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Monday, September 29, 2008
How to crash a wedding and make friends
   To all those who've followed Gail's stories and love her already, here's another wedding story - but finally not her own! Let me preface this with a disclaimer - I don’t advocate wedding crashing as a way of making friends. However sometimes when people go on vacation, rules change and they’re fortunate to meet like-minded souls who become dear friends. An all-inclusive resort has similarities to small town living, albeit on a short-lived basis. Soon after arriving, you begin seeing familiar faces, find yourself waving and stopping to chat. It’s as if you’ve become Norm from Cheers. After pool aerobics, I plunked myself at the swim-up bar for much needed rehydration. Naturally, I start chitchatting with the person beside me. My new acquaintance tells me he’s getting married on Wednesday. Ding, ding, ding. A wedding! Unbeknownst to Michael, the groom, in my religion it’s important to do whatever one can to make the bride and groom happy. Who cares if they’re not Jewish? Hey, nobody’s perfect. *g* Before long, Michael and Amy and their respective parents meet the Fullers. Poor unsuspecting folks. No more peaceful vacation for them. Every day after that, we’d meet up and get our fix on the upcoming wedding. These lovely laid-back Brits graciously indulged my curiosity – where did you meet, why a Cuban wedding, etc. My husband kept saying, ‘Gail, leave the nice British people in peace.’ However, it was too late. They’d already become good friends, and I was thrilled these two sweet people had found love. Perhaps they didn’t deserve the Canadian paparazzi treatment we gave them, but at least they received lots of pictures capturing their special holiday. *g* Now, I would never question the validity of their marriage, but apparently they won’t receive their official wedding certificate for eight months. So, what happens if it never arrives? A trip back for a wedding, take two? *g* We were quite touched when they invited us to their wedding and reception and cheered their big moment as if they were part of our family. Concerned the resort’s photographer might miss that perfect shot, we appointed ourselves unofficial wedding photographers. Good thing. Both my hubby and the official photographer missed such defining wedding moments as Michael uncorking the champagne and a parched Amy quenching her thirst from the champagne bottle. Against an ocean background, Amy and Michael stood on the beach within two hearts fashioned from flowers. Afterwards, the mariachi band serenaded with a Spanish rendition of The Beatles’ song, ‘And I Love You.’ It was perfect. Or to use Amy’s word - ‘fabbie!’ Did I ‘bubble’ (cry) during the ceremony? You bet - along with both beautiful mums. No bubbling from the handsome dads, just big smiles. Regrettably, we couldn’t attend their reception in England. However while they celebrated back home, we opened a bottle of Jameson’s, a gift from the bride’s father, and toasted our friends, wishing them much love and happiness. Have you ever crashed a wedding? *g* If so, we want to hear about it – and you can win a copy of either The Bridegroom’s Secret or any of Melissa’s Harlequin Romance backlist! Huge thanks to the gifted and generous authors of The Wedding Planners! You ladies rock! - Gail Note from Melissa: this time being a leadup to Jewish New Year, Gail will be popping in and out when she can, but understandably she's very busy. All the best with your holiday, Gail! Enjoy! - Melissa
27 Comments:
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Thanks for the holiday wishes, Melissa! :) My biggest job will be not eating too much. Oiy! LOL!
Whoever wins today's prize is in for a treat as a book from Melissa James never disappoints! Give us your best stories. Do you know anyone who has crashed a wedding? Fess up! :)
I'm excited about today's blog because Amy, the wonderful bride of this story, will be popping in sometime today. Yay!
It's time to get the kiddies ready for school, but I'll be back! :)
Gail
- September 29, 2008 at 3:34 AM
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Gail, what a beautiful story! Of course they'd invite you to their wedding! Bet you were the life of the party. Although Amy looks like my kinda woman! (Great shot, btw!)
I've never gatecrashed a wedding. Although we did have a couple and their very hungry kids rock up unannounced at ours. Unfortunately it was a sit down affair so we couldn't ask them to stay beyond nibblies and drinks. I let my diplomatic husband handle the "Thanks so much for coming."
Gail, have a gorgeous break!
Robbie x
- September 29, 2008 at 4:19 AM
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Gail, what a beautiful story! Of course they'd invite you to their wedding! Bet you were the life of the party. Although Amy looks like my kinda woman! (Great shot, btw!)
I've never gatecrashed a wedding. Although we did have a couple and their very hungry kids rock up unannounced at ours. Unfortunately it was a sit down affair so we couldn't ask them to stay beyond nibblies and drinks. I let my diplomatic husband handle the "Thanks so much for coming."
Gail, have a gorgeous break!
Robbie x
- September 29, 2008 at 4:19 AM
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What a neat story! I've never crashed a wedding, but it sounds like that's the perfect way to do it!
