You hear about things like this, but only in the movies
Honestly, who has actually ever gone thru with crashing a wedding? Sure it sounds like fun. You wait until the dance floor is full and the crowd is sufficiently intoxicated, then make your move. Chug a few drinks, mingle carefully and either get lucky or split before you get caught. At least that is the Hollywood version.
My cousin Joseph and his lovely fiancée Angela were married on Saturday. I had the honor of being in the wedding. I actually love being in weddings, as long as their not my own of course. Other than a few hours of obligatory duties and picture taking, you really get to have fun. Many times, the bride and groom miss out on a lot of things because they are the center of attention.
To help keep things rolling and fun, Joseph’s wedding was devoid of all the corny crap that tends to slow a celebration down. No tossing of flowers or garters or whatever. No annoying line dances that have to be preceded by five minutes of lessons and followed by someone falling down. As for the cutting of the cake, while we did stop to look and go, “ahhhh,” it was pretty much a photo op sort of thing that did not interrupt the party.
There were many happy memories about this wedding. Gorgeous, albeit hot, weather. Sitting around my aunt and uncle’s house sipping cold beer before the limo showed. Sipping more cold beer in the limo. All the tasty food, good music and the fun I had with my family and our new extended family at the reception.
One of the funniest things to happen had the whole family buzzing. After I was done with all of the wedding party duties, it was time to relax and let loose. So I went up to one of the hotel rooms where my camera was. On the way down on the elevator I hear, “Is it your wedding?” I turned to see a girl all suited up to go swimming.
“No,” I said, “It’s my cousin’s wedding.”
“Big wedding? Fun?”
“Oh yeah. We’re having a blast.”
“Maybe I’ll stop by”
“Yes, you should do that.”
We parted ways, laughing and I honestly didn’t think anything of it until a short time later. I turned around and there she was standing next to me, smiling. Her name was Priscilla and much to my surprise and delight, she actually crashed my cousin’s wedding. But it was how easily she fit in with the family that was amazing. She wanted to meet people, talk and dance like everyone else at the party.
As the night progressed, I’d introduce her to various aunts, uncles and cousins. Not being one who likes to lie, I’d simply tell them, “This is Priscilla. She’s on vacation from Vancouver. We met on the elevator.” Well, except for my one cousin Noelle who I had convinced that this tall, dark Indian girl was actually a distant cousin. She felt that the elevator story was the fake one and found the ‘distant cousin’ story more believable. I can understand that.
I was having so much fun that I would end up drinking a bit more than I had planned and it was not safe for me to drive home. So I decided to get a room. When the party ended, Priscilla said she was tired but would meet me for a drink at the bar. I quickly went to my room, showered and changed. I sweat a lot to begin with. Wrap me in a tuxedo and throw me on a dance floor and I turn into Niagara Falls.
After a pleasant conversation at the bar, Priscilla decided it was time for her to turn in for the night. I stayed to hangout with a few of the less tired members my family. We talked about music and memories of the day. To be honest, I’m not used to seeing most of them in a bar. I’ve known them since they were born so this is always weird.
This was one of the most fun weddings I’d ever been to. It’s also one of about five that I’m going to this year. My family and friends know how to have good time and the added bonus of meeting a super-cool wedding crasher made this night complete. She makes me want to randomly meet bridal parties and show up at receptions. Although I’m sure it’s much easier to get away with that sort of thing if you’re a pretty girl.
