As in British weddings, it is tradition that the bride and
groom do not see each other the night before the big day. SoJason went out
with his friends then back to his parents for the night, while we girls had a
delicious meal in a nearby restaurant. It was great to meet Helen’s
friends. They all spoke such good English, I felt embarrassed that it’s the
only language I’m fluent in. But they made me feel very much part of the group
even though we had only just met.
The next morning, Helen went to her parents to prepare
for the day. Another friend from the UK, Sara, and I got ready at the flat
and then took a taxi to her parents. It is tradition for the bride’s friends to
visit during the day’s preparations. Having arrived at the address, neither of
us could remember which number within the building they lived at. Thank heavens
for mobile phones. Helen let us into the building. “Can you remember which
floor they’re on?” “Err… no.” Out came the mobile again.
Inside the flat it was all go, but calm. The dress was
hanging up, the mother of the bride was having her hair done. Then it was
Helen’s turn. The concentration on her face and that of her hairdresser was
immense. The photographer arrived and set to work. At one point she was
recruited to help with the hair. Meanwhile Helen’s mum was having her
make-up done. Finished and dressed in her finery, she looked beautiful.
She, Sara and I left to go to the church to organise the
final arrangements. It was tiny and beautiful and in the middle of a wooded
part of town. A cream carpet was laid from the steps to the entrance. Then it
was lined with flowers and lanterns that lit the path as the sky darkened.
Esther, with Nikos’s and Margarita’s Mums prepared the Wishes Table. On it was
a book for guests to sign with wishes for the happy couple.
The groom paced about nervously. He looked smart in a blue
suit with a lilac tie. Soon, the
Koumbara (Maid of Honour), the little bridesmaids and the guests began to
gather.
Then, with a serenade of beeping car horns, the Bride and
her father arrived. A beautiful, white vision emerged from the car. The
congregation applauded and parted to allow Bride and Groom to join. Together
they lead everyone inside…
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