Bragg and Erin at Mango Bay
The bride wore flip flops. So did the groom and the Registrar. There were in fact no proper shoes at all on display when my youngest brother, Bragg, and his fiance, Erin, became husband and wife Saturday on the beach at Mango Bay, Virgin Gorda. I do love a beach wedding.
The wedding party
The wedding was like the couple themselves – casual, warm and shot through with love. The traditional vows were spoken. Bragg and Erin promised to love, honor and cherish each other until parted by death. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Erin and Bragg both shed a tear or two. Erin’s mom cried. I cried. Bones did not cry. He was busy photographing the ceremony. Audrey was the ring bearer in pink and white (and my flip flops). Bragg kissed his bride and congratulations were offered all around.
The wedding crasher
After the ceremony, the marriage register was signed and we toasted the newlyweds with champagne. Bones took the Registrar to the dock so she could catch the ferry back to Tortola. The marriage certificate was examined and Erin was none too pleased to see that she was considered a spinster before her marriage, at least in the eyes of the BVI government. The word spinster brings to mind your Great Aunt Maude, not my lovely new sister. Maude is eighty-something, has twelve cats, wears cardigans and sensible shoes, takes the occasional tot of sherry and was once disappointed in love. Erin is in her early thirties, sports several tattoos, has been skydiving, loves rock and roll and makes a mean mojito. Definitely not spinsterish.
She's no spinster!
Erin made a pitcher of mojitos and we watched the sun set behind the Seal Dogs (those are islands for readers not familiar with the BVI). You always know where to find the Davis clan at a wedding. We’re by the bar. Funny, that. The wedding feast was at Giorgio’s, which used to be by the sea at Mahoe Bay until a rock slide buried the kitchen. Luckily no one was hurt and Giorgio and his absolutely astounding Italian wine cellar have relocated to The Valley. Dinner was the perfect ending to a perfect day, at least for this lover of Italian food and wine.
Sunset
Now we’re returned to real life on Tortola and Erin’s mom is back in the States. Bragg and Erin are honeymooning on Virgin Gorda. They’ll spend their days snorkeling, swimming, sailing, lounging by the sea. And I don’t imagine they’ll wear shoes all week.
My brother and his bride
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
So what you’re saying is, Erin tended bar even at her own wedding! Lovely report Abigail.
I had a Great Aunt Maude! You nailed it.
I’m going back to Benano in a few weeks and I continue to refer potential guests to your wonderful blog. I love your writing and look forward to meeting you one of these days.
…okay…I want a do-over… and I love the way Bones photographs us generously built Reubenesque ladies. If Bones will take the photos, and I can get Charlie to marry me again, I definitely want a do-over !
Amy – Yes she did but I opened the champagne!
Karen – Thank you. I hope it won’t be too long before we get back to Benano and Torre Alfina. In the meantime, I’ll live vicariously through your blog.
Steff – I think we should celebrate with another wedding every 10 years or so. You could get Charlie to marry you again but I doubt he’d want to go to the reception. You’d have to come up to the balcony for champagne.
The simplest weddings ARE the best. Thanks for sharing this lovely occasion.
And by the way I am PROUD to be called a spinster……
You are no Great Aunt Maude my dear!
Erin’s dress is gorgeous. Yes quaint old colonial leftovers. I was also a a spinster at 27 and like Erin none to pleased!
The dress was lovely and Erin was beautiful in it!