Do we have anybody who has one thing or another why this man and this woman will not be joined in holy matrimony. Let him or her talk now or forever remain silent.
The priest announced, waiting for a response from the congregation as there came dead silence in the church hall. Maria has cherished this day and could not sleep all night because it was her big day. Her would-be husband had the fun of his life before going to bed with his bachelor friends in preparation for the wedding. Maria however felt that something unusual may happen on the day of their wedding. Hence, when the priest made this announcement, she had to bury her head, waiting for this moment to pass.
But as the priest waited for a few moment with no response and made an attempt to continue the solemnization, a female guest at the wedding whom I later got to know as Cassandra stood up and said
Hello, hello........... hello....
Everyone turned in her direction, waiting to hear what her reason why Maria and Tony would not be knotted in holy matrimony but Cassandra only just walked out from the church hall to take a call. She was a long time friend to Tony's family and was in charge of food for the wedding reception.
Hello, Idara. I could not hear you well. Can you kindly repeat.
The caller from the other end of the phone was reporting that the pick up van that was conveying the prepared food to the reception centre had an accident and the food poured away. whereas, her display within the church hall had caused a stir, majorly for Maria. She almost melted when she heard Cassandra standing from her seat and saying "hello".
Since there was nobody with any reason why the knot should be tied, the priest continued the joining service by making Tony and Maria take the marriage vows.
Those of us in the choir were eager waiting to see the first kiss act of Tony who was also a member of the choir too.
You may kiss the bride
That was the exact statement we just want to hear the priest make. I rose from my seat with my hand waiting for who will take the first step. Of course,. Tony was a smart guy, he moved swiftly toward Maria, opened the veil and planted a French kiss on her lips. The whole congregants shouted in amazement.
After the marriage had been finalized, the marching out processional hymn was sang and we all followed the couple out to take photo shots. The master of ceremonies started to call out the order of photography. We were all set to hit the reception venue for the wedding and seriously, I was famished. The food that would be served at the reception was of high importance.
Immediately the choir had their group photo with the couple, we matched in a convoy to the reception venue. Everything was set for the event and from the looks of things, it was well planned. I hoped that the food would be rich and classy.
From the beginning of the reception the MC took charge of the ceremony. He called out the agenda of the event with some jokes to make it more lively. I kept stretching my neck, waiting for the food to be served but nothing was forth coming.
Adebo, what's happening to the food?
Tony asked his best man to find out. a short while later, Adebo returned with a frowned face.
The pick up van carrying the food to the reception had an accident and only the food got poured away except for white rice and some fried fish and chicken but Cassandra is on top of the situation. She is making stew to serve the remaining rice.
As this discussion was going on, I knew that not all the guest will be served food. I stood and went close to where waiters pitched their tent and waited for the remaining food to arrive. My plan fell through. I got a plate of white rice and stew, served with fried chicken. I couldn't bear what hunger was doing to the walls of my stomach anymore.
Hey guy!! Your wedding is already a success. Do not let this news change your mood.
Adebo counselled tony who was already sweating profusely. What would he tell all the guests who had been around from the time of the church blessings till now?
Alright. But isn't it a good idea to inform our guest what the situation is?
Tony was still bothered. He asked Adebo to go make arrangement for snacks so that it could be served with soft drinks. That would be better than nothing. That wedding reception was fun from beginning till end but there wasn't enough food.