Having just completed the traditional Grooms ceremony at the house, we were now on our way to the Church.
As we approached the church, there seemed to be hundreds of people outside all eager to get in and be seated. Women in fabulous outfits paraded to and fro in the pathway up to the church door, conveying a blanket of color in the bright sunlight.
The inside of the Church was full to bursting with the sound of laughter, as everyone grew impatient to see this splendid event begin. On the raised platform before the altar stood the Groom Phillipo and his Koumbaro Chris. Each side of them stood the parents of the Bride and Groom and the priest in all his finery stood in the middle. The backdrop was a wall covered with great Icons, rays of bright sunlight from the ceiling windows swept across the congregation; it was truly beautiful.
The chattering slowed to whisper the bride was now outside. The music began playing, and everyone looked at the door expectantly: first the page boys, all dressed in blue suits and looking very smart marched up the aisle followed by the flower girls, they were enchanting. The bridesmaids next all immaculately attired in matching blue dresses and looking beautiful.
After a few moments, the music became even more beautiful as Amymay made her entrance on the arm of her father Graham made their entrance. They stood for a second or two in the doorway, the bright sunlight shining onto Amymay revealing her stunning wedding dress, then slowly, with pride Graham escorted his daughter to the man who would soon be her life partner.
There is only one word I can use to describe Amymay at this moment in the day, and that is Princess, it was all magical, which is what I love. The ceremony went on for some time, and afterward, we all congregated outside to throw confetti as they climbed into their open top limousine and with huge smiles on their faces, drove away.
Off we all went to the venue, the weather proved fantastic with only a slight shower on arrival at the venue. During the afternoon there were more isolated showers, one, in particular, producing an amazing rainbow which the bride and groom, with the photographer on hand, took clear advantage of
After the meal, and speeches the fun started: a traditional Greek Band, Millennium, from London provided all the Greek guys with the opportunity to display their prowess at the Greek dancing,
The older generation loved this, the uncles putting on great displays of village dances to the appreciation of all onlookers, the women were not to be left out either, they performed some beautiful traditional dances with grace and ease.
After they had all had their turn it came time for the Bride and Groom to dance, and after a few moments wrapped in each other’s arms, the crowd descended to pin the money on, close family first and the slowly the rest of the guests.
Streams of Fifty-pound notes were hanging from the couple, interlaced with further streams of Twenty-pound notes, intermingled with envelopes for more private donations. After everyone had given their blessings, the money was scooped up, put in a white pillow case and then ceremoniously Phillipos, Father, Uncles and Aunts danced around the floor, swinging the pillow case over their heads as they went, a truly spectacular event.
The day went well, and after everyone had left, and the family had said their fond farewells we too got in the car and left for home, the night sky bright with stars twinkling as we drove through the Leicestershire countryside and home to a well-deserved sleep.
I enjoyed my time in England, I loved being with Phillipo and Amymay on their special day, and I thank everyone who made the stay so happy for me. Thank you.
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