Wedding Day!! Alex was up first & we all got ready together. George & Amir came over around 08:30 to complete the groomsmen. After a couple of photos, & a quick whiskey in the house it was time to set off. It was already very hot in the suits. The fact that only one car had been sent to collect us meant that it was quite a squeeze in the back of the Mercedes.
When we arrived the music was still being set up. Guests began to arrive & we went off to a shady shack to avoid being seen. Alex had invited the kids from Chigoli which was really nice to see. We got underway only 45minutes later than planned which was very impressive. There were numerous wedding photographers, videographers & a drone! I have never been quite so nervous walking a few feet in a straight line, with my designated bridesmaid. Can't imagine how Alex felt! Don looked fantastic in her dress & supported by her maid of honour made it down a very windy aisle. The wind was very much needed as it was very hot out in the sun. This was definitely the first wedding that I wore sunglasses through the ceremony. The pastors talk on marriage was football themed & therefore very interesting. Playing by the rules that God intended for marriage & not being caught offside were some of the highlights. I acted as witness at the end of the ceremony, & we grabbed a few photos at the venue.
Unlike English weddings as part of the bridal party we were then whisked away by our fleet of Mercedes to a specific wedding photo venue. Here the bridesmaids & groomsmen went for photos at various locations, while Alex & Don did the same thing. We all linked up towards the end for more photos. On our way round we were even asked to jump in other people's wedding photos. Amir by this stage had taken on babysitting duties. Foolishly he had given his flower to one of the girls, which inevitably caused discourse between the youngsters. Towards the end of the shoot we were all beginning to tire in the heat & from constantly smiling. But we did have time for one final huddle around the drone, before heading to BICC for a late lunch.
A master stroke in planning from the lovely wedding couple meant that we had a few hours relaxing in two hotel rooms with a shared living room. This allowed the girls some time to chill in nightgowns. While the lads got some beers & whiskey on the go, & settled down to watch the mighty toon despatch West Ham.
As the evening due approached nerves were growing amongst the lads for our dance entry. We rehearsed in the room & again while waiting for the lift. Over 500 dignitaries & distinguished guests were about to witness something never before seen in Malawi. Two bald white Englishmen, an Indian & a Palestinian lead the bride & groom in dancing with the bridesmaids. For me anything I did in rehearsal was going to be a step up. I do like to dance, only after two am in a dark corner of a night club, though. I kept my eyes on the floor pretty much through on concentrated on my tough regime. Right, right, left, left, repeat & spin. Finally we made it to the top table that overlooked the entire conference centre.
The next few hours were filled with Alex doing more dancing than I ever seen him doing. Don had one of Malawi top singers perform for her. Various groups came forward to shower the happy couple in money. All in a flash it was all over by 22:00.
Not wishing for the night to end there. We said our goodbyes to Mr & Mrs Scott & headed off into town.
At Cockpit we spent sometime on the terrace chilling out before doing a little turn on the dance floor.
Our final stop for the evening was at the casino next door that I had visited on my previous visit. Passing the night away in the end playing roulette. George's wife Blessings played a game on the table I had never seen before but seemed to enjoy herself! I ended up 30p down after hours of playing so can't complain at all at that. Plus one of the guys at the table gave me a lift home which was a bonus.