?I definitely do?
The Observer Staff
Photos by Phillippe Diederich
The air was cool, but with a hint of warmth. A breeze set the white tulle bows decorating the chairs aflutter. Each smooth wave sparkled as it hit the sugar-sand beach. The setting sun tinted the horizon with just the perfect warm, pink glow. At the same time, the harvest moon hovered above the opposite horizon and shone with startling clarity. What is this called ? cosmic kismet? No matter ? for Emily Walsh and Julian Parry, it was the perfect setting for their Nov. 4 nuptials.
Two-hundred-fifty guests checked their shoes at the door of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort for the barefoot, beach wedding. And while they waited for the wedding party to walk down the sandy aisle, they perused The Walsh-Parry Post, an Observer-like newspaper that served as the program, which featured stories and photographs about the couple, their families and the wedding party.
Judge Rick DeFuria officiated the ceremony that began with the groom, who hooted with excitement, arms extended upward, as he lead his groomsmen down the aisle. The guests responded with cheers of delight and applause. This exuberant crowd was not about to reserve its excitement for the end of the ceremony.
Next, flower girls Sophie and Zo? Leereveld, nieces of the groom and twin daughters of Bart and Karine Leereveld, charmed attendees as they sprinkled the aisle with pink and orange rose petals for the bride?s traditional walk with her father, Matt Walsh.
As they exchanged vows, the bride shed a few tears, which the groom tenderly wiped away. And, when DeFuria asked Julian Parry, if he took Emily Walsh as his wife, Parry answered with an emphatic, ?I definitely do.?
While the wedding party, which included seven bridesmaids, seven groomsmen and two ushers, posed for portraits, guests surrounded The Colony pool deck for cocktails and hors d?oeuvres while watching the magnificent sunset. Later, guests followed a lantern-lighted pathway leading to an enormous clear tent, which glowed with tulle-covered twinkle lights. Pink and orange tulips decorated the candlelit tables, which were highlighted with bright apple-green napkins. At each place setting, was a Fun Friend, the groom?s plush cell-phone cover products, fashioned to look like the bride and the groom.
Then, the bride?s father announced the arrived of Mr. and Mrs. Julian Parry, who entered the tent for their first dance. The newlyweds re-enacted the famous ?Dirty Dancing? dance, complete with bridesmaids and groomsmen joining in at the end. A dance including the parents followed, along with heartfelt toasts by Matt Walsh and best man Tad Kitchner. Matron of honor and sister of the bride Kate Walsh Honea had the guests dabbing their eyes after her sentimental tribute.
Guests were treated to an exceptional feast that included a whole roasted suckling pig. The mouthwatering menu was created with the help of Pattigeorge?s chef, Tommy Klauber.
And, after the bride and groom cut their cupcake ?tower,? the real fun began. Pocket Change charged up the party with its famous R&B tunes, keeping guests on the dance floor all night long ? literally.
The party continued at the afterparty in the The Colony?s Monkey Room Patio, where guests grooved to music and enjoyed late-night munchies ? especially The Colony?s mini burgers and French fries.
What a wedding ? what a celebration. And, family and friends all felt and reveled in the apparent love.
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