Ideal Marriage Ceremony?

Reading this post at Fluent In Fag cracks me up about how I used to be frenzied about my own marriage ceremony. But deep down in my heart and in my mind I know there won't be a bride at my wedding. Anyway, quoting Fluent In Fag:

"I also wanted the whole white-dress and tuxedo Western church wedding - somewhat odd in retrospect, because in addition to being a flaming queenlet, I was also a raging atheist - with the hushed awe as I walked down the aisle (I wanted to be in the dress), the solemnity and explicitness of the vows, and the awesome drama queen moment where the priest asks if anyone has any reasons that these two should not be wed, and everybody looks down while priest and couple glare accusingly at the crowd. It all sent shivers down my spine. I wanted a honeymoon too."

Okay. I used to dream about a tiny chapel, ribboned pews, pealing bells, the plush red carpet, the hushed awe as my bride demurely proceeding down the aisle, the beautiful unraveling of Pachelbel's Canon, the solemnity of the vows, and finally the first kiss. I have been to wedding like this, and in fact a few times already, as the best man! I enjoy being the right hand man to the groom because everyone--friends, family, and guests, treats the best man cordially and with a shade of deference and appreciation that is a tribute to his friendship with the groom.

I appreciate the personal aspect of marriage, which is a vow between two people who love each other unconditionally. For better or worse, till death do they part. Two people, unite into one, negotiate through their difference in life experiences, their selfishness, treat each other with kindness and consideration. Of course there will be argument but being honest and vulnerable with feelings shall overcome any barrier in relationship.

If I am having a marriage ceremony, it will be very simple. I'll take up the vow at the beach, feet waddling in the glittering water, on an tropical island, maybe like Langkawi, late in the afternoon awaiting sunset. There won't be tuxedo or cummerband just Irish white linen shirt and white capri (I know that's so gay) pants and sandals, maybe a straw hat to block the sun. Nor would there be catering, or live music. All our friends will come witness the exchange of vow and celebrate with us like a beach party. Honeymoon would be to take up residence in the shacks built on water.

Meanwhile my iPod is playing: