As I woke up, the sun shining through the window made me smile and think that the long-awaited day had finally come. It was amazing that after days of rain since I arrived in Mexico, the sun had finally appeared. I called out to Nicole, who was also a bridesmaid at my Dad and Christine’s wedding like me. However, as the best woman, I had an additional responsibility. When I opened the curtains, I let the sunlight fill our room because I knew it would be a wonderful day.
I met up with Christine and together we went to the hairdressers. Despite their limited English, we showed them pictures of our desired hairstyles and they did an incredible job. When we left, our hair looked amazing. Our tiaras adorned with silver stones sparkled like sunlight on the sea. With time ticking away, we still had to put on our dresses and head to the Gazebo. As I zipped up my dress, memories of that chilly winter day when we searched for the ideal bridesmaid dresses in the UK came rushing back.
It felt like a distant place from the sunny Mexican backdrop. I went to Christine’s room and was struck by how stunning she looked in her wedding gown. I had to control my emotions to avoid ruining my eye makeup and walking down the aisle with smudged makeup. “You look gorgeous and I’m thrilled that you’re marrying my dad,” I expressed, receiving a glass of refreshing champagne in return. As we all girls conversed and laughed, we added the final touches to the bride’s ensemble.
I had to leave the room and go to the hotel reception to meet my dad because I was going with him to the Gazebo. In my bronze-coloured, diamante-encrusted dress, along with my silver tiara and diamante jewellery, I felt incredibly glamorous. I was all set. “You look beautiful Rachael,” my dad complimented as we met in the lobby. He gave me the wedding rings on the cream satin pillow, which I had to hold onto and give to him later during the service. Together, we walked towards the Gazebo and joined all of our friends and family who would be a part of this special day.
At the Gazebo, thirty of us anxiously awaited as the music began and an odd sensation filled my stomach. Tears welled up in my eyes, causing me to think, “Please don’t cry at this moment.” Witnessing my teary state, my Auntie kindly offered me a crumpled tissue. Instructed by the wedding planner, I rose from my seat to fulfill my crucial responsibility of delivering the rings. As I ascended the few steps towards my Dad and Christine, butterflies fluttered wildly in my stomach.
Despite my worries about embarrassing myself in front of everyone, the wedding ceremony went smoothly. Afterward, we headed to the beach for photos. As we took off our shoes and stepped onto the hot sand, a cool breeze from the sea offered some relief, especially since my dress felt constricting. The Marachete band played as we made our way back to the hotel for the wedding reception, but the cooling breeze was soon replaced by the blazing afternoon sun.
Surprised by the band member singing La Bamba, I ventured towards the reception area past them. The top table caught my attention with its elegant decoration of flower bouquets on a spotless white linen tablecloth. Shortly after, waiters resembling an army of ants emerged from the kitchen and adeptly served food to all guests. Fortunately, the dining room provided solace from the unfavorable weather outside. Despite feeling a slight chill due to the air conditioning, I appreciated the enhanced comfort as I savored every bite of the three-course meal being served.
In the room, there was a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and conversation, overpowering the music played by the band. After dinner, all guests raised their glasses to give speeches and make toasts. The bride and groom cutting their cake caused flashes from cameras. Amidst the excitement, I didn’t realize that the sun had started setting. Fairy lights illuminated the garden of the hotel, guiding people towards the beach. Following along with everyone else, I went down to discover a calm evening disco already in progress on the shore.
Despite the music playing, I could hear the gentle lapping of the sea against the sand. Before joining the party, I paused to appreciate the peacefulness of the ocean and reflect on what a perfect day it had been. The memories of my dad’s entire family reuniting last October after being apart for years and my immense happiness that Christine is now part of our family come rushing back. Even though I live with my mom, having Christine as my new stepmother is something I truly cherish.
