Last Saturday I attended my first wedding since the COVID-19 shutdowns and lockdowns. It was a breath of fresh air. Literally. The ceremony was held on the beach.
I had driven five hours, from Southern California to Santa Cruz, CA, to be there. I stayed with my sister Karen and her husband. The following day, we arrived at Bonny Doon beach on Highway One to find about 30-40 people assembled. The bridegroom, my nephew Jimmy, was taking a dip in the ocean before donning his wedding suit. The bride, Paola, had yet to arrive. When she did show up, she was a sight to behold, coming down the sand dune with her attendants, resplendent in her bedazzled fairy-princess white gown with its long train trailing over the sand. She sparkled with reflected sunlight and the joy on her face.
My brother Jim officiated. The bride’s father, Hector, wore traditional Mexican formal attire, complete with a swallowtail coat and ruffled shirt. The bride’s children, Pavlova and Emiliano, both sang. Jimmy and Paolo exchanged their vows beneath a flower-decked bower against a backdrop of breaking waves.
It wasn’t perfect. There were some delays. Parking was a nightmare. The sound system failed. No one could find the toilet paper the groom’s mom had brought for the porta-potty. But no one cared. The spirit was one of joy and delight at being outdoors in a beautiful spot, celebrating a happy occasion. Watching the love between two people that had become deeply rooted in this time of the pandemic bear fruit.
How delightful, and lovely…..
Congratulations to all…
Being able to attend a joyful event…definitely worth the drive!!
Totally worth the drive! And it’s a lovely drive. To see the joy on the faces of the newlyweds–priceless. And I loved that the bride’s children were part of the ceremony. A wonderful occasion.