Both Lo and Ira live in San Francisco, so it sure was kismet (for my wallet, at least) that they decided to have their wedding on some family land in Vermont. Actually, it wasn't just good luck for my wallet, but also for my soul...leaving NYC and slowly watching the skyscrapers and pavement turn into mountains and trees is so wonderful. It's amazing how much being in nature soothes my spirit.
We drove to Montpelier (the capitol of Vermont, the smallest capitol in the US with a population of barely 8,000, and the only US capitol city without a McDonald's...how 'bout THAT?) on Friday for the rehearsal dinner, and I swear that that could have been the wedding day in and of itself! Everyone looked lovely, they had tons of beer and people cooking brick oven pizzas, we could look over the entire lush, green valley from this AMAZING three story barn that Ira's Uncles had just built and to top it all off, there was a full on fireworks display just for the happy couple. And not like a crappy amateur firework show...to paraphrase my friend, Boy Aaron, "These are better than my town's fireworks! ....and it isn't a poor town." It was extraordinary. And that was just the rehearsal dinner...
The ceremony didn't start until 5:00 the next day, so we had plenty of time to explore around town. And let's be clear, it was not a big town. Had a bangin' brunch at this farm to table place called KISMET, went to the farmer's market (cause it's Vermont, duh.) and ate ice cream before loading onto the shuttle bus and driving to the middle of nowhere. And let me tell you, the middle of nowhere is GORGEOUS. See how happy I am about gorgeous nature? ---------------------------->>
And the wedding was brilliant. The food was amazing, the tables were beautiful, the music and dancing was so much fun...it was all just picture perfect. And I KNOW that Lauren and Ira and their families and wedding party did A TON of it themselves. I can't even imagine how much work that had to have been. But I think it all just came together beautifully!
And let me say...I don't know WHAT was going on in that nature, but it was definitely making me a little weepy! This is what happens when you take city folk out of the city, I guess....immediate sappiness. But seriously, I don't think that there was a dry eye in the place. The setting was so breathtaking and Lo looked so beautiful and Ira and Lauren are so good together and I was just SO happy for them. One of the bridesmaids, Lindsey, said it best when she talked about, in her speech, how Lauren has always had a way of reaching across the distance and putting forth so much effort to make a friendship work, even across the country or ocean. She has a magical way of making everyone feel special and included and important. She is incredibly generous in time and spirit. And anyone that can live with me as long and as well as she has, has GOT to be part saint, amiright? I noticed, at the wedding, that I, resident actor/singer/crazy person, was there with all Business school people...and friends from her dorm freshman year....and friends from high school...and friends from San Francisco - and everyone KNEW each other! Lauren has such a talent for bringing people together. And making people laugh and smile and just feel happy. And I was just so elated, in that moment, that this lovely person had found someone equally as wonderful to spend her life with. Aaaaaaaand tears. This may have been the first time that I have ever cried at a wedding! I just love