Beth freaks out.

(prev) So-called sister-in-law (Beth, 42 yrs old) subsequently stormed into the small Chapel, seconds (literally) before the ceremony, freaking out in front of *all* the now-seated guests. Picture an old Western movie - the scene where the gunslinger swings open the Saloon doors and the card-playing patrons stop everything to look up - only torqued up to Benny Hill speed. Add to this visual Beth stomping towards me, shrieking (at the top of her lungs) "yooooouuu asshole!" Not something you generally hear, or see, at a wedding - especially when directed at the groom. And it certainly grabbed everyone's attention. Apparently, this was for threatening her "baby brother" (dude's in his thirties) and somehow torpedoeding their efforts to get Bryan there in the first place - "We've worked on Bryan for a month to get him to come!" she exclaimed (no thanks for small mercies) and that I had, being an asshole and all, "made Bryan go away!"
"I'm begging you Beth, please be quiet," I implored her, "We can do this. Just not here, not now." I pleaded with Beth to "give me 23 minutes" (the estimated length of the ceremony) but she continued to scream on, her wailing peppered with expletatives, for what seemed like an eternity (truth to tell, I can only quote accurately what I have done so - I was too focused on getting Beth to be quiet to take exact note of everything she was yelling). I could have crawled into a hole - such was my embarrassment. I found it impossible to believe that she was carrying on this way - behavior usually reserved for drunken louts - at her sister's wedding. I could practically 'feel' the uncomfortable silence of our guests. Mortified, my father told her to "watch (her) manners", pleaded with her to "take it outside" and to "catch yourself on" (an Irish-ism to be sure). My son Matthew even got into it, all to no avail. Thankfully, the vicar (like the guests, embarrassed and presumably horrified) called things to order (Sue, unsure of what had happened with Bryan and unaware of Beth's ongoing outburst, was actually entering the chapel). Matthew and I had to walk away, leaving my father to deal with the still-ranting Beth. Always the ' lifesaver', Sue's Uncle Bruce agreed instantly to do whatever was necessary as a 'witness', while Beth (presumably seeing Sue walk through the door) reluctantly paused her tantrum and sat down - still seething, but relatively quiet. Not for long..

Throughout the entire ceremony Beth tried her best to disrupt the service. Her constant nattering, muttering - "I think taking pictures is stupid" is one memorable quote - and shuffling about was captured on glorious 32 bit video and accompanying audio - we had to edit her out of every scene (thank you Final Cut) as she was either moaning/bitching or making faces at the camera operator (my old man), the vicar (she practically threw a pen at him at the signing table with a snarled "whatever!") and of course, me (her look of scorn at the signing table, and my reaction to same is actually quite hilarious). During the actual wedding vows, Beth is captured (on video) standing, arms crossed, at the Chapel doorway - staring out into the parking lot, sunglasses perched on her head. Nice touch sis. But weren't you asked by your folks to take pictures? Oh yeah, that's right - taking pictures (at your sister's wedding) is "stupid"...

Immediately after the ceremony, Beth 'corralled' all the McGuire clan - presumably to tell them her 'version' of what had happened between Bryan and me (though she wasn't present at the time), scuttling previously planned photographs using the lush gardens as a backdrop. Her 'crazy arms' antics were caught in the background of many of the photographs that were taken. Embarrassed guests had no idea what to do, so the usual ''milling about' and introductions didn't happen. Some people went to change into less formal wear for the reception. Others drifted away, presumably to head towards the house. Sue and I had to leave earlier than expected, most of the planned photographs untaken, in order to get to the house and get various bits-and-pieces (drinks, snacks, ice, etc), ready before guests arrived. It was during this trip that Sue was able to tell me about Bryan's behavior in the parking lot. In turn, I filled her in on what had happened with Bryan and then Beth inside the Chapel. It was decided that we had to put a stop to these antics, lest our wedding day be completely ruined by the actions of her brother and now apparently - her sister as well. When we arrived at the house, the (so-called) in-laws were already there. Beth was storming across the lawn, clench-jawed and red-faced - obviously still seething - towards the McGuire's car, parked at curbside. So... Next: Reception brawling