Flashmob

Flashmob from elsieandjoan on Vimeo.

I love a flashmob*. I love everything about them. The dancing, the music, the secret planning. I love that a seemingly ordinary moment turns into a few minutes of pure joy and celebration for those people who are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to experience it. There's not enough joy for the sake of joy in this world. I. Love. Flashmobs.

I have aspirations of being in a flashmob one day. But I think the only thing better than being in a flashmob, is one that's done in your honour.

Which is what happened to me. 

And, Oprah. We're totally kindred now.

I have such amazing friends and family. I'm still floored by the thought and effort that went into this and I will honestly treasure it forever. I've watched it a hundred times already, my cheeks are sore from all the smiling.

If you're wondering about the backstory, I wrote about my flashmob story here.

Otherwise, settle in and enjoy a few minutes of joy, just for the sake of it.

Belinda x

* The term 'flashmob' is used to describe a movement where groups of people gather for spontaneous public performances at pre-planned locations. Sometimes their intention is to bring awareness to a cause or they may have commercial links. But many are just to surprise an unsuspecting public.

My flashmob story

The story begins with these girls.

They are my girls. I've known them since highschool. For over twenty years. We've had our ups and downs but we've grown together, and have always been there for each other. I expect we always will be. 

We have a tradition. Well, it's fair to say we have a few. But this story is about a tradition that involves producing a personalised short film for each one of us as we get married. Each film has been different and creative, all are a tribute to the person and our friendship. The bride-to-be is kept in the dark, while the rest of us meet in secret, brainstorm, storyboard, recruit friends and family, film and edit. 

Katie was the first of us to get married. This was where it all began. We created K! True Hollywood Story which chronicled her whole life story, complete with interviews from all her nearest and dearest, plus a few surprise guests.

Amy was our resident Ranger Guide. Girl can tie a knot. She can also build an engine, wire up an electrical circuit or fix a lift. For Amy's, we filmed her Hen's event, complete with red carpet arrivals and live crosses back to a studio newsroom. It was serious, hard hitting journalism with a dose of frivolity and a sense of occasion. Much like a televised royal wedding, thus befitting a woman who both loves a good frock and is handy on the tools.

I've mentioned Mel before, here. Before she got married, we created M(el)TV. Our most ambitious project to date. We chose five of her all time favourite songs. And with the help of loads of friends and family, recorded film clips based either exactly (Beyonce, Crazy in Love) or very loosely (NKOTB, Hanging Tough) on the original version by the artist. Once we had recorded and edited the five music videos, we recorded ourselves presenting them in a music show program format. It was epic.

Since I eloped with Richard in Fiji, the girls didn't get the chance to do one for me. Little did I know that they weren't going to let me out of it that easily. It was my turn last Sunday, and they did an actual, real life flashmob! They've been working in secret for the past couple of months, rehearsing every weekend and planning every detail. It was all caught on film and is currently in the editing suite. 

BEST. EVER.

You may be wondering, why now? 

Well. It's not conventional to be sure but this coming weekend, two years after we eloped in Fiji, Richard and I are finally having our reception party. We have our reasons for the delay, but now that it's happening I'm so glad we waited. The timing is right.

We've been busy with planning and preparations over the last few months and we have one hell of a party in store for our family and friends. I can't wait and I know it's going to be a fantastic day. But because we're aiming for a relaxed, family picnic style day, I hadn't really given alot of thought to what the occasion meant to everyone else. It's really hit home for me now. They might not have been able to join us on our wedding day, but they sure as eggs are turning up to the party!

Belinda x

PS. As soon as that movie is ready to share, you can bet I'll be posting it here! A glimpse here of the flashmob in action, in case you missed it.