Shirley
- September 29, 2008 at 7:05 AM
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I'm glad to read the story finally behind the pictures. I wondered upon viewing your vacation pictures about the wedding. I knew it was a family vacation and I didn't recall you mentioning going for a wedding. This explains it all...lol
You're such a warm hearted person Gail. Love the stories and you!!
-Rhonda
- September 29, 2008 at 7:42 AM
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No wedding crasher stories to share, but I loved yours, Gail.
LOL on ‘Gail, leave the nice British people in peace.’
- September 29, 2008 at 8:28 AM
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Forgive me for disappearing for so long. Unfortunately I had to dash to the chiropractor so he could pop a few things back into place. My friend, Rhonda, would understand why. She's my training partner in karate and we throw each other around ... a lot. LOL! As for the pictures - and now you know the rest of the story. :)
Robbie, thanks for dropping by. You're such a sweetie! And obviously so is your hubby as at least those hungry kid got some nibbles to hold them. :)
Hi Shirley! :) Even if Amy and Michael hadn't invited us, we might have casually found ourselves in the vicinity at the time of their wedding. *bg* At a discreet distance of course, not in the thick of it. But being a part of their special day was absolutely wonderful.
Afterwards, my dh and I had one of our ongoing 'discusssions' about who took the best pictures. No, we're not competitive at all. *VBG* If you're curious - my pics won! :)
Hey, Janet! LOL! My dh is a funny guy, and yes he really said that. :)
Gail :)
- September 29, 2008 at 8:55 AM
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Speaking as an authority on the incident in question, having been there and taken the better pictures, I must say that if you want a joyous event there is no one better than my dear wife to have in attendance. Her infectious high spirits throughout the lead up and the wind down surrounding the nuptuals kept the happy couple with a grin on their face all the while. A fun time was had by all, no question.
Incidentally in no way did the wedding couple acknowledge that Gail's picture were better. They did say that both sets were better than the official photographer's. A case of he said she said...what an unusual situation for a happily married couple (rofl)
Anonymously signed by the DH himself
- September 29, 2008 at 9:36 AM
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And so the discussion continues! :) Thank you, my love. A-hem. Brace yourself, dearest. They did say mine were better, just not when you were around. :) Although I must say your pictures were a very close second! Some were even on par. *VBG*
Wait, is this a case of I want to be right, or I want to be happy? Hmm. I'll get back to you on that. :)
Mwah! Love ya!
Gail :)
- September 29, 2008 at 10:03 AM
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hey, loved the write up gail!!! and as for the "canadian Paparazzi" we wouldnt have wanted it any other way, you crazy canadians really did make our holiday/wedding/honeymoon amazing.
Thanks so much. if we're anywhere near as happy as you and robert we wont go far wrong. we love the fullers!!!! love Amy & Mike xxx
- September 29, 2008 at 11:42 AM
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Never having been able to give the heart of my heart the last word, I will await the bride's take on the wedding photos. If that doesn't work, I'll go to a higher authority.....her Mum. You're Fabby honey!
The DH strikes again (and in the middle of a corporate closing no less)
- September 29, 2008 at 11:43 AM
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Ah-ha! The bride and groom have arrived! Woo hoo! *VBG* Everyone I'd like to raise a toast to Amy and Michael! Mike, if you'd do the honours and open the bubbly. *pop* Well, done! :) And Amy, the first sip always goes to the bride. :)
Hey Amy, do you realize that you two are the only ones who have had a wedding crasher story? LOL! Gee, I thought this sort of thing happened all the time. Heck, they make movies on the subject. *g*
Seriously, we're glad we crashed such a 'fabbie' wedding.
Big hugs and lots of love coming across The Pond!
Gail :)
- September 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
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Now dear, these nice people don't realize we have a thing about getting in the last word. :) Our 'discussions' tend to follow a trend.
'Fine,' says Robert knowing full well Gail is right. *g*
'Okay.' Great. This time Gail gets to be right *and* happy. :)
'Enough.'
'Sure.'
'Drop it, Gail.'
'No problem.' Ha! I'm wearing him down now! *eg*
'Grr.' BTW, sometimes 'grr' counts as a last word. :)
Of course, who gets the final word depends on the discussion and our little motto - 'Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?' *g*
Hon, since you're in the middle of a corporate closing, and since I wouldn't dream of dragging Amy or her mom into such a contentious topic so close to the New Year, I'll let you get back to work. *g*
Mwah!
Gail :)
- September 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM
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Sorry to have been AWOL...edits arrived...deadline strikes...
Classic story and love the ongoing routine - who's on first, what's on second! Love to see you guys all together at a table!
I don't have any crasher stories either, only funny stuff about my crazy honeymoon with the nudists - and my sister's husband's footy mates must have thought I looked like a football instead of a bridesmaid, coz they threw me around for half the night! Of course, at 18, I just loved it. :-D
If somebody doesn't come up with a weird and wonderful story, looks like Gail herself will get signed books from me - or Amy and Mike for their Abbott and Costello routine. ;-)))
Melissa
- September 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
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Oh, and enjoy your new year! We were in Zurich tonight and Jewish people were out in force. They're ultra-Orthodox here so you always know...you know. :-) I meant to wish them happy new year but forgot and said entshuldigung instead!!!
