On Saturday, April 28, all the planning ended. It was all becoming a reality.
Hair, make-up and nails had been attended to, and at 1:45pm it was time to don the bridal wear.
It all seemed so unreal and yet so exciting. The atmosphere was intoxicating as the bridesmaids dressed in their brilliant red pant ensembles.
All three looked absolutely gorgeous, the red dancing against my cream pant ensemble with its tailored train, expertly accented with pearls.
The flower girls in their white dresses with the red trim sat quietly, observing the fussing adults.
At 2:30pm we began the journey from the Clear View guest cottage, to the First Baptist Church, Devonshire, flanked by female ‘Long Riders’.
At the church, Carlton anxiously waited with the ushers.
I was still trying to take it all in. Beyond the door stood my childhood friend, the one with whom I would be united for life.
The churchyard was abuzz as I assembled with the escorts.
They entered and took up their positions opposite the ushers. The wedding march began and I entered, passing through the assembled bikers to take my position beside my fiancé.
Scriptures were read, vows repeated, words of encouragement were delivered and songs sung. The promise was sealed with a kiss. Pastor Charly Franks then presented Mr and Mrs Carlton Smith.
Carlton escorted me to his waiting two-wheeled chariot. The bridesmaids were escorted to ‘low rider’ bikes.
When I was 11 years old, Carlton had asked me to ride with him ride on his bike. My reply was “No”. Today I said “Yes”, and we rode into the future as one, escorted by members of the Bermuda Long Riders Club.
This was the first ‘Long Rider’ biker wedding. It was a beautiful sunny April day.
The roar of the low rider bikes travelling to Astwood Park; the dazzle of the bridesmaids ruby red outfits dancing against the cream of the my wear and the groom’s white; the soft grey tones of the ushers’ suits; the uniting of childhood friends as husband and wife before family and friends; this all truly made for a fairytale wedding.
And they lived happily ever after.