It's funny how an odd tradition starts, out of the blue you find yourself in a situation, unexpectedly. Years ago, while my daughter was a teenager and we were backpacking throughout Washington, we found ourselves spectators to a beautiful beach wedding. It happened while we were visitors to one of our favorite spots to chill out; Fairhaven ,USA. A place of history infused with traditional brickwork, Ol' Dan the man and an eclectic bistro called The Legendary Colophon Cafe; Fairhaven embodies unmatched flair, decor and unique characters on a daily basis. After dropping off our backpacks, Shayla and I had decided to saunter towards the ocean and take in a brilliant sunset. As we plunked ourselves onto a log, we soon realized we were caught in a special moment of union between two people. Before us, a bride and groom walked hand in hand towards a preacher, and we were about to become wedding crashers. Now, you know when your in a situation where if you try to leave, you become the disruptive center of attention and if you stay, then you have to try and blend in with the crowd. This was one of those times. We decided to make the best of this ceremony and quietly between us, my daughter and I shared comments. We remarked on how lovely the bride's dress was, the detailing of her veil, the grooms matching navy stripped tie to his hanker chief. Both of us nodded and smiled at the other relatives, while they struggled to recognize which side of the family we were related to. Listening intently to the sacred vows, I believed we were giving a wonderful performance of blending in. I turned to look at Shayla and was suprized to see a smatter of tears across her pink cheeks. Caught up in the moment, like some of us are guilty of when we cry at the movies, my daughter was taking in the whole experience. I placed my arm around her and we giggled, as our little secret was kept under wraps. And so began, the chance encounters of crashing weddings , without even planning to. Once in Seattle, we became part of the photo opportunties, when the bride and groom, enamoured with each other... let us partake in wedding pictures of two strangers we would never even know their names. These special events are as random as the occurance to which we find ourselves captivated in. This leads me to share what happened yesterday. My boyfriend and I had hopped on a bus to a spectacular beach called Waimanalo, with pounding white surf and glistening sand, it was unparalleled in beauty. That is until while laying on the beach, my sun was blocked by something. I shut off my music, set my earphones aside and saw a breathtaking vision. A young couple, complete with colorful Lei's, had finished exchanging vows. They were perserving the occasion thru a series of photographs, walking hand in hand, along the seaside. My first thought was how I wished my daughter was with me to enjoy the significance of what I was seeing. Then I realized I had to revel in this one solo, seizing the unexpected moment, when I became yet again...a sentimental wedding crasher.
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