As much as I was worried before the wedding, the more am I relieved now that it is all over.
Most people settle with one wedding but we had to have two; one ceremony in the church and one civil ceremony the following day.
The church ceremony was mainly attended by close friends and family. It was the hardest part by far. Watching my family lined up along the church benches as I was walking towards the altar was quite a thrill.
It was then surpassed by the sight of the bride, my future wife, walking towards me accompanied by her father. A four men strong group of trumpeters announcing her entrance added to the suspense.
The following day was relatively easy. Sure there were a lot more people (close to 400) but for me it was a repetition and I knew there was a big party waiting.
Party hats and sunglasses, fireworks, the Swedish flag next to the Brazilian flag, late night Havaianas for the girls and a 13 men strong samba band were just some of the surprises prepared.
Early in the morning I was told by several of the people at the party that they doubted they would ever attend a grander party, not even at their own wedding. Now that is a great compliment if there ever was one!
Photos.
Month: December 2004
Wedding bells
Interesting; just 4 hours left before I get married in a stunning church and yet I am not freaking out.
People have traveled from all around the world for the occasion. A friends wedding is an important event that should not be missed but I suspect that the fact that the wedding is in Brazil was a strong puller as well.
The priest speaks English very well which helps a lot so that the non-Portuguese speaking guests can enjoy the ceremony as well.
Traditionally people settle for one wedding ceremony only but we are not traditional. There will be a second, civil, wedding ceremony tomorrow that will supersede today’s religious ceremony in grandness and party factor.
People keep asking where we will go for our honey moon but there will not be one; at least not immediately after the wedding. Family and friends have come from near and far and it wouldn’t have been nice to go away.
Instead some beach houses have been arrange where we will kick back, catch up on gossip and drink Caipirinhas until early mornings.
There is always room for a luxurious holiday later next year.
Just 2 hours left…
Barenaked ladies at the Shepherds Bush Empire
This not so known but fairly old skool Canadian band was playing at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire last Thursday. The venue is fairly small and it was easy to walk all the way up to the stage.
The band was promoting their holiday album and much of the performance revolved around Christmas spirit. Alternative versions of Jingle Bells and Feliz Navidad (Próspero Año y Felicidad) were played. As usual the real crowd pleasers were classics like Pinch me and If I had a million dollars.
At one point the band members decided to swap places with each other and the main singer ended up playing drums, the bas player ended up playing keyboard, the keyboard player took over the at the bas and the drummer positioned himself at the microphone. Another act that showed how musical and talented the Barenaked ladies are.
Besides being great at playing music, the Barenaked ladies knew how to entertain. Small anecdotes, jokes and all things are better in three were fused into several of their classic songs. Often resulting in LOLs from the audience.