Weddings ...

We went to a wedding this weekend. Brian and Julie's wedding. It was wonderfully affirming. I've been growing rather cynical about life-long commitment lately. You know how sometimes you look at two people and think to yourself "I give it 3-5 years - tops." What you NEVER think that way... well I do... all the time. I suppose it is my age and my stage in life and definitely a topic for another post, but in any event, that wasn't at all what I thought at this wedding.

I thought to myself "Yes! These are two people who are meant to be together!" They are meant to raise children, take care of aging parents, and most importantly to take care of each other. After spending Saturday watching them commit to each other before God and friends, I just might start believing again in the idea that marriage continues to have a place in our in society after all. Gee, I am actually tearing up as I write, but only for "a Hallmark moment"(sniff).

What? Oh, you want to get onto the important stuff.... dresses and food!

Julie looked amazingly lovely. The ceremony was more religious than I anticipated. The best part was when Brian spoke his own vows through tears and then through laughter had written "Julie's vows for her". The second best part was when Brian had the ring bearer bring up a camera so that he could take a picture of the two of them right after they were pronounce "man and wife".

My full set of pictures is here
The wedding was at the Madrona Manor in Healdsburg. The food was amazing! As was the free flowing wine and champagne. I didn't take any pictures of the food (I should have sorry!) but here is the menu

Appetizers
* Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
* Seasonal Fruit Wrapped in Parma Prosciutto
* Full bar, Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, Roederer Estate Sparkling White
3-course lunch
* Mixed Green Salad - Everett Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
* Chilled Lobster with melon gazpacho - Ferrari Carano Chardonnay
* Main Course:
o Local Petrale Sole - Dutton Estate Pinot Noir
o Grilled Prime Striploin - Seghesio Zinfandel
o Potato Gnocchi - Dutton Estate Pinot or Ferrari Carano Chardonnay
Cake
* Full bar, Pedro Ximenez Alvear 1927

Dave and I stayed at a B&B called the Camellia Inn right in Healdsburg so we could walk to the "rehearsal dinner" -- another word for party. That party was at the Bear Republic Brewery. I liked the Red Rocket Ale the best and Dave liked the Racer 5 Pale Ale.

Pictures of our room at the B&B. Nice, huh? I didn't take pictures of the whirlpool tub, but it fit two perfectly!