I entered the room.
One hundred people were before me – in the midst of celebrating the 60th
birthdays of twins Heather and Malcolm. The place was buzzing. No one noticed
me enter from a side door by the bar. Trish had entered a minute before, also
unnoticed and made her way to the back of the beautiful Pacific Harbour Golf
Course room, where she turned on the speak of our public address. Standing at
the front I looked into the crowd. There was conversation , laughter. I began
speaking. “Excuse me ladies and gentleman – a bit of an emergency.” The crowd
suddenly hushed and faces turned towards me, expectant. I looked at the white
piece of paper in my palm. “Does anyone own car registration number 712 LIE?” I
waited and asked again. People looked confused. “Oh sorry that’s my car!”
Laughter filled the room – they must be thinking “who’s this idiot!”
“What are you here for?” I asked.
“A birthday!” someone shouted.
“There must be a double booking!” I said. “My name is Peter
Waterman, I’m a celebrant and I’m here for a wedding. Please stand for the
entrance of the bride”.
There was great excitement as everyone stood (they must have
believed me). Greg, the musician hit the music button and Heather (the birthday
girl who ten minutes beforehand slipped out to change) entered and joined
partner John at the front of the room for the commencement of the wedding.
I ask the assembled crowd. “All those in favour of Heather
and John being married today say “It’s about time.”
The room echoed loudly with “It’s about time!” After 27
years together two beautiful people were about to become husband and wife.
