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Friday, September 19, 2008

Drug Bust at the Wedding, by Presents/Desire Author Robyn Grady





Thanks so much for the invitation, ladies! It’s wonderful to join in the celebrations here.

When I was asked to share an anecdote with you all, I thought, Hey, what about the Drug Bust At The Chapel story?

Only kidding ( The incident happened the night before the wedding.

Oh dear. This tale really does have a happy ending. Let me explain…

People are known to travel halfway around the world to attend weddings. When my husband and I were married, his brother flew from London to Australia be a groomsman. Two years ago, our family drove from slow’n’easy Caloundra in Queensland to big-smoke Sydney to celebrate brother Max and Renee’s special day.

Following tradition, my husband joined the guys for a Buck’s Party – a night on the town. They chose a well known nightclub and the festivities had only begun when my husband went for another round of drinks. Crowded in at the bar, he growled and spun around when something hard and wet dug into the seat of the pants.

It was a huge nose, belonging to a huge police dog. The sombre looking policemen asked my husband to accompany them and marched him outside.

Jeff emptied his pockets, submitted to a thorough search and provided his name and other details. Luckily he looks nothing like a drug lord or user, and he’s not the type to fluster easily. In fact, he was quite amused. So the nice policemen finally let him go, explaining he must have brushed up against someone that night who’d carried an illegal substance, which the dog had detected. Meanwhile, the Buck’s Party guys were getting worried. Or was that thirsty? (

The wedding was a beautiful heart-warming affair. Our daughter, Tabitha, (four at the time) joined in the ceremony with her special task of helping to release butterflies into a clear blue sky (they were a little reluctant, as you can see). Tabby danced until midnight and concocted her own version of “the dead cockroach”. My 16 year old niece had her first kiss, and the speeches were both humorous and deeply emotional. It was all so special and brought back so many wonderful memories of my own wedding day, the very best day of my life.

After Max and Renee’s wedding, I went home and tackled revisions on a manuscript that, four months later, sold to Mills and Boon! Eight years of submitting had finally paid off. This week I’m giving away two books, Baby Bequest, my November Desire release, and Confessions of a Millionaire’s Mistress, a Presents, which will hit the US shelves February 09.

Does anyone have a hen’s or buck’s night story they’d like to share? (Or, perhaps, tell us what releasing butterflies at a ceremony signifies to you.)

Robbie

30 Comments:

Blogger Jane Beckenham said...

Robyn that is a great story, you must use it in one of your books! When we got married 25 years ago, firstly the car broke down before it got to the house to pick me up, then my father made me walk down the driveway in my bridal regalia to get into the car from the roadside, then I was early for my own wedding, and guests later told me i raced down the aisle. And it's been a roller coaster speed ride ever since!
Jane Beckenham

September 19, 2008 at 12:22 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

LOL! Jane, that's priceless! Isn't it odd - we plan for *months* to have everything just right, then Fate steps in and, before we know it, the day is over!

Jeff and I had planned a ceremony on a beautiful big open balcony at Maleny (picture a background of gorgeous rolling hills and the freshest of air). Unfortunately, it bucketed down and we had to move the ceremony inside. Of course, when the changed arrangements were settled, the sun came out!

Thanks for sharing, Jane!

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 12:49 AM  
Blogger Rachel Bailey said...

Oh, I love the drug bust story!

And I love the visual of four year old Tabitha dancing until midnight - I bet she remembers it long after other childhood memories fade.

September 19, 2008 at 1:52 AM  
Blogger Christina Phillips said...

Hi Robbie!

When my brother got married 12 years ago, just a couple of days before Christmas, my family and I flew out from the UK to share his special day (we didn't move to Oz until two years later!)

So, little bro decides to have a deep sea fishing trip for his buck's *day*. They left at the crack of dawn and my poor husband spent the following seven hours with his head over the side of the boat. Green doesn't even come close to the shade of his face when they finally got back home!

Yeah. For some reason my husband has never quite got over that experience!!

September 19, 2008 at 1:58 AM  
Blogger Mon Wood said...

