I am feeling a little jaded today, with unexplained blisters on my feet and eye makeup still smudged around my eyes despite the makeup remover. My palate has that rather furry residue that no amount of teeth brushing or water drinking can help. And my bedroom looks like Hurricane Katrina's been there. I hate to admit it, I'm hungover.
But boy was worth it! We went to my husband's cousin's wedding yesterday. Nick is one of my favourite of Dom's cousins, really funny and kind hearted and not too shabby looking either. He has married the most strikingly beautiful Nigerian girl, Natasha, who is equally as lovely, and I think they will be really happy together (and if they are lucky enough to have children, they will be GORGEOUS!).
Their wedding took place at the crypt in St Paul's Cathedral, and yes, it was in all the papers! You may have heard about the anti-capitalist protesters that are camping outside, which has triggered the closure of the Cathedral for the first time since the War. The protesters are actually peaceful, but according to one of the church wardens, they have had to close due to insurance liability given that the campers have gas cookers, cigarettes and candles etc. Which means an enormous amount of money from tourism is being lost - vital money to maintain the upkeep of this magnificent building. Nick's wedding hit the papers because it was allowed to go ahead, despite the closure. The ceremony took place in the CBE chapel, as Natasha's mother was bestowed this honour by the Queen in 2008 for services to business.
Upon arrival we had to step over a rainbow of tents, with a few whistles about our dressed-up attire, but thankfully the protestors were not particularly interested in us. The tourists, however, were a different story. Given the disappointment of finding the Cathedral closed, they were delighted to find a wedding taking place, the scrum of newspaper photographers leading them to believe it must be a celebrity wedding. This point only enforced by Natasha's glamourous relations who wore the family's traditional colour of purple, with huge scarves and bold headdresses. "Who are they?" we heard whispered several times, the foreign students rubbing shoulders with the paparazzi to take a picture with their mobile phones. At one point the groom had to point out that he would like his photographer to have the prime spot if it wasn't too much trouble! To top it off, there was a beautiful horse-drawn Young's brewery dray to take the bride and groom to the reception. So the tourists might not have seen the magnificent dome of the Cathedral, but they got to see history in the making instead.
The reception was wonderful. Held at the Plaisterer's Hall (a livery company like the Skinners, but originating from plasterers), it was interesting to see such a modern facade and a traditional interior: a fantastic venue for a wedding. Nick and Natasha were welcomed in for the delicious dinner by an incredible Gospel choir, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. After dinner, the "Chief" (tribal head from Nigeria) opened the speeches with heartfelt memories of Tash and her sisters as children. The best man was perfect blend of funny yet tasteful, the groom made his mother cry (in a good way), and the father of the bride made the bride cry (also in a good way). After seeing Nick do his choreographed first dance (bless), and the rather lovely second dance celebrating mothers (I think we should steal that tradition), it was time for everyone to hit the floor.
The old adage that black men can dance is so true! My goodness, the most striking British Nigerians shaking their stuff on the dance floor, putting all the white men to shame. Handsome, athletic and with such natural rhythm - even Tash's 5 year old nephew kicked ass! Me, being a fan of the odd boogie, especially when plied with copious amounts of champagne and wine, I decided to get in there with the Chief's son (purely in a boogying way), and spent the rest of the evening swooning over the Nigerian Adonis whilst Dom just raised his eyes to heaven frequently (one of the many things I love about him).
Carriages at midnight, and a rather disappointing fly-by Macdonalds only to find it closed (me, sober?) we arrived home with a beautiful arrangement of flowers from the table (I was allowed to take them!) and extremely sore feet (strange how you don't notice till you get home).
To conclude:
a) I am lucky to be married into one of the best families ever. I love Dom's cousins, aunts and uncles, I love his parents and I love him.
b) It was one of the best weddings I've ever been to. Traditional yet different, and a great DJ!
c) Drinking lots of water before bed is a good plan.
d) Why was I not interviewed by Sky News? I am feeling very put out!
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