Melissa
- September 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
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Great story Gail, you and Amy seems to be cut from the same cloth....didn't actually think it would be possible to find someone else as mad as her, but lo - there you are!
Never crashed a Wedding myself, but you've inspired me!!
;)
- September 29, 2008 at 1:07 PM
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I've never crashed a Wedding, but this story is great! Best wishes to everyone!
- September 29, 2008 at 1:15 PM
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Hi Melissa!
Don't worry about a thing. We had it covered. :) BTW, I've already got your wonderful book, so that copy will have to go to somebody else. Hmm, wonder who that should be? :)
Melissa, were those football mates good looking? Silly question. Of course they were. :)
As for all your Jewish neighbours - at least you said, 'hi.' :)
- September 29, 2008 at 1:20 PM
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Adam, thanks for stopping by!
Mad? Who, me? *blinks innocently* *vbg* BTW, Amy is far more sane than I am. Scary, eh? So glad we inspired you to crash a wedding. Keep us posted! LOL!
Hi Brandy! Thanks so much! I'm glad we didn't disappoint. :)
Well, folks, I have to get off-line and make sure my children are dressed appropriately for dinner this evening. Thank goodness we're going out. Yay!
Happy New Year to those who celebrate and to those who just want to restart the year. *g* May everyone have a sweet new year!
Thanks again to The Wedding Planners for letting me hang out and be silly! You're wonderful!
Big hugs,
Gail :)
- September 29, 2008 at 1:29 PM
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Okay, after this one, I'm really out of here. :)
>Love to see you guys all together at a table!
That's the only reason people invite us to parties. LOL! BTW, I'm the straight man. It's true. Robert's the funny one of the family. :)
Thanks again, Melissa!
Gail :)
- September 29, 2008 at 1:41 PM
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Thanks for being a great way to cheer up after a long day at the office and then the news of the Dow!
My hubby and I didn't crash but did "peeping Tom" quite a few weddings when we were in Hawaii...since all the beaches are public, you have to get out early to mark your spot for your sunset wedding. Folks are paid to do that! We would walk on the beach in the early AM and see em setting up, and walk back later to check out the ceremonies. One bride was in a full ballgown on the beach and ended up at the luau we went to...that is what they did for a reception. It did not bode well that the groom was drunk as a skunk and got up and danced a native dance with his hands all over one of the dancers. And then the bride got up, at the audience's urging, but instead of cutting in, she went straight for one of the big guys dancing in nothing but a little piece of cloth. Payback.
The way I look at it, they crashed our vacation rather than the other way around!
Happy New Year. How wonderful...there were great Kosher dishes at our local Whole Foods today!
Peace, Julie
- September 29, 2008 at 4:22 PM
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Gail - not only do you have 3 wedding ceremonies but you gate-crash another! Boy oh Boy!!! LOL!
Seriously, it's a great story.
I've never gate-crashed a wedding, I have heard of people going to a ceremony who aren't 'officially' invited. But I've never seen anyone try to go to a reception without one - I don't think anyone would dare - they would be talking about it in the Greek-Australian community forever! *g*.
Have seen no-shows though. Sad seeing an empty table.. .... though no food is wasted. I'm pretty sure it was distributed out to other guests. * g*
- September 30, 2008 at 7:21 AM
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Okay, since nobody crashed a wedding (or admitted it!) Julie, I know you have The Bridegroom's Secret, but would you like any of my backlist sent to you as a gift, signed?
Melissa
- September 30, 2008 at 12:48 PM
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Okay, since nobody crashed a wedding (or admitted it!) Julie, I know you have The Bridegroom's Secret, but would you like any of my backlist sent to you as a gift, signed?
Melissa
- September 30, 2008 at 12:48 PM
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Would love any of your signed books! And again, I would have loved the Bridegrooms Secret but it, along with the rest of the series, is on my keeper shelf already :-)
Thanks, Julie
- September 30, 2008 at 4:02 PM
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Great, Julie! So I have Long-Lost Father, Outback Baby Miracle, Her Outback Knight or A Mother in A Million - which haven't you read as yet, and I'll send it over! Just send your address to melissa@melissajames.net. thanks!
Melissa
- September 30, 2008 at 9:56 PM
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Hi Eleni and Julie! :) Thanks so much for dropping by.
Julie, congratulations on winning a fabulous prize! :) Thanks for the donation, Melissa!
Eleni, I'm with you. I don't understand why people don't show for a wedding reception, or any function. Melissa, if The Wedding Planners ever need any insights into Greek weddings, no doubt Eleni is your gal. :)
Thanks again to The Wedding Planners!
All the best,
Gail :)
- October 2, 2008 at 9:25 AM
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