Hi Robbie,

I can say that I remember having guys try and chat me up on my hen's night when it was quite obvious I was a hen (my group all had butterfly/fairy wings and I think I may have had a tiara being head butterfly/fairy LOL).

Releasing the butterflies is so symbolic - I wish I had thought of it! It's rather like sharing the beauty of your love with your guests.

By the way, it bucketed the morning of my wedding too, and I balled my eyes out (chucked a hissy fit as well! Stress!) and then it turned out to be a beautiful day. They say rain on a wedding day is good luck, after all :-) Monique

September 19, 2008 at 2:53 AM  
Blogger Shelley said...

Releasing butterflies sounds lovely, so green after the confetti that the complain about and the rice that is regarded as litter. For someone who does not like birds flying overhead, not taking into account their droppings butterflies are much more appealing than white doves. Working in an environment where drug dogs are a constant I can understand that it can be extremely scary if they "sit on you" when they detect the odour. Brushing against a person or even travelling in a car where they have been seated apparently has the same effect. Anyway a great story and loved reading about it.

Shelley

September 19, 2008 at 3:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Robbie, --- You believed the old, “I was just there doing nothing and they picked on me…” --- You must be a romantic and in love. It’s little wonder you write romance so well. ---- Still a good wedding does impress the ladies, especially the romantic ones.

I got married in my lunch hour. It was her idea. She discovered quite by accident my salary was such that I would be paid more if married. I remember her exact words, “We might just as well have that money.” We were married as soon as the paperwork was finished, a registry office job. Her ‘brides maid was a guy, one of the two witnesses she brought with her from work.

We were amused to discover several years later the registry office closed and the premises renovated reopening as a brothel, very upmarket.

(all true) --- Regards, Eric

September 19, 2008 at 3:57 AM  
Blogger Mel Teshco said...

I didn't marry until my mid-thirties, so I thought everything would be smooth sailing. Well, everything went well until I asked the make-up artist for a 'natural' look. Had to scrub away the goth eyeliner and clown lip liner before I marched down the aisle. Had some beautiful photos in someone's old shed with hubby and I looking through a broken window (hope that's not bad luck!!??) I didn't think about the dust which turned the hem of my beautiful gown into this lovely shade of gold-brown, lucky it was a late afternoon wedding...
Our honeymoon was wonderful too, until we boarded the boat heading out of 1770, and the HUGE rolling waves came in. Needless to say, I'd never looked so trim in a bathing suit once the 2 hour trip was finished.
Okay, did I just write a story here??? LOL
And Robbie, I love the idea of releasing butterflies. What a gorgeous idea. I'm thinking it's symbolic of a life changing event -ie the cocoon blossoming into this surreal winged creature. :o)

September 19, 2008 at 3:57 AM  
Blogger Julie Hilton Steele said...

Our story was of the minor confusion when everyone was at the rehearsal but ME! I thought that my fiance was coming to pick me up. He thought that my best friend was doing the honors. Needless to say, things were a little tense for everyone for a while. But, as with all the other wedding mishaps, it makes for a good story today.

Love the butterflies...they are a symbol of new life so what could be a better symbol for starting a new life together.

Peace, Julie

September 19, 2008 at 4:12 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Glad you had a laugh, Rachel =) Our Tabby is a real party animal. Don't know where she gets it from ::blinks innocently::

September 19, 2008 at 4:57 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hey Christina!!
Oh, no! Your poor husband. The things we do for love, lol.

My husband owns a boat building business with a couple of mates; he knows pretty much all there is to know about how a big cat's put together. But take him out too far, and he's looking for a bucket.

Congratulations again on "Foretaste of Forever". I do love witches!

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 5:18 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hi Monique! Hey, you must have looked pretty hot in those wings and tiara! Seriously, I bet you were glowing, and everyone would've picked up on your I've-never-been-happier energy.

I wish I'd thought of releasing butterflies at my wedding too! It was a beautiful finishing touch to a totally beautiful ceremony. Even if the little guys weren't so eager to leave their pretty boxes, lol.

I've heard that rain on your wedding day is good luck. Has been for me ;)

Thanks for sharing, Monique!

