As the song goes I've had the time of my life......my head hurts from the HANGover from the party. But my Heart is very happy. No more happy tears from this Dad as my little Amber has married her love of her life.
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Interestingly when I wrote those words I was struck with a 'Personal Best' hangover from way too many shots and too short a recovery time from Amber and Sam's wedding.
What I do remember is that this was a momentum day for our family and as parents we were sooooo proud. The arrangements were precise and the hands on help from her friends was great. There were tears and many moments of laughter....I had used two tissues before I go to the aisle.
The setting was in Novo Ligure and in a beautiful vineyard. Amber and Sam had organised to host their closest friends at this lovely little villa. Thus no-one was driving home and the party did not have a end time or date.
In the lead up to the event; a small group had been involved in organising extensive decorations and shipping this to Italy. Then it seemed nearly every guest had some role to play to help setup and orchestrate the day. All except me....I had to walk down an aisle, nod, make a speak and dance with my daughter. Easy -- right?
We had been in Italy for about a week in Cinque Terra a world heritage series of towns and then into fabulous Milan - where whatever you wear, you are shabby in comparison to the locals. Thus we were acclimatised to the timezone, food etc
The day (June 2nd) started with that small buzz that they day was important. Before long three hairdressers arrived to start to assist the bridal party with their 'do's. Then the decorating...last minute things, with guests arriving independently and fairly constantly.
There was then the element of dressing and taking a few happy snaps of the bride and her group as they made their preparation. At around 3:30pm the two professional photographers arrived and they would split; one taking pics of the groom and one of the bride. In my supporting role as Dad I was privy to both of these realities. A special moment was one that the photographer had asked me to wait near the staircase to help Amber down the steps; but to look away and not watch her dress until the requested. Being in the situation where you can hear and see what is going on vaguely in the corner of your eye...made the anticipation even greater. Amber looked just stunningly beautiful and so so radiant.
This was a two (2) tissue moment for me.....but I was warned not to ruin her makeup....so was abruptly stopped.
As we walked down the aisle with the vineyard all around us and "here comes the sun" her chosen song. It was a short walk, perhaps 30 steps but seemed to last a really considerable time. Having to let go and taking my seat, led to a few tears from Anna. Nathan said to Mum - look Dad's not crying.
(if only they knew)
The ceremony was lovely - personal and so very much the Sam and Amber we love. In that moment my little girl, who sat on my lap was no-more and as a Dad I felt incredibly happy for her but with that touch of sadness.
Let the party begin......I will report on the evening activities in my next post
(By the way, I have to add that it was an incredibly long day 23 hours awake and partying.....and I have to remember that I'm not that young anymore)
