A WEDDING ON THE BEACH

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‘Twitters from the Atlantic’ – by Barrie Mahoney

Barrie Mahoney was a teacher, head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands as a newspaper editor. He is still enjoying life in the sun as a writer and author.

A WEDDING ON THE BEACH

So, where would you like to get married? OK, you are already married, don’t want to get married, or unlikely to be asked to get married. Let’s not let detail get in the way of a good story.

In the old days, of course, a wedding meant a trip to the local registry office if you were a film star, eloping, a criminal, or just a cheapskate. Alternatively, you could go for the full bells and whistles routine, penguin suits and top hats, together with a gorgeous bride and bridesmaids, all resembling large, fluffy meringues, for that special day of your dreams.

One of the most unusual weddings that I have witnessed was a few years ago, whilst sitting in a bar in Ibiza overlooking a very beautiful beach. Those of you who are familiar with the music from Cafe del Mar will know what I am taking about when I refer to the most incredible sunset accompanying both cocktails and great music. On this particular evening, an unusual wedding was also taking place on the beach below our cafe bar. Indeed, we were two of the uninvited guests and remain deeply penitent to this very day for attending a wedding in floral shorts. I shudder to think what the wedding photos looked like.

The ceremony was simple, with not a meringue or penguin suit in sight. Indeed, in today’s parlance, I would say that the wedding was exceptionally cool. It was sincere, appeared deliciously simple, yet no doubt cost a fortune, which is always the clever illusion, indulged by those who really do have money. Fire-eaters, jugglers and exotic dancers completed the illusion of stylistic perfection, which was clearly the theme of the entire event. I can also personally vouch for the generosity of the bride’s father, as we shared several glasses of rather lovely champagne with the happy couple, as did most of the holidaymakers on the terrace who, like ourselves, were uninvited yet enthusiastic guests and witnesses of the great day.

It was the following day, when I was nursing a splendid hangover, that we were told that the newly married couple were film stars of some considerable importance. However, after all the beautiful champagne and canapés that generously found their way to our table, I am sworn to secrecy for all time as to the couple’s true identity. It is a promise that I intend to keep, as I understand that there are Mafia connections not to be trifled with.

I mention this encounter, because I have heard that the good people working in the Directorate General of Costas in my municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana in Gran Canaria are still refusing to allow couples to marry on our islands’ beautiful beaches. Permission has been requested, licences have been applied for and we have a marvellous opportunity to earn some much needed euros from the rich and famous who would like to take advantage of our wonderful climate and facilities for the perfect wedding.

We have wonderful weather for most of the year and, as a bonus, we can also offer sand in a variety of colours. Although real volcanic sand is the norm, we can also offer brilliant white sand for those brides in brilliant white wedding dresses, imported specially at great expense, both economic and environmental, from the Caribbean. In short, Gran Canaria has it all, and is the perfect wedding destination.

Personally, I cannot see why our elected officials have not yet granted permission. After all, does it really matter whether one decides to get married in church, registry office, on the top of a mountain, in a lighthouse or on a beach? Getting married in a meringue dress, penguin suit, jeans or t-shirt doesn’t really matter either. What really matters is love, and the long-term commitment of support and care for each other. However, as a warning, couples intent on getting married on the beach should be aware of its close proximity to rocks. Do they really want a marriage to be on the rocks before it has even started?

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Twitters from the Atlantic’ (ISBN: 978 1480033986). Available as paperback, Kindle and iBooks. iPhone/iPad Apps: ExpatInfo and CanaryIsle now available from the Apple Store.

© Barrie Mahoney

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/39864/

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