Day 5, 27 April 2002
Saturday the WEDDING DAY!

Dum, da-da-dummmm...
10, 15 minutes of picture-taking and we were ready for the ceremony to begin. Much confusion and maneuvering. Not surprising, since we had no rehearsal, remember? Everyone made their way to the bluff. Including Dad. He had to be fetched back up so he could walk me down the lawn like you'd see at any proper wedding. Ha ha silly dad.

We had no processional music (again, one of those details that seemed inconsequential to me), so there was no clear signal of when we should actually start processing...After a few seconds when it seemed everyone was situated down by the bluff, I sort of just pushed Anne to start walking. She gave me a look of, Oh my God what. A few paces later Dad and I followed suit. Every few seconds Anne would turn around as we made our way down the lawn towards the bluff. She was all unsure and nervous. I was too. I didn't think I'd notice or care, but it did seem a smidge awkward not having processional music to formally announce the bride's arrival. We were totally making it up as we went along.

While Dad and I were walking he said to me, "Wow...I can't believe this is happening. I remember my own wedding day like it was yesterday and here you are..." Sniff.

The Ceremony
Two ministers - one to officiate in Spanish, and the other to translate - presided at the ceremony. I tried to squeeze every moment out of that short ceremony but it still went by so quickly. I started crying during the exchanging of vows. It finally hit me only then. It was so beautiful out there, the ocean before us, our loved ones behind us, the sun slowing setting, and my true love gazing so intently into my eyes that I had to look away for fear of sobbing like a little girl. A few times Anne produced for me tissue discretely hidden away in the shoulder band of her dress. A few times Dan did the same. I couldn't see my parents and didn't want to know if they were crying too.

My Duck looked so handsome in his suit, so handsome and tall and. . .red. That sunburn really did a number on him, despite keeping to the shade. His whole head was turning into a star. The gigantic bug bite on my upper arm was also starting to emit its own light. I tried to refrain from scratching as it would have been extremely unrefined during your own wedding ceremony

When it was time to say I Do, I belted out a vehement "¡Si!" through my tears and finally laughed. We kissed (chastely!) and Dan picked me up and hurled me around. We're married!

Just married!

Time for that sunset photo-op glow

At that moment, the light changed, and became soft, golden, and warm. Perfect photo op. So it had hit me when saying the vows that we were getting married, but quickly after actually being married I descended into total Party Mode. Warm and fuzzy sentiments from a few minutes ago were pushed aside to make room for frothy drinks! Gourmet food! Frothy drinks and gourmet food!

Meg wanted to take a picture of my shoes peaking from underneath my dress, and that was when I really realized how badly I could have used a pedicure. Or at the very least, a shearing. No one should have toenails that long unless you're using them to aid in vigorous tree-climbing. And on your wedding day! The level of unkempt was totally distressing.

Wedding Dinner

The octagonal Blue Bar

Friends enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and apps

We had cocktails and appetizers at the Blu Bar. Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was festive. Unfortunately, that sunburn from earlier was starting to become festive as well. Dan's legs and my legs were on fire, so much so for poor pale-complexioned Dan that he wanted to take off his pants and change into shorts. I wouldn't let him. I mean, we hadn't even sat down for dinner yet! Ha ha you poor, sun-challenged thing.

During the ceremony, Billy and the staff at the Blue Horizon transformed the dining room and terrace area into heavenly romance. Deep red bougainvillea petals were strewn all over the ground, hapharzardly, like a huge bougainvillea confetti parade swept through. That was it as flowers went, so simple yet so beautiful. Mom's votive candles (carted from home) had been arranged in a circle or S-formation on each table, surrounded by more bougainvillea petals. Our favors and name settings topped off each plate. There was no lighting save for the hanging lanterns and the candles, and against all the flower petals, everything was just aglow.

The food prepared by Chef Michael was absolutely amazing. I had the seared tuna. Dan, the beef tenderloin. Everyone raved and raved.

Meg wanted to take a picture of my new wedding band as my hand poised itself ever so gracefully against the backdrop of votive candles and red flower petals. That was when I realized how badly I could have used a manicure. Sigh. I had a choice and I chose Fun in the Sun.

A full moon was out. It shined so brightly over the water, which shimmered a beautiful silver. We all went out on the lawn to admire.

...more to come

DAY 6 >>