Walking up the Aisle

A very happy day as son #2 married Ch.  They met in Japan three summers ago, when on a student visit to the University of Sapporo.  Her home is in Singapore.  My thanks to Dr K for this shot, as her Mum and Dad walked Ch down the aisle.  There is a little hint of my brother in the glass reflection, as he waited for the Bride to arrive.  He was officiating.  

Special memories :
The Wedding Games - held the day before the wedding.  A Singaporean tradition.  We began in Bellahouston Park, but rain stopped play, so we had to retire to the Villa to continue the fun.  The Bridesmaids, Best Man and Ushers were all involved.

The sun shone ALL DAY. 

The Hairdresser and Makeup Artist - our niece arrived at 6 am to get the Bridal party ready.  During the day, she made sure we were all looking lovely. 

The Photographer - our dear friend Jane.  She was brilliant from start to finish, keeping us all calm.  A very long day for her, as the Tea Ceremony began mid morning.  Beautiful photographs.

The Chinese Tea Ceremony - held before the wedding, at the home of the Bride. The family hired a beautiful villa for the week, so they could all be together. The immediate family gathered, and give them their good wishes for the future. Red packets with gifts and messages were handed to the Bride and Groom who then served each of us tea.

The Ring Bearer - Ch's nephew, just three years old.  He performed exactly as required, and didn't drop the rings.  It was a delight to meet him, his baby brother and Mum and Dad. They had flown all the way from Singapore for the big day.

The Beautiful Bridesmaids - in navy blue, with white bouquets.  

The Bride's Bouquet - orchids from Singapore and thistles from Scotland.

The Service - so meaningful, with uplifting singing.  The last song, an arrangement of The House of God Forever (Jon Foreman) based on Psalm 23. Top marks to the band who played so well, with the string and keyboard arrangements. 

The Cousins who sang - two of Hilary's children sang during the signing of the register. It was so special, a little touch of Hil's presence with us. 

The Aunts from Singapore - three lovely ladies, a real pleasure to spend a week with them.  Lots of fun, laughter and learning about each other's culture.

The Chauffeur - a dear friend, who agreed to do the driving, and wore my Dad's Firemaster's cap.

The Cheese Cake - rather than sponge or fruit, we had three tiered cheeses, decorated with fruits and nuts, and lavender picked from Mum and Dad's garden.

The Trades Hall, Glasgow - Reception venue, who did an excellent job. Well organised, and the food was delicious.

Yam Seng - the really long cheer at the end of the Father of the Bride's speech, a tradition in Singapore.  We had a practice run, and then the real thing.  It might have lasted nearly a minute, it was such good fun.  One of the highlights of the day.

The Dance Band - it really couldn't be anyone else except #2's own ceilidh band.  They kept us on the dance floor all evening. 

The Orcadian Strip the Willow - friends from across the world were all on the dance floor for this one.  We had to move lots of furniture to get a full diagonal line across the room.  

The Burrell - we met up the next day with the Bride and Groom to open gifts before they headed off on Honeymoon.  They will fly back into London, so we won't see them again until Christmas. 

A very happy and special day, we pray God will guide them on every adventure.  

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

(Posted on 4 January 2016)