THE PARROT

‘TWO FAMILIES UNITE AS ONE’: A moment to cherish.

The Parrot was privileged to be present. Ah, what a wedding it was. I was in awe of the aesthetics at the Pool place (not Buddy’s), the Castellani one where there is a big L-shape water sanctuary with a Guyana map on its floor; the place where guests were received for the reception.

I was in a bigger awe prior to the reception while attending the official ceremony at Dale’s Place, ah…sorry, the church on Vlissengen Road.

Like typical late Guyanese, well in this case the word invitees is more appropriate since there were many non-Guyanese in attendance, I turned up late.

Who turns up early for a wedding? Anyway, I believe some people did, because Dale’s Place, oops, the church, the inside that is, was crammed more than a 15-seater minibus with its usual amount of passengers; 27 plus three toddlers.

No seat was available inside. However, there were many outside. I am happy I reached late. The conditions were cool outside; refreshing breeze and no heat from the sun; vastly different from the inside.

Good company on the outside too; Ministers, PSs, Ministry staff, friends and family. Good conversations too. Sorry, can’t say everything.

From my “vantage” point, I saw the Labour Minister labouring with his “program turned fan” to cool himself while decked in three-piece and all. He wasn’t the only one involved in this famous action which is routine in some public places.

It was all who were well “dolled up” inside; “Sunday-best” on Saturday. By the way, I never heard of an official program being distributed for a wedding. Innovative. Informative. Nice touch, Priya. We knew without having to ask what was going to happen next. Thumbs up.

After a few minutes following my late arrival and the customary handshakes, the horns heralding the “Baraat” were heard. Typical Guyanese say, “Ba-ree-aat”.

As customary, just to use the word again, customary that is, a few vehicles (plenty in some cases) would proceed the one with the bride or groom which will be preceded by a few or plenty.

Lo and behold, the first vehicle was the proceeding car and the one with the bride all in one! Simplicity? You bet. Take ten out of ten Priya. Simple. I like. Thumbs up again.

The ravishing beauty, the bride that is, was accompanied/escorted (take your pick) by “Daddy Churchill” “down the isle”. It had to take a military man to win the heart of a lady whose father is known as Churchill!!! Congrats Dennis.

For the first part it wasn’t an isle, but Dale’s… sorry, the church concrete strip; from the stairs the isle began. She marched to the wedding march.

Question; why is it a “wedding march” when they walk so slow? Anyway, she “marched” to her fiancé where they both faced Dale; the Priest; shaven headed with a “gotee”.

At first glance I thought “Stone-cold” Steve Austin had arrived for the much uncertain “Wrestle Mania, Guyana” and graced the occasion. Dale’s glasses gave him away. Like “Stone-cold” who wastes no time in the ring, Dale wasted no time in giving the couple their rings.

I5 minutes! That’s what it took to complete the ceremony. It was over before all present were able to receive their exquisitely-printed program. Way to go, Dale. If the heat was the reason, then thanks on behalf of all those inside.

It has to be the shortest wedding I know of. What do you think? 15 minutes? Unbelievable! Whose rush? Dale’s? The couple’s? Those later than me, missed it. The second march began, this time as a married couple. The military man, the groom that is, seemed out of sync with the wedding march. Definitely missing the marching band on parade.

By the way, where was that band? Hmmm. As they marched, slowly with Priya graceful as ever, bubbles permeated the atmosphere; soap bubbles. They came from those in attendance, Guyanese and non-Guyanese. They were “blowing”, bubbles that is. The source of the bubbles was wedding trinkets given out. Inventive. Very. I am now out of thumbs having been given two already. Having borrowed, more thumbs up. Simple. That seems to be the theme. Again, nice touch Priya.

Everybody was “blowing”, big people, small people, Lawyers (Priya is one), Judge, Politicians, Diplomats, Doctors, Engineers, Ministry staffers, friends relatives, everybody.

I have never seen so many big people “blowing” bubbles! It made it easier for Dale; just threw water and the place was cleaned! With a four o’ clock wedding starting at 04:35 and finishing at 04:50, the six o’ clock reception seemed far away. What to do to “kill” time”? Well, many “things” were done but can’t mention them here. Dig?

I was consistent. Turned up late for the reception thinking no one would do so early. I was wrong again. The place was almost filled on my arrival. Oh boy, what a setting! Heavenly! Magical! Romantic! Hard work! These immediately came to mind.

Gail echoed some subsequently. Castellani Villas (the pool place, remember) was transformed. It was like living a fantasy. Simple, (I need to count how many times I used this word) with the use of lights (plenty) and cloth (blue and white). At some point I thought the Blue Power people were involved. These thoughts were later dispelled. No merchandising was seen. It was power; a powerful and “powerfilled” (plenty lights) setting.

Despite the many lights, Priya left nothing to chance. Each table was fully “loaded” with “generators”–candles and battery-generated “colour blinkers” just in case GPL decided to “de-power” the lights. GPL would have had to re-think such thoughts; Uncle Sam was present; quiet, but present.

Some people were “powered” too; with “tonic” to keep them going during the big party which followed the many speeches. The MC (must get names right) almost forgot to let Dale impart the “blessings” before meal; dinner in this case. Poor Dale. Despite being called up long before, he was forced to pray expeditiously. Great food! Good variety! Nuff drinks!

The Parrot offered congrats to the bride and groom; Mr. and Mrs. Marli or Murli? Need to recheck my invite. Happy couple. Extremely.

Best wishes. And, oh yes, she, Priya that is, did thought of everything. Her initials which is the same as Uncle Sam’s title, remain the same; PM! Smart! Thoughtful! Simple! Still more thumbs up Mrs. Priya Ma(u)rli. Squawk! Squawk!