 Heidi and Kevin were married on the beach at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront on Saturday, May 11. Their wedding was due to begin at 4:30, but by 4:00 the skies to the west were looking ominous indeed. By 4:15 we were in monsoon-like conditions. At one point I found myself on my knees hunched over a bridesmaid's laptop on a settee in the bride's suite anxiously evaluating radar maps. I spotted a gap in the storm system, but sadly do not possess the expertise to determine whether it constituted a fifteen minute window or an hour's reprieve. Or whether it would reach us in the next ten minutes or in two hours. A consultation with the event coordinator, photographer, and videographer determined we were all willing to proceed with plans for a wedding on the beach if the rain let up and no lightning was spotted in the area. My kindle fits nicely in a ziploc bag, so I had the least amount of "gear" at stake. I was perfectly happy to let the photographer and videographer make the call. Heidi really wanted a beach wedding, but was resigned to an indoor ceremony if the conditions did not improve by 5:00. Shortly before the deadline, we did get a break in the storm. The hotel staff quickly dried off the seats, we ushered everyone to the beach as quickly as possible, and jumped into action. Heidi and Kevin were having a beach wedding...albeit a wee bit of a soggy one. I was so glad because Heidi and Kevin were such a sweet couple and a joy to work with. The beach part, not glad about the soggy bit. Heidi & Kevin's Facebook Sneak Peek | I have to say that Indica and Brian are both true wedding professionals and total troopers. Brian covered his video equipment in plastic tarping (i.e. trash bags) and Indica captured the ceremony beautifully with one hand on her camera and the other holding an umbrella. This was absolutely necessary because it did indeed begin to rain before the ceremony concluded. No serious downpour, but enough for the guests to use their keepsake fans as umbrellas rather than for cooling off. I felt badly I was not able to set up my PA system and had to project my voice.When I have to forgo the microphone, I feel like I'm screaming at the bride and groom even though it is projection rather than true yelling. My acoustic "sound check" was approved from the back row so I have to assume everyone heard the ceremony. Guests, wedding party, and wedding professionals took it all in good humor and the ceremony was absolutely delightful. Heidi and Kevin were attended by five bridesemaids and five groomsmen. Their colors of purple and teal with yellow/orange accents was truly striking. Personally, I think it looks amazing against a steel gray sky though I doubt that was the original intent.  |
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep
~ Excerpt from Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda
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