So, Tom was able to set up breakfasts and a lunch with his chums on Thursday and Friday. When it was my turn with the car, I caught a few other folks off guard, as I swooped down on them for a quick visit.
Friday evening was the rehearsal and post-rehearsal party, the first of an impressive string of wedding extravaganzas. The rehearsal/wedding was at La Jolla Pres, a lovely, Spanish-style church near the art museum. It was there that we really started to get the gist of how beautiful and elegant an affair this was shaping up to be--and some of the old friends we were going to be spending some time with (I know...a preposition at the end of a sentence. So sue me). Scott and Jean Oas, were there, friends for 25 years and whom we hadn't laid eyes on for about the last 7 or 8 (they live in CO). So fun! We had met Julie several months before, with Devin, but we reacquainted ourselves.
And it had been awhile since we'd seen Abby or Megan Long, gorgeous creatures. They were just two, however, of the 18 (eighteen) attendants who lined up on orders of the rather imperious wedding coordinator. Yow! Cast of thousands! The party was in Old Town at the Coyote Cafe. Terrie had put together the perfect festive table decor, the food was wonderful and the "program" was great--Devin and Julie handing out gifts to and acknowledging the friendships of each friend/attendant, plus a charming video of the happy couple. Very classy. Robin and Whitey, Patty Edwards and Calee Oas, also among those of whom we measure last sightings in years, were there, plus many CCCers we love. Cool party.Next morning, we were part of a great brunch at Miriam and Andy's and where we had more time to catch up with all of the above and more church friends, including Devin, I might add. The Montessoros (that would be Miriam and Andy) have gradually been transforming their already nice house into Architectural Digest elegant. Very impressive.
The wedding was at four. It was beautiful. Devin and Julie seemed pretty coherent throughout--even looked like they were enjoying themselves. And we didn't mess up the song. Perfect! OK, the dresses: Julie in an amazing white dress, the attendants in elegant black sheath-type dresses. All carried reddish bronze calla lilies, the bride with red roses mixed in. Quite stunning.
The reception was held at the El Cortez ballroom downtown, a round room with columns and a rococo-style gilded ceiling. The cocktail time was held in a massive white tent, outside. Satin tablecloths and and linens, inside; exquisite flower arrangements on each table; cool dj; fun dancing! Late in the party, Kyle was able to make a quick appearance and...
We visited with her at home shortly thereafter. But, she and Noel were up, again, at 4 the next morning to drive to Palm Springs for a meeting (though, by now, they're bopping around, uh, India). Many thanks, again, to them for their gracious hospitality! We went off to church, where we did our best to greet and chat with as many people as possible, hugging our way through the building. So difficult! It was great to see folks, and so frustrating to have so little time!
Then, we made a stop at the Long's for brunch, where the bride, groom, attendants, friends, and more friends were hanging out. Devin and Julie were planning to leave for Argentina the next morning, so they were having a good time. All in all, they, the Longs and the Ratchfords (Julie's folks) put on an amazing sequence of awesome celebrations and we thank them for including us! We wish Devin and Julie a wonderful life together!
About 1pm, Sunday, we started for home, arriving around 10:30. We made good time. Stopping for Twisters and shakes at Foster's was the cherry on the banana split weekend.
The photos are: Tic and Terrie at rehearsal, Devin and Julie at the reception, Terrie, Jean and Patti, John, Gwen and Abby, and the Craig and Karen.
