My friend Hilary married her hubby at a costume wedding in a park. There was a bouncy house. They rode down the aisle on a tandem bike. A friend officiated the service, then we all drank far too much. I may or may not have gotten in the jump house with my friend Darling's hubby, and proceeded to knock the whole thing over. That takes a lot of effort, let me tell you.
My friend Megan had a dark circus themed wedding. She made the invitations herself and they were gorgeous. Pretty much everyone at the wedding my age, was covered in tattoos and wearing vintage outfits. They had already gotten married in Vegas, but were renewing their vows. It was a short and pretty ceremony, followed by a fun reception in an Elks Lodge. An Elks Lodge where I found a light up deer painting that I turned on and amused all the guests with.
My friend Jen had a janky hoedown wedding. I missed that one because I couldn't find a date and really didn't want to go alone. I made dinner for her family recently and soaked in all of the details. I am really happy they found each other. Her husband Daniel is a great guy and even said he might be able to fix my pinball machine.
Sunday I went to my cousin Sarah's wedding. It was officiated by the woman Earline, who owns the Santa Cruz house I visit often. It was a very relaxed, intimate, and fun ceremony. Earline had asked me to sit where she could see me, as she was nervous and wanted to look upon a smiling friendly face if she lost her place or started tripping over her words. I warned her I'm a big baby wedding crier. My cousin walked down the aisle with her eyes welled up with tears, and I immediately joined her. You see, the guy she married is this amazing semi-pro football player who treats her really well and loves her to death. I am really happy for her. Plus, I'm an empathetic crier. I settled down until her hubby Brandyn started in on his vows. He said when he asked her folks for her hand in marriage, they asked why he wanted to marry her. His response was a simple, "Because she's perfect." He then went on to say something to the effect of how she made him a better person, without ever asking him to change. Again came the damn tears. It was so sweet, and you could hear in his quivering voice, and see in his face, how much he truly loved my cousin, and thought theirs was a forever love.
Although I don't believe in marriage, I am glad that I know so many happily married people. I don't really see it in my future. But as I've said before, if I loved someone and it was important to them we get hitched, I would totally do it without regret. You gotta take chances, right?
Happy picture of the day: here is Sarah walking down the aisle with my uncle Paul. She looked absolutely stunning, and I am really happy that she found love. I honestly believe there are many years of happiness in her future with her new husband. I fell in love with him as soon as I saw the way he looked at her.
I have a couple of friends doing the wedding thing this year as well. I'm with you on the marriage standpoint, but I'm always happy to see two people in a respectful, nurturing, happy relationship. It's more rare than one would think, and when I see a "good" relationship--one that is truly those things and not one of convenience--it makes my heart happy for them.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I think especially so since the guy before this one was such an ass, and I fully believe in being supportive of friends and family and not bad-mouthing their mate. I just say once, "They don't seem to treat you properly" and that's it.
ReplyDeleteI was glad when she dumped him and then later when she met this guy. He's amazing.
Weddings can be a lot of fun! The ones you went to seem to be especially exciting!! I mean, the themes they picked were awesome!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I totally laughed at you knocking the bouncy thing over. hahaha
what awesome weddings! i have never been to a truly awesome wedding -- i have never even been to one where i could have booze! lame!
ReplyDeleteand i find it funny that you don't believe in marriage! HA! after writing this post it was kind of a surprising thing to read! lol
not sure if i could ever get down with marriage. it is a biggie. and all the wedding hoopla is something that would drive me nuts. oh, and it is such a YUGE commitment! much easier to just roll along in life with the one you love, and maybe live together. but maybe it is the same difference? humph. who knows.
p.s. i LOVE santa cruz too, and might be lucky enough to take a tiny trip there this summer. :)
@Jax,
ReplyDeleteI do tend to get to go to fun weddings. Knocking over the bouncy house was hilarious. Getting it back up...not so much.
@droll,
All the weddings here have booze. In fact, now that I'm sober I rarely stay for the reception part for very long.
I have never believed in marriage. Why do you need a binding contract like it's a business? It's love. And people should be able to grow apart and break up, without having to go through all the legal mess.
I go to Santa Cruz all the time. If you make it out there let me know, and I'll meet you and show you the best dive bar in town, if you're in to that sort of thing.