A few weekends ago now I made a return trip
to SF for the wedding of Julia and DJ. Having never been to an American wedding
I didn’t quite know what to expect. When Jules and I lived in the UK she often
waxed lyrical about this wedding (not that she knew DJ at this stage). There
was to be an entrance in a pink Cadillac, an orchestra (possibly that was an
embellishment from my mind) and a giant white meringue style gown. I was
slightly trepidatious about the formality of it all. For a start I only brought
one dress over to the US with me that would be suitable for a wedding, and not
a hugely formal one at that. Oh well, thats the beauty of existing out of 2
suitcases worth, I didn’t have to spend any energy deciding what to wear. I
also only have one pair of heels here and in a moment of uncharacteristic
foresight I must have considered the remote possibility of needing to tart up
(I didn’t know about the wedding before I left) because they matched! However,
my concerns about pink cars and pavlova style gowns abated as soon as I arrived
in SF and realised this was to be one very cool wedding.
Events kicked off on the Thursday night
with an evening of distilled spirit tasting for the out of towners. It was
fantastic to catch up with my mate from the UK, Simon, whom Jules and I met
while travelling through Africa and some of Julia and DJ’s friends who had
flown in from far more glamorous corners of the US than Oklahoma. My current
address drew many responses of “oh, I’m sorry, how is that going?” or “Hmm,
I’ve never been there”. Ah, the easy assurance of knowing that California is
not a bad place to be!
Anyway, back to the spirit tasting. Not
something I had attempted before. Prepaid, so no chickening out. 15 spirits in a row, starting with vodkas, then
gin, then something I had never heard of, can’t now remember the name of but
thoroughly enjoyed, then whisky, bourbon and finishing with absinthe. See just
like wine tasting – starting light and easy (sav blanc – frankly I think sav
blanc and vodka are equally nasty) and finishing dark and alcoholic (port) with
everyone buying bottles of things they wouldn’t necessarily like the next day!
Luckily for me I was doing carry-on luggage for the weekend so the 100ml rule
saved my wallet and liver.
Next day Simon and I hauled ourselves into
the city and cycled along the waterfront and over the Golden Gate which was
fantastic. Such a better way to see the bridge than what Jude and I did years
ago which was walk from Union Square over the bridge to Sausalito (yes many hours
and blisters worth). Well, we were younger then so maybe it didn’t seem like
such a trek at the time, I can’t remember. That evening was the rehearsal
dinner which we were kindly invited to. Fantastic Vietnamese at a restaurant
owned by a friend of theirs right on the water. And another opportunity to meet
more of their many lovely friends.
Next day, the wedding – such fun. Not a
meringue or pink car in sight. Stunning location on the bay looking at the sun
setting over the SF city skyline, one of their oldest friends as their
celebrant (yes he became a reverend online thanks to a church in Utah),
beautiful speeches during the service and a sunny day. They are a couple who have
so many people who care deeply about them. Getting to the reception involved turning
around and walking into a aircraft hangar turned winery bedecked with lanterns,
a trapeze (yes supper club came to the wedding...) and a sterling dancefloor.
Soon we were stood about with our personalised pitchers filled with their
signature cocktails munching on sliders, watching the sun set over the city before eating the most
unusual but ideal wedding meal ever. Make your own burgers and fries from a
food van parked in the doorway of the hangar. Capped off with ice cream
sandwiches for dessert. Heaven!
I feel really lucky to have been over here
at the time of their wedding and to have been lucky enough to be invited. Thank
you Jules and DJ!
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