Griffin Speaks

A WEDDING TO REMEMBER

I have attended and participated in several weddings over the years, but none has been more beautiful than Vivian’s and Norberts’s . Norbert Williams is one of my closest and most trustworthy friends. Until Saturday, June 22nd he led the life of a confirmed bachelor. The person responsible for the couple meeting was none other than Birmingham Yentle, Ms. Phyllis Jones. Phyllis is Senator Charles Langford’s special friend. Senator Langford is Norbert’s father’s best friend.

Norbert had been in so many weddings as a groomsman or best man, I was certain that he would not have room in his wedding to include me as a participant. I was wrong. A few months ago Norbert asked me to participate in his wedding. I was flattered and honored beyond belief. I did not know until the rehearsal what my responsibilities would include. People would ask me, “what are you going to do in the wedding?” I would answer, “I do not know, but I am wearing a tuxedo.” My duties included assisting Carey Jones, cousin of the groom with the lighting of the candles, escorting Mrs. Ethel Leonard, Mother of the bride into the ceremony and escorting other guest. Norbert’s stepmother, Dr. Mattie Wathall-Williams was escorted by Christopher Alexander, the groom’s frat brother .

Clarence Hampton and Courtney Tarver were also participants in the wedding. They were groomsmen along with Norbert’s other lifelong friends, Jon Beans, William Minter II, Myron Smoot and brothers, Captain Damund Williams and Fehrone Williams. The bridesmaids, matron of honor and maid of honor were all very stunning Norbert’s father; Mr. W.J. Williams served as Best Man.

Norbert’s first cousin, Civil Rights Legend, Rev Dr. Frederick Reese performed the lovely ceremony. Norbert and Vivian took their vows and became man and wife. The standing room only crowd was delighted when Dr. Reese introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Williams.

My entire family attended Uncle Norbert’s wedding. My kids refer to all of my close friends as Uncle or Aunt. Greg Jr., Alexis and Christopher were anxious to get to the reception. I took pictures with the wedding party and rushed to the reception. I was surprised, but delighted that the guests were already eating. Food was coming from everywhere. The food was as delicious as the food at Yvonne and Wendell Saxon’s wedding, Tony and Tori Burk’s wedding. Judge Tori Burks and husband Tony reminded Debra and me that eleven years ago to the day we were attending their wedding in Mobile.

I have always used Norbert as an example of someone who manages his wealth well. My kids think Uncle Norbert is as wealthy as Bill Gates. I would be driving around town and point out to my kids that Uncle Norbert owns that house or that apartment complex. Greg Jr. would respond with, “Why does he drive that beat up gray car?” My response would be: “Rich people buy their luxuries last.”

We were driving back to Montgomery, when I overheard Alexis ask Greg Jr. if Uncle Norbert and Aunt Vivian signed a pre-nuptial agreement? Greg Jr. said “Yep! I saw it in the program.” I asked Greg Jr. where in the program did he see that the couple had signed a pre-nuptial agreement? He handed the program to Debra and there it was right under THE WEDDING CEREMONY was PRE-NUPTIAL MUSIC. We all had a big laugh and finished our journey.

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by logging on to his web page at www.greggriffin.com