Today’s blog
Lynn Murphy Mark
More than a destination
I had never been to a destination wedding out of all the ceremonies I’ve attended over the years. That is, until my daughter and future son-in-law announced that they were going to get married – happy news indeed – followed by the news that the wedding would be held in Bermuda!
I’d heard of Bermuda grass and Bermuda shorts. In all my Caribbean travels, Bermuda was not on the list of Paradise Visited, so the prospect of a trip to a gorgeous island in honor of a pretty gorgeous couple was a happy one. First we had to find a place to stay. Air B&B seemed like a good choice. We found a very cute pool house for rent and signed up right away. It was actually a studio apartment next to a good sized swimming pool that belonged to a big house just up a hill. It was perfect for our needs, and the pool was ours.
Getting to Bermuda involved the usual airline travel hassle. I thought briefly about the Bermuda Triangle as we flew over the azure water far beneath us. As usual, I remembered back in the day when airline travel was a luxury – big seats, meals served on china with linen napkins, kids escorted to meet the pilot and get a pin with wings. This is how I date myself, but I have been flying practically since I was born in 1949. Things have changed a lot since then and not necessarily for the better. But the point was the destination and all the activities it held.
We were happy with our lodgings. The first item on the agenda was to be a sunset cruise in the bay with all of the participants and guests in attendance. It was a beautiful voyage that involved a lot of laughter and a drinking game. I watched my future son-in-law make his way around to greet everyone. I got a great picture of my daughter and son sitting close together and looking very grown up.
August 6th arrived early. Preparations were under way for the ceremony. It was to be held on a huge deck overlooking the Caribbean Ocean. We put on our fancy duds and took a taxi to the hotel where the couple was staying. I went in Jackie’s room and watched as the hair and make-up lady did her magic. I saw her wedding dress hanging, ready for the big occasion, and remembered going with her to find the perfect dress.
We went out to the deck where people were gathering and getting seated. We met Momoh’s Aunt and Uncle and Sister, wearing stunning Nigerian clothing, there to represent his heritage. His best friend was in attendance. Jackie’s friends were there as well. We sat on the “Bride’s side” and I got ready with my Kleenex. The music started and here came Jackie and her dad. Momoh was waiting for her with the biggest smile ever. And, against the backdrop of the deep blue sea, a marriage took place. It was a beautiful event.
Six years have passed in a hurry. Jackie and Momoh now have two little boys, who are the greatest gift a grandmother can get. As I write this, the four of them are in Bermuda, staying at the same gorgeous hotel that hosted the beginning of it all. I think back to this day in 2016 when no one knew what the future held for the lucky couple. As far as I can tell, as the future unfolds, it only gets better.