What we’re all here for.

Friday 19^th Feb 2016.

The big day has finally arrived, and in anticipation of a big night, we have a fairly quiet day. After a bit of a sleep in, and another leisurely breakfast, we pay a quick visit to Central shopping centre just a stone’s throw away. There are so many shops in there that we don’t have at home, including a Marks and Spencers, although not a very big one (I have heard we are getting one in Sydney soon). My sources inform me that the M&S coffee and walnut cake is a must have, but they don’t have any. Lots and lots of biscuits and cookies, and the remainder of their Christmas chocolates and candy canes (in February??) but nothing of any interest to me. There are not the bargains to be had in here as there are out in the street markets, but the range of shops is worth checking out. There’s a Bata (shoe) shop, Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Victoria’s Secret (perfume only), M&S, H&M, Triumph (ladies undergarments), Jim Thompson (for Thai silk items), New Balance, Holeproof, Crocs, a mattress shop selling natural latex mattresses, and all shapes of pillows and bolsters, a Samsung shop, a Sony shop, practically every brand you could think of had it’s own shop!! Quite staggering! 


With wedding preparations to complete, we don’t stay out too long, we want to veg out in the coolness of our room so as not to be all hot and bothered for the wedding. There’s nails to paint (me), and hair and make-up to do (again, only me) to be ready to leave at 3.30. We’ve been advised to allow at least half an hour travel time over to the Cove Condominiums to allow for traffic and arrive in time to cool down again. The bride’s uncle has a condo in this complex and the body corporate has given permission for the area adjacent to the pool to be used for the ceremony and reception, apparently after much jumping through hoops. Apparently 2 weeks ago, it was all off, the B.C. withdrew their permission which understandably caused quite a panic in the planning and caused the uncle to jump on a plane over here and sort things out face to face. 


The bride and bridesmaids made their preparations in the condo of a friend of the uncle and they had a view out over the deck where the wedding was held. They’d all been upstairs since about 11 having hair, make-up and nails done and looked beautiful when they made their entrance. The wedding was originally scheduled for 4.30 but during the week, someone realized it would still be too hot so it was pushed back to 5pm. Then there was a mix-up with transportation to bring the guests from the Rabbit Resort to the Cove, so it was pushed back a little more. Gotta love Thai time!  

top deck for the service, lower deck for the reception

Everything flowed smoothly, much to the relief of those involved in the logistical nightmare that is arranging a wedding by long distance. The bride was beautiful, covered head to toe in diamontes, and the groom scrubbed up pretty well too. Drinks and nibbles were served while the bridal party went down to the beach for photos and then we all moved up to the deck where the reception was to be held. In typical wedding fashion, the food was fantastic, the drinks flowed freely and if you didn’t have a good time, well, you can only blame yourself. Dancing was cut short due to the band having other commitments in Jomtien as well as noise restrictions imposed by the B.C. So, to kill the mood and get us all to leave, the recorded music started with such greats as Boney M. And not even a song we knew! To be fair though, the wedding was truly beautiful, and I think the organizers can definitely claim success, although I’m sure they wouldn’t be putting their hand up to do it again in a hurry!