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 5:24 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hi Shelley! Hmmm, your work environment sounds most interesting... I've heard that the dogs build up a really strong relationship with their "masters". They certainly are smart fellas. Not that I'd want one growling around my behind! lol

And I so agree. Butterflies are the answer. Bubbles are good fun too =)

Thanks for your comment, Shelley!

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 5:35 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hey Mel!! How are you, sweetie =)

I know there are good ones, but some make up artists have lots to answer for ::snarly frown:: I had an experience like yours (not for my wedding though). I asked to look natural; no heavy stuff. She took *ages* and when I looked in the hand mirror, I was too stunned to talk. I looked like my grandmother, with sparkly blue eyeshadow, next to no mascara and heavy drawn in eyebrows. Good Lord!
What a waste of sixty bucks.

Mel, your wedding photo looking through the broken window sounds absolutely gorgeous. I can just imagine. And your words about releasing of butterflies being symbolic of life changing...I'm getting all foggy!

((Thanks, Mel))

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 5:44 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hey Eric! You know, it never crossed my mind to doubt him. Duped again! lol.

That is an amazing story about your wedding, Eric. I'm a huge believer that couples should do what works for them. Some people are fine spending fifty grand. Others like to do something more low key and practical. I wanted a small affair, but my husband kept adding people to the list. At one stage, the family dogs were coming in bow ties!

LOL on the registry office being turned into a brothel. That really takes the wedding cake =)

Thanks for dropping by, Eric!

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 5:50 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hey Eric! You know, it never crossed my mind to doubt him. Duped again! lol.

That is an amazing story about your wedding, Eric. I'm a huge believer that couples should do what works for them. Some people are fine spending fifty grand. Others like to do something more low key and practical. I wanted a small affair, but my husband kept adding people to the list. At one stage, the family dogs were coming in bow ties!

LOL on the registry office being turned into a brothel. That really takes the wedding cake!

Thanks for dropping by, Eric.

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 5:51 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Oh Julie, I had to laugh at your rehearsal misunderstaning! Everyone takes their jobs so seriously - the best man, the maid of honour, the ring boy. I wonder if there's ever been a wedding where absolutely everything goes to plan??

And the releasing of butterflies signifying the start of a new life together...no wonder we're all suckers for weddings!

Thanks so much, Julie!

Robbie x

September 19, 2008 at 5:57 AM  
Blogger Melissa McClone said...

That's too funny about the bachelor party! I keep thinking about all the guys waiting for him to come back with drinks.

Thanks for posting on the Wedding Planners!

Melissa McClone

September 19, 2008 at 7:56 AM  
Blogger Gail Fuller said...

Releasing butterflies. Wow. What a beautiful idea. That should definitely go in one of your books. :)

BTW, I'm so glad your hubby was found innocent and you didn't have to endure comments like, 'Nice guy, shame about the drugs.' *g*

I'm curious. Did the dogs make it to your wedding wearing bow ties? :)

All the best,
Gail :)

September 19, 2008 at 11:04 AM  
Blogger Sandra Hyatt said...

Hi Robyn - loved the drugs bust.

I went to a wedding where the groom and best man had been universtiy mates. The best man had since joined the police and the groom was a pharmaceutical rep. In the best man's speech he retold one of their heavy partying days exploits and finished it up with - and now I'm a cop and Dave's selling drugs.

Hmm? Maybe you had to be there?

Sandra

September 19, 2008 at 2:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My wedding had error after error. Brides father decided he did not want to give Bride away (he was in his mood swings). Best man forgot about Bridal cars. Bestman left flowers for gromms men in caravan. Wasn't allowed to kiss my new bride in church. etc etc etc
WORST WEDDING EVER BEEN TO..MY OWN
ROBHAP

September 19, 2008 at 5:27 PM  
Blogger Nathalie said...

Drug bust... That was hilarious!

Actually, on my cousin's wedding last summer, the bride had not eaten for the whole day and fainted at the rehersal dinner. The groom, wanting to do the sweeping off her feet act tried to catch her, but she seemed to heavy for him - or his techinque was faulty - so they both ended on the floor... It was hilarious and I think released the tension. One thing was clear... he should not carry her in the future, it can be dangerous!

