To set the mood - BEFORE reading this post, please listen to this in the background.
Daniel sits across from me now. His freshly-shaven chin leans into his hand (wedding ring visible). Soca music spills from his laptop and competes with Garth Trinidad's radio show. Every few minutes he reads more reviews and suggestions for our trip to St. Lucia that begins tonight. Turns out that we are visiting during Carnival. Imagine our luck....the streets erupt with elaborate costume parades, steel drum competitions, and soca dance parties. Near our resort giant leatherback turtles sun themselves on the sand...snorkeling in crystal clear water beckons...and cocktails, adorned with umbrellas and fruit slices, will flow freely from the bar....and back in our ocean-view villa our very own "private plunge pool" awaits.
I can't wait for our honeymoon....I'm abuzz with excitement. My dad will enjoy our home while we enjoy the sun in the Caribbean waters. Neither of us have ever been to this nook of the planet. And although we're staying in a fancy hotel, you can't take the "hosteling/mosquito-net-carrying" mindset out of us...we have packed tupperware to scoop up "inclusive meals" and jaunt off on the bus into various little towns. Towns that offer fish-frys from old men on the beach, dancing circles that erupt near local bars, Rasta food, and sand bars that allow for hours of simple sitting.
But before our feet trapse in the waters at Jalousie, I wanted to share just a few of my favorite photographs from the weekend....with a wee bit of storytelling. The professional photographs from the artistic Noa should be available in 5 more weeks. We can't wait to share them.Courtney flew down with her son (and my Godson) Jonah for the nuptial festivities. Here we are at the rehearsal dinner. I forced myself to sit apart from her because we often get consumed in our own side-story, gossip, and inside-jokes (a growing repertoire since we were 9 years old)...but we often raised our beers toward each other, winked, and shared knowing glances. For her to stand as my matron-of-honor, holding my hands in the bridal salon, spraying my shaking legs with cooling mist (thanks, Claire), and delivering the only speech of the night that made me cry....was an amazing gift.
Of course, the time with my nephew Sam has been incredible. If only they lived down the street. If only I always knew the pajamas that fit him, the book he loved most, the way he likes his fruit sliced, the songs he most enjoys...these little details I capture and relish in his presence...with heartbreak that they will soon change and I'll be once again just the "Auntie Zora on the phone."
But this weekend, I knew the story. "Dumbo" on page 233 of his Disney book. Kathy, my other fabulous bridesmaid, holds a reluctant Becca.
And well, I know she's my niece, but seriously....is there ANY cuter than Becca-Bean-Bear? I could hold her, sniff her neck, wipe her wispy hair from her face, watch her squish raspberries, blow bubbles with her lips, and dazzle me with her four-tooth grin all day. I want to stop time when I look at her.
And this young man. My, what a long journey it's been. On the day he entered the world, I was anxiously awaiting his arrival along with Courtney's other family members. We twiddled our thumbs, shot nervous smiles, and felt the sheer anticipation of this amazing boy.
His kind heart, outdoorsy spirit, and wild curls were a pure joy this weekend. He listened to more topics (including me discussing bikini waxing, manny/peddys, bridal panic, and magic spandex underwear) than most young men his age should every have to. He rode in the backseat of my car as we approached the wedding site...patient as I replayed my song for the day.
The rehearsal dinner was this golden evening when our two families, two sets of friends, gathered for a casual evening. Lumpia and pancit were served while Bea (Daniel's Goddaughter & our flower girl) danced with Becca in the hallway.
And if only my immense gratitude for my mother could be captured in words. Whether it be the ribbons dancing from flower balls, the bouquets and boutonnieres, the moss covered rocks, the shining vases filled with roses for Lola, the placecards swirled with calligraphy, the fountain bursting with succulents, the hosting of the rehearsal dinner, or the tugging of my magic underwear right before I walked down the aisle...she was my hero. She is my treasured mother.
And she can sing, too. Thanks to Ding & Daisy who brought their karaoke machine! (and to Daniela & Alyce for setting up the decorations!)
Days after the formal evenings...it was beach time! Hours of sun-bathing, sandcastle building, and wave jumping took place.
Jonah also made an incredible friend in Eduard. Another young man whose zest for life matches his own.
Sam is a blur in the midst of the men. Shane, Daniel, John, and Steve all enjoyed watching him spin around the back yard.
We took a brief departure from our visiting family & friends and enjoyed a night at Crystal Cove. Here is our first "vacation hand" picture. Notice the rings! It still makes me giddy to see it on his finger!
And with our wedding date inscribed in the sand, we bid adieu to the beach...at least for a few days...until we welcome the crashing waves once again on an island.
