The marriage of Radka and Zaman—Gina Bowman
first published: Pevensey Bay Journal
the independent broadsheet newspaper for Pevensey Bay
edition 15, 22 January 2018: now in local newsagents, priced 40p
How do I begin to describe the wonderful experience? I attended the wedding reception of Radka Ihtiarova and Aktharuz Zaman on Monday 8 January 2018.
Radka from Bulgaria and Zaman from Bangladesh tied the knot at the Brighton Registry Office. During that time Radka who works for Suresh and Ruby, owners of the Bay Side Diner, was given away by Suresh, to become married to Zaman. Close friends Mark and Barbara kindly provided their large white be-ribboned car for the drive to Brighton.
I was honoured to be invited to the wedding reception in the Bay Hotel. From the moment I entered the room set aside for the happy couple until the time I left, it was a time of joy and celebration.
The Bay Hotel provided a sumptuous spread together with a beautiful wedding cake supplied by Mark and Barbara. Another sweet touch was a young lady solo guitarist singing lilting love songs as a background to the festivities.
Here I pause to give praise and acknowledgment to Barbara, who created elegant white silk rose buttonholes for each guest along with a bridal posy of beautiful multicoloured silk roses for Radka.
During the time I spent with Radka and Zaman I was treated like royalty by the newly weds attending to my every need and comfort. To say the bride looked stunning in her exquisite ivory silk taffeta dress would be a massive understatement. The dress was further complemented by her groom in a beautiful tailored suit.
What struck me was the most was the eclectic mix of nationalities, all harmonising in a relaxed natural way.
It was an atmosphere of light hearted banter and lively conversation. Diversity and friendliness in abundance.
How lucky we are as residents of the Bay to live in a village that genuinely cares for people like Radka and Zaman regardless of gender, race, culture or faith.
Community spirit flows through residents, shopkeepers, business owners, our medical centre, imbuing us with sense of belonging, care, support and friendship. Oh! What a lovely wedding.
Karen Hudson landlady of the Bay Hotel added, we were very pleased to help, our first wedding, nice to surprise her, Radka cried when she walked in, We have invited them back on Valentine’s Night for a meal with our best room, with our compliments, to make their first Valentine’s Night as Mr and Mrs special.
Barbara Drake, with partner Mark Keeble who had helped so much and also arranged a wedding night hotel in Eastbourne, grinned from ear to ear as she talked about the happiness of Radka and Zaman, “she calls me Barbaritk”.
