15/10/16 - The Wedding pt.3
We’re finally here.
After numerous events including the engagement, Karmai, Chunni, Mehdni and pre-Wedding Party, we’re finally here.
There ain’t no part like a Harmeet Minhas Party (a la’ S Club 7 for all you oldies) and Hammers delivered. We’ve felt the hype, died in Miami, became diabetic during the meals and now we’re here for the final event. Like Wrestlemania 15, my favourite event when Austin beat The Rock for the title, I must admit, I was excited and electrified.
But before the evening Reception, traditions must be followed of course, as we drove toward the Gurdwara for the religious ceremony. Tradition dictated that the Bride and Groom must be married by mid-day so we arrived early, sat and waited for the arrival of all the family and guests.
I must admit, he really looked the part. Sword and all, Rocking up in a white Rolls Royce, Harmeets time had arrived. He did not disappoint. But first, breakfast.
I’m starting to notice a pattern by now, as we gorged on some samosa’s (at 9 in the morning...), these guys liked to eat. Isn’t that the beauty of Asian culture? You’re never left hungry :)
After, we covered our heads and headed upstairs for the prayers and ceremony.
Now I must admit, you do need patience for these events. 2 hours of prayers is something that only being an Asian child can prepare you for (or so I’m told). We sat crossed legged whilst Harmeet and Jas ran through the formalities. Note. Thank you so much for the person that opened the windows, on behalf of just about everybody.
Afterwards we took some pictures with the bride and groom. Now, celebrities they may not be but there was some serious queueing just for a shot of the pair. Harmeet looked especially happy today. So would I too, if I had a bag of cash in front of me too (!). But all jokes aside, formalities over, rest up at the hotel and then get ready for the main event.
I didn’t want to but I’ll admit, I took a nap. I was knackered and I think I never quite got over the jet-leg when I arrived. However, the Sofitel at Heathrow was a pleasure to be in and when it’s good enough for Craig David (google his residency) then it’s good enough for us.
Now in hindsight, it didn’t matter. But the truth is whilst the boys were up and about, I was sat, rehearsing my lines for the Best Man Speech. I never did however get a chance to deliver my words and whilst I’m glad for Hammers, I’d be lying if I wasn’t a bit disappointed. What words were to be spoken will remain quiet for the rest of their married lives but who knows, one day some of the material might have an appearance. Hammers - don’t leave us hanging and make sure we have that 1yr anniversary stag and wedding party.
We arrived downstairs and the drinks began. “Just the one glass of of champers for now please” - after all, I heard there were going to be Tequila guns. *Gulp*.
As I admired the wedding shots the couple took in Tuscany (think Gladiator), it occurred to me how the hell they were going to seat 600 people. I glanced at the arrangements and right there, I was on the main table. Great start. These things never matter anyways as we’re always up and about but thanks to Hammers for making that happen. Nadeem and I were proud to be there for you.
I then walked in, to this,
Fair play to the fella, if I was Jas, how could you ever say anything but yes. It didn’t remind me of a wedding so much as a club. A club with limited capacity and exclusive VIP’s, it was a great setting and with the Mixologists cocktails on tap, I headed to grab a few drinks before it all began.
(The lad’s dedication for Harmeet. I think Miami pt.2 is definitely on the cards again)
In the same fashion as the pre-wedding party, I assumed we’d end up eating starters before partying for a bit, then have dinner. I was right and the DJ didn’t disappoint. In fact, I haven’t mentioned yet that the highlight of the music came from the Traditional Drummers that would come on set later that night. The atmosphere was fantastic and you could really feel the beat of the drums alongside all the music. Note for future weddings. Get drums. Lots of drums.
But as with these events, some of us can get carried away quickly and it was later that night that I heard they’d offered £150 to Jez to finish the whole bowl of rice (meant for the table). Under any other circumstances I’d say he’d do it. But after all the drinks and starters, it was a tough moment for him. But students rarely disappoint. Kudo’s Jez. Kudo’s.
In fact, whilst Jez was devouring the rice we had another challenge coming up. Someone pulled out the “guns”. Not surprisingly it was in Shay’s hand, so I duly obliged. Funny how I ever never see Shay drink though eh? (just for you, to see if you read my words)
Yummy.
Now is when it all starts to blur and whilst I can’t remember the ordering. Some epic moments started to arise. Like when Hammers, in true rockstar fashion dived into the crowd. “Like a whale jumping out of the ocean” an onlooker commented. But fair play to him. He looked truly like the man for doing so. In fact, I reckon this will be the profile pic for a while. Before Jas makes him change it to the "must’do” picture of them both during the wedding. But for 10 seconds Harmeet rocked. Singh is King after all.
I quietly slipped out a few times (as a certain individual commanded us all to be on the dance floor) and whilst in the washroom realised just how drunk Max had become.
Earlier on he had left a massive hand print on my back when he came over to say hi. Maybe he was just being friendly? To be honest, I think he was gone when Dan wanted a quick picture with Nadz and Max took him away for a quick man-to-man chat. I think he’s still there with Nadz now in the conference centre...
But what was a surprise is seeing Max in the washroom. I can’t remember who it was but thanks for looking after him. And before you ask (one for the Miami crew), yes, I saw it. Fair Play.
As the night drew to a close, there were some reminders of how much I love these guys. Another Shoe made an appearance too and whilst I’ve always regarded Nadeem as my favourite dancer, the missus wasn’t having that and it was funny to watch them vie over my affections. Love you both. Don’t worry.
But all good things. And before we knew it, the lights came on and we were being called to leave. Dammit. The cigars! The opportunity had passed, I’ll save them for a rainy day.
So we all headed to the hotel atrium to decided whether to hit the town or not.
There were hugs, kisses and goodbyes. I’ve always said it’s better to end a night on a high then to drag something out and I stick by that. As I saw Tom and Pete leaving back to the room, I thought, “yeah”, time to leave it.
I gave a cigar to Nadz, then left.
I woke to the sweet sound of Room Service as I briefly remember I’d convinced Mabel the night before to fill out the form, so we could eat as we awoke. The boys wanted to head to the restaurant but put off by being ripped off, they left it and chilled in the room instead. I ate, packed and then headed to Harmeets room for our goodbyes.
I hope he appreciated the Champagne Flutes we bought him and judging by them being on sofa, I think he did. It was only then when we were chatting about all the “Sagaan” he’d received too, that I remembered at one point he was throwing twenties in the air on the dance floor. “That explains why there is some missing then”...
As a personal appreciation for being his right hand man all these years, I gave him a Mont Blanc notebook too, with a personal message inside for him to read when it all settled down. A notebook now, matching M4′s in the future.
So, that was it. All done. When I was younger the excitement of these events really got to me but as you get older, they just become another event I spose. You experience more as you get older so in that respect, things become a little less “precious”. But deliver Harmeet did, as he always does.
So, much love to the happy couple who are currently flying to Dubai from Bali, as they complete the last few days of their honeymoon. I wanted to say this in my speech but it can be said that if you’re not sure of the character of a man, look to his friends. Which, judging by this lot, he’s either a full-blown Bollywood star. Or an ageing alcoholic, with a gut, who creeps on the waitresses in bars, sending photo’s of him with them to the whatsapp group. *winks*
I’ll let you decide,
Will’s