The
climate is perfect, brilliant sunshine, a gentle breeze, clear
blue sky. On the lawn, before the soft white sand of the beach
begins, an arched bower has been woven from palm fronds and
scarlet bougainvillea flowers. A pair of traditional Swahili
chairs stands in front of a table bearing the wedding register.
A three-tier wedding cake decorated with flowers and tropical
fruit stands nearby; the headwaiter adjusts the starched napkin
around the neck of the ice-cold champagne.
In
her luxury suite, the bride has frangipani flowers woven into
her intricately plaited hair; much earlier she relaxed with
a lavender body massage, had her finger and toe nails painted
palest pink and drank chilled champagne as the gently proficient
beauty therapist gave her a facial that makes her skin glow
with health…and happiness.
She
is radiant. It's time to put on the dress an embroidered gown
of ivory silk, receive the bouquet of roses from the smiling
staff and step out onto the hotel lawn in her bare feet. Why
wear shoes? She plans on walking along the beach when the ceremony
is over.
Seated
on their twin Swahili thrones, the bride and groom follow the
words of the registrar and exchange their vows. Standing with
hands held tight, they exchange a kiss for the photographer,
clink their glasses and laugh as the confetti scatters in the
breeze. This is the way to do it no rain, no stress, no guests
other than their very nearest and dearest… and just a
five-minute stroll along the beach before the honeymoon begins.
But
just so you know, we can arrange: the pre-nuptial parties, the
ceremony, the legalities, the flowers, the hair, the wedding
banquet, the cake, the meet-and-greet of your guests (and their
accommodation), the wedding gifts, photographs, video and honeymoon.
Tie
the knot with Serena and we can arrange as intimate or as elaborate
a wedding as you desire. For the two of you or with 100 of your
closest friends on the beach, or at one of the Serena Safari
Lodges - the choice is your
