Men skipping with table cloths, Men throwing each other into other men, women dancing around men who were spinning on their backs on the ground! Caleb and Kara were hoisted into the air on two chairs! Marvellous! I must make some more Jewish friends and invite myself to their weddings.
Dancing and drinking "John Deeres" (cane and cream soda - ick!) and a few whiskey sours with friends ensured a good time was had. Kobus’ friends are such nice people. I feel like they are my friends now too. I don't feel like my relationship with them is as Kobus’ wife. They are very special people.
After the wedding, Caleb endeavoured to pile the drunken guests into the bus to get them home. What a task! One guy had collected the spare bottles of wine and a party was starting in the bus, music blaring, people dancing on the seats, outside the bus in the car park. Utter carnage!
We retired to the bar once the other reprobates had been locked into the bus and driven away. A sing song ensued, along with a few more beverages.
What a great day! What wonderful memories!
No comments:
Post a Comment