September 19, 2008 at 9:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Such a funny story, Robbie (the drug bust).

I was at a wedding just last night which was pretty dynamic. The DJ cancelled on 24 hours notice, the hotel lost their entire wedding party's bookings, the groom's brother was evicted just prior to the ceremony for being whacked out on something illicit, the groom's mother (who had previously refused to attend) chose to bring the groom's beautiful ex-girlfriend to the wedding rather unexpectedly and then had to be sedated with valium after the eviction of her 'favourite' son (the druggie), it rained JUST for the period of the (outdoor) wedding ceremony and then the sun came out and the guests had all just seen each other a few days before at the funeral of the bride's mother...

BUT... throughout the ceremony, the bride and groom clung to each other with their eyes and it formed a bubble-of-love around them that nothing was able to penetrate. I would almost swear that even the raindrops bounced right off.

It was beautiful.

As was the sight of the groom slow dancing with his wheelchair-bound, 90 year old nanna. He just picked her right up in the air and swung her frail form around that dancefloor for a beautiful few minutes. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

*sigh*

September 19, 2008 at 10:41 PM  
Blogger Melissa James said...

Oh, what wonderful stories!! I love them all. Sorry Robhap about all your disasters...

I was babysitting my dh's little brother and sister when he had his buck's night. He came home at 3 am, drunk as a skunk and with a ball and chain attached to his ankle. His friends thought it appropriate because they'd hired him a...lady... and he'd told her, "No offence to you, but I've got better than you waiting at home for me."

He was drunk enough to tell me everything, and I still treasure those words from my unemotional dh.

Melissa

September 19, 2008 at 11:48 PM  
Blogger Melissa James said...

Oh, and that selfish woman, Hannah! I want to deck her. Horrible person, considering the circumstances with the bride...what is wrong with her?!!?

Melissa

September 19, 2008 at 11:49 PM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hey Melissa! My absolute pleasure. Thanks for inviting me to join in the fun!

Gail!! lol No, the poodles didn't get a ticket. Although my chief bridesmaid had her Lhasa Apso wear a flashing bow tie to dinner parties.

Robhap, oh noooo! There's enough to worry about without relations stirring trouble. I bet your happily ever after made up for all the mishaps.

Oh, Nathalie, I loved your story! I can see it happening in a movie. It's great when we can laugh at ourselves. Wonderful when we find that special someone to laugh with.

LOL! Sandra, I can imagine the crowd cracking up! The best man's speech is always good value. Congrats again on your sale to Desire!!! Bet you're still floating.

Robbie

September 20, 2008 at 3:30 AM  
Blogger Robyn Grady said...

Hannah, I feel so deeply for that poor bride and groom! What a witch of a mother in law! :shudder: But then there was the stronger force of their love. That beautiful image of the groom dancing with his gran...Hannah, if you don't write romance, you should!!

Hannah, your story wins a copy of Baby Bequest *and* Confessions of a Millionaire's Mistress!

But I so enjoyed all the posts...I'd like to give away a book to each of you - either the Desire or the Presents, your choice.

Just email your details to
robyn-grady at hotmail.com and I'll post out your books!

Melissa, thanks again. It's been a great couple of days. And your story was just gorgeous. No wonder we're romantics.

A parting story...last week my 25 y.o. nephew and his long time girlfriend flew to Thailand for a friend's wedding. Stevie had a fake tatoo put on his arm - something written in the native language. His girlfriend thought it was real and wasn't impressed. At dinner, with his friends and girlfriend, Steve bothered the man at the next table to ask if he could read his tattoo. It said "Marry me."

Guess there'll be a family wedding next spring!

Cheers!
Robbie

September 20, 2008 at 3:47 AM  
Blogger Melissa James said...

Oh, that is adorable, Robbie! Love the story...how sweet is that?!?!?

Melissa

September 22, 2008 at 2:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh, thanks Robyn! I'll pass them straight on to the beleagured bride, too :) (OK, no, I'll probably read them first... LOL)

Hannah

September 22, 2008 at 4:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And thanks Melissa - another great blog chat topic. It's been a great month so far! I'm looking forward to the rest.

September 22, 2008 at 4:33 PM  

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