1 post tagged “wedding”

We knew we were up for a pretty big day/evening, so we took it easy in the morning. Just poolside etc.  We headed to the Dusit a little after noon.  We took clothes so that we could crash there, if need be.

Naomi had to get her hair done and a few other wedding attendant duties, so VV and I stuck around the pool, having a drink.  When the time got closer, we went and got ready, and headed to the venue, which was a gorgeous beachside lawn area, with a flower-petaled red carpet, archway from palm fronds, ice sculpture and various other accoutrements.

The girls

Naomi rocked up, with her bouquet. We were all provided with a glass of champagne - this went against Thai custom, however Mark and Tania demanded it, and it was welcomed in the warm conditions.

After a few minutes wait, we heard drums in the background.  As they got closer, we saw a procession of Thai dancing girls, the drummers and Tania and her father Garrick.  They walked past the area, then around the back and through the palm-frond arches to come 'down the aisle'.  The wedding celebrant was Australian (I think) and the ceremony was quick, but meaningful.  Shortly after, Lily the baby elephant arrived.  Genevieve's eyes boggled out of her head, but she was somewhat cautious of getting too close.

There was some Moet and Chandon to be had, and then a procession to the other side of the resort (which appears to be on an isthmus, or to have large lakes or lagoons cut into the original land) where, overlooking a lake, the newlyweds planted a tree which will be there forevermore, with a placard with their names.

The kids then all had dinner, and retired to Mark and Tania's (double) room with a babysitter, so that we could go to the reception.  This was being held at the Sheraton, so most of us boarded a small ferry to get there.  After some more drinks and pre-dinner nibbles, we were motioned towards our dinner table, set out right on the beach sand.  The food was exquisite, and probably plentiful enough to feed 60, not just the 16 or so who were in attendance.  I did my best to not waste their money, and I reckon I ate about three and a half normal full meals.

Towards the end of the night, we all lit and released lanterns to banish any bad spirits we may be harbouring.  Naomi and I had a tough time getting ours to burn properly so that it would float away - we put that down to the fact that we were already bad-spirit-free.  A group of us then walked back to the Dusit on the beach, which proved to be easier/faster than getting the shuttle bus back.  Another drink at the bar, and we crashed in Mark and Tania's room (Naomi sharing Genevieve's bed, for once, and me on the couch).