I went to a wedding this past weekend. As far as weddings are concerned, it was nice. I couldn't tell you much beyond that. I don't remember what color the flowers were, what the bridesmaids wore, or what style the dress was (though I understand it was a bit difficult to get on & off). Details bore me. I went. They wed. We ate.
But I do remember taking part in a certain ritual common to many weddings in the western hemisphere: the flinging of the bouquet. I don't take much stock in those sort of things; it's just one of those things you have to do. The bouquet was flung. My hand went up in self-defense. And the cursed bunch of flowers landed, as if guided by the forces of Eros or Hades, right in my hands.
A bit of history: This tradition began when herbs were placed inside the bouquet for good luck. Hoping to pass on her good fortune, the bride would pass on her lucky bouquet to a lucky guest at the end of the ceremony.
If these so-called good luck "herbs" were present in the bouquet I caught, all would have ended well. Unfortunately, those kind of herbs are illegal in the state of Alabama. All I caught was a dance with the garter guy--perhaps the most awkward dance with the most awkward garter guy that has ever existed in the history of inane wedding rituals. So I did what any self-respecting woman could do in that situation: the robot. And he just stood there. Eventually, they made us actually hold hands and dance, but that was far more awkward than the robot.
So, here's what happened (a big THANK YOU to Mandy for the photo):
If you get your face right up next to the screen and shake your head slowly from side to side for about 30 seconds you can pretty much see the whole dance replayed right in front of you.
At least I got a splendid bunch of silk flowers in the deal.
8 comments:
Does anyone have this dance on video? Can we get someone to post it on You Tube? I think seeing this robotic dance would just brighten my day!
I have a cramp in my side from laughing so hard...! Even though I've heard you tell this in person, it remains one of the funniest stories I've ever heard. The written version includes so many interesting insights and little known facts... I like both versions!
Thanks for such quality blogging! I knew your readers would be in for a literary treat.
You handled yourself more than gracefully in an incredibly awkward situation Susie. They would be hard pressed to find anyone who could handle said situation better. The robot was priceless. I have a picture; if you'd like it for your post, just let me know! And I'm glad you're enjoying your silk flowers. They were quite lovely.
Have you alerted Don that you caught the bouquet and that all is a go for your 2008/9 wedding season?
it almost looks like you're doing the funky chicken ... which also would've been acceptable given the situation.
I have just put my head really close to the screen and moved it back and forth for 30 seconds, and, in fact, that is an exact recreation of the most awkward dance I've ever witnessed. Amazing.
You're my favorite new blogger, Susie. However, you're going to have to start paying a lot more attention to detail if you're going to be the next Martha Williams.
Friend, you were quite the good sport on my special day. I appreciate greatly your willingness to humor me with the dancing. I'm not sure who that dance was more awkward for - you or Kevin, but thank you for the awesome wedding memory. We haven't reviewed our wedding tape yet, but I'd be willing to bet the Robot is on it!
Your expression + his expression = AKWARD.
This is funny...not only that you caught the bouquet but you caught it at a wedding we're they make the bouquet/garter catchers dance with one another...priceless!
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