This makes it worth it!

Once in a while you receive a message that lifts up your spirit and spurs you on to strive for excellence.Recently I received a message on Facebook which I'd like to share:

Brian D'souza April 21 at 3:38pm
Hey Allan..i m not quite sure if you remember us..but you compered for our wedding..it was the same day as your birthday..21st Feb :) at blue berry...we had a fantabulous time and i never really got a chance to thank you .. you did an amazing job...compering is not easy but you make it so smooth..thank you for being a part of our wedding and the start of our journey..i know its been a year..but better late than never...you are compering again for my sis-in-law's wedding on Dec 4th this year...so will see you than..

An interesting tradition

On the 6^th I had the privilege of being the MC for the wedding of Dexter and Leayana, a very handsome couple. It was indeed a classy affair.

Lynx, the band; Zezito of The Wedding Planners, the decorators; Joshila, the caterers…all did an amazing job!.

Many couples give the sweet coated almonds as their giveaways. Dexter & Leayana did this too. But, the difference was that they explained the significance of these almonds on the pretty boxes they had made.

I was given to understand that this is a Jordanian custom and the five almonds stand for the blessings people bestow on the couple namely, health, wealth, happiness, fertility & longevity. Also, because odd numbers are indivisible, this also symbolizes that the newly weds will share everything and remain always undivided.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen

How does it feel to be a part of 1500 love stories?

I remember the first wedding I compered professionally. It was at a small hall in Santacruz. The groom, Francis, was determined to start the party at 7 pm, the time reflected on his invite. But, as usual, not a single guest had arrived. His anxiety rubbed off on me, and so, when we finally began, I forgot the wedding march. Darryl of Cascades, the band in attendance, tried to get my attention. But by that time, I had already announced the first dance. All it took was a little innovation and nobody could tell the difference - we ended the wedding with the march.

Over the years, compering weddings has become second nature to me.

Yet, at every wedding, I am reminded that with a little innovation, each one can be unique. Couples today look for that exotic flavour that will make their special day different.

At the wedding of Savio and Mirwat, we began with a Father & Daughter Dance... and not the customary bridal special. The song chosen was 'My daughter is a bride'. It was obvious that the crowd hadn't seen something like this before and many were moved to tears.

No matter how many wedding marches, fancy cakes or picture perfect moments I've seen, every time I look at that blushing new bride and nervous groom, the journey begins again. It's a day that they will never forget and I thank them for letting me be a part of their love story.