A Peruvian wedding

There's a wedding today in Arequipa, Peru.

As in countries the world over, little boys still in nappies dress up as men in stiff suits. Women who should know better squeeze into outfits that should have been left on the hanger in the shop.

 There's a family photo before the bride arrives.

 Some glamour as one of the bridesmaids turns up.

 Small children play with grass clippings while they wait for the service to begin.

At last, a classic car pulls up at the church gate.

Dad gives his daughter a hand with the train.

And then an old lady who was just passing by steps in to help.

But the veil won't stay on. Where are those bridesmaids when they're needed? Flirting with the best man and ushers inside. The bride is not impressed.

They respond to the bride's call and try to secure the wayward veil.

That'll do. The flower girl signals their impending approach.

The procession makes its way to the church door as the runaway train escapes the bridesmaids' clutches.

Just as the organist starts to play The Wedding March, the train detaches completely.

A few bars in and they're still trying to fix the blessed thing to the bride's hair.

 Phew, all is well. For now.

A shout goes up in the crowd outside as a hundred chocolate coins and sweets are thrown into the air for luck. There is a mad scramble by the onlookers desperate to get their fair share.

 The doors of the church shut tight and the wedding car waits outside.

And then life goes on as normal in Arequipa. Cars and taxis roar by and children, as they do all over the world, eat ice creams, play with siblings and chase pigeons in the park.

 

 

 

  

 

 

That's about it.

Love Maddie x