Of course, I may be biased! But from my perspective, it couldn't have been a lovelier celebration of Laurel and Joshua's union. The both of them did a bang up job of planning and presenting a fantastic event. It was more than just an event, though. It was a milestone, a touchstone and an expansion of family (a term I use to encompass the chosen family of well formed friendships in addition to blood relatives).
Laurel and I had had a few conversations about what weddings are, what they represent and how best to navigate the traditions, yet express personal meaning and support core values. We had the good fortune to be able to chill together and wander the Mission the day before everyone converged (really, one of my top fave things...spending time with her). It's interesting to view my daughter and our history together. How can I ever truly feel separate from her? That's not to say I don't respect her individuality, autonomy, and personal space...but that, well, she (and her brother) is my heart. But I digress. What I really wanted to say is how impressed, although not surprised, I was by her and Joshua's choices. The wedding was them to a T, on many levels. From the artful, yet peculiar (in the best possible of ways) ceremony venue, to the choice of attire that represented their awesome style, to the reception filled with the most wonderful and well prepared food and drink. The ceremony itself contained no canned wedding recitations, but simple, true and heartfelt words. This was their gift to us all. I feel blessed by their thoughtfulness and the effort to make the community witnessed commitment to each other so incredibly special.
Besides the wedding, the weekend...long weekend...actually nearly a whole week for me...was pretty much magical. I use that word, magical, to denote all the good feels I had throughout my stay, rather than any supernatural occurrence of course! From getting a dose of San Francisco bay air, scented by the salty sea and sweet fennel blossoms, to spending lots of quality time with my siblings, to meeting all the new family members, my heart felt glad and nurtured. Working with Sam and Kathy (Joshua's folks) and Matt (Laurel's dad), putting together a welcome dinner and lending a hand setting up for the ceremony, was a pleasure and another opportunity to forge bonds. We all worked hard, although my efforts were so joyous and creative I can't really call them work! I could point out the myriad little niceties...the stay at the funky Burlington Hotel (and awesome pastries and coffee in the morning), the out of character dance party kind of dancing of which I partook (really, I had no idea it could lend such a feeling of connection with others!), the to-die-for cocktails (yummm!!)...but I'll just say that I came away feeling connected and revived.
This is not to say that there wasn't a degree of sadness or catch in my throat as I approached my departure. I'm not sure I'll ever be totally able to take my leave from the fam without feeling a twinge of bittersweet. That will always probably be true and I can live with that. And part of the reason I can live with that, what makes it just a smidge easier, is because of the deep feeling of connection I take home with me, and in this case it was a trunkful!
digging into the delicious feast at the welcome dinner...
all ready for the ceremony...
husband and wife...arm in arm...
toast!!
first dance as a married couple!
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