This weekend I had the pleasure of being the best man at the Wedding Ceremony of John McCrank and Samira Hussain. Although I realized that they were both successful in their chosen careers as Journalists I did not realize just how successful they where or what a significant cultural affair this was until after the event. The event signified not only the joining of two families, also two cultures as well as had the who is who of business, journalism, and art.

 As best man I had the best seat in the house for the ceremony it was moving, touching and spoke of modern spirituality. The Bride was dressed in a traditional Lehenga of red and gold, her hands Hennaed from ceremonies from the night before, she truly looked like an exotic princess from a far away place. John too looked at his finest, sophisticated, chic and handsome, in a classic black designer suit with a white shirt and for a bit of flash a nice red tie. With the bride arriving at the “alter” the Imam (Muslim priest) commenced. This was not a traditional Muslim ceremony and Hanni (the priest) altered his ceremony appropriately. His choice of words spoke of the basis of all religions and the words that flowed from Hanni’s mouth seemed to be directly flowing to the ears of God or Allah as the words he used transcended all religions. They spoke of love, tolerance, respect and faith. These words seemed to form a conduit directly to the heavens and in amongst the private downtown courtyard the sky above opened and saints and prophets of all religions seemed to hear the vows being spoken and give blessings on the bride and groom. With the rings exchanged, the bride kissed, and the wedding license signed the brides mother gave them both a necklace made of red and white flower petals and off they went to have pictures taken. The rest of us were left to mingle and the reception started with a choice of an exotic blend of fruit juices or wine.

 As people mingled I played with the kids, as I always feel a little uncomfortable in a large group of people who I don’t really know and that do not really know me either(I can come off a little strange). So it was me and the kids and we ran a played until it was my time to have some photos taken, then we were called tour seats for the commencement of diner.

 Both the ceremony and the dinner were held at the elegant and illustrious Jump Café in downtown Toronto. The space was phenomenal and the all staff excelled at their given duties. The MC for the evening was Waheed Hussain, Samira’s brother and Penn State University Professor of Philosophy. He exemplified the whole Hussain family as he was young, successful, eloquent, and well educated.  His statements were short and heart felt and the first course was severed.

 Chef Philipo Mancuso really out did himself. There was choice of appetizers calamari, or some sort of tomatoes and feta cheese dish. I tend to eat neither which is why my description of the two is only based on observation. I do eat a lot of Caesar salad though (three or four times a week) and through the good graces of our server she arranged for my appetizer to come off the kids menu. It was marvelous the perfect blend of garlic, lemon and romaine lettuce. Oh Mon Dieu I salivate now days after at the thought of it. For the Main course we had our choice of three entrées a veggie bowl as large majority of the party were vegetarian, fish dish, and steak so sweet and succulent you could cut it with a butter knife. The portions were perfect as when I finished my plate I was contently full with the craving for more only because it was the best meal I had eaten in years.

 So with a full belly and a little wine in me it was time for me to perform. As is customary at a wedding the best man gives a few words. I wrote a song and backed by the Tabla  I dropped my newly penned “My Friend John”, not influenced by any of the videos I saw on YouTube a moment a go when I typed it in. Once again cultures combined as punk and traditional Indian music merged to create a memorable experience that all could share and relate to. I was thankful the Tabla backed me as it added a great deal to my song allowing me to concentrate on the words rather than the beat, and the combination really took it to another level. The Tabla player had played traditional Indian music through out the evening with the sitar creating peaceful and joyous vibrations through out the celebration. After that our good friend Jason Stevenson said a few words about John. I have always said that in the New World Jason would be the head of Finance(he’s a banker), John the Head of Information, and I will be the head of Arts and Culture, really I just want to use there influence to get me great commissions so

I can make great works of art though. From the looks we are part way there. It was a great reunion of old friends as we have not seen each other in years.

 The guest list really was very impressive as it had such attendees as the famed Alison Smith from the CBC, the “Silver Fox” from Reuters, and so many business people, doctors, journalists and intellects it made ones head spin. These people flew in from around the world to attend the ceremony. The McCranks were in fine form having come in from all parts of Canada, all of whom are infamous in their given circles. The most famous of all other than John being professional skateboarder Rick McCrank, I have always believed that part of Rick’s success was due to his brother. Not negating any of the hard work he has put or any natural ability or talent Rick has, with John as an influence though I know that people tend to have excelled to even greater heights. I too have benefited from that inspiration. I found it hard to believe that all these people who were so successful in their given fields could also be so down to earth and so kind. The Hussain’s as well also exemplified success as the majority of Samira’s family had more letters behind their name than could be filled upon this page. Samira’s mother is a classic example of this, whom has been a practicing Doctor for years and recently just moved back to Montreal after a stint with Doctors Without Boarders, helping tsunami victims. There were also delegates from CBC Washington and business men from Boston. The list of important Journalist and Editors from CBC and Reuters was immense.

 The Cake was cut and we were ready to get down and get down we did. The First song of the night was 1,2,3,4, by Feist. The bride and groom danced and the rest of us joined them on the dance floor. It was a beautiful night and all of us celebrated love in its purest form. Transcending all humanity and lifting us all to greater heights.

 In closing I would like to note this was not written as a who is who socialite gathering. I mention the names I did (some notable delegates were not mentioned as I did not spend enough time with them) in reference to what a significant event this was and how important this union was. It was cross cultural and broke down any preconceived notions of what love and religion should be. I am emotionally moved as I think of the event. The combination between a traditional Indian marriage ceremony, Muslim practice, and the Modern Western world in which we all live spoke to me about Modernity and the future of Humanity. As we combine all cultures, take parts from all belief systems and are influenced from all humanities histories (or herstories if you prefer).We are unconsciously preparing ourselves to go to the next level. I believe this was a significant example of such.

 Special thanks to Cyrus, Rachael, and Betty as well all the service staff that did such an amazing job at taking care of us. Photo by Dan Kennedy

 This blog maybe altered or removed at the request of John McCrank or Samira Hussain. May your love flow and act as an example to us all. Congratulations.