The First One of Our Kids

[dreamshark]

On Thursday, Richard and I attended the wedding of Erik Baker and Nicole Emery. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the Irvine Park bandshell, a touching combination of traditional and eccentric. The bride and groom were barefoot with painted toenails, but the bridesmaids wore surprisingly familiar-looking purple satin dresses (which harmonized nicely with their tatoos). It was daring to plan an outdoor ceremony this time of year, Minnesota weather being what it is. On the other hand, Nicole has a reputation for weather-witchery, so maybe they weren't taking as big a chance as it seemed like. Weather-control powers had no influence on nearby construction and traffic noises, however, so it was difficult to hear a number of the speakers. I couldn't quite make out any of Erik's vows, but I did hear Nicole say, "You've asked me a million times, Erik, 'Are you my girl?' I guess this is your answer." Sweet. The reading from _Little Big_ also came through loud and clear - it was a nice fannish alternative to that passage from Corinthians 13 that usually seems to pop up at about that point. As I was drifting around the bandshell looking for a location where I could both hear and see what was going on, I encountered Reen Brust, who exclaimed tearfully, "It's the first one of our kids to get married!" [I started trying to explain what "our kids" meant in this context, but gave up. If I started listing them, I'd be sure to leave someone ourt, so I won't. You either know what I'm talking about or you don't.]

After the ceremony, all and sundry adjourned to the Forepaugh Mansion up the hill for snacks and socializing. The mansion was impressively restored, but claustrophobically Victorian. It seemed oppressively dark compared to the beautiful weather outside, so we didn't stay too long. It was a happy gathering, though - a very successful wedding by any standard. Last night, Thorin and I attended the reception at the Grand Hotel in Bloomington (Richard hadn't realized that the reception was Friday, and had neglected to cancel his usual game party, so he skipped it). The band Tramps and Hawkers played up a storm in the Crystal Ballroom, and much merriment was in evidence. I had a good time. I had a number of the kinds of conversations that start with being introduced as "Amber's mom" (which is fine), but also had a chance to visit with old friends closer to my own age, like the ever-delightful Peff.

Comments

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

How lovely you tell it.

Thank you.

K.

[90-percent-sure.livejournal.com]

You forgot to add the part where you came over and hugged me mid-ceremony, since I was crying like a baby... I always cry at weddings. It's what I do.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a new career option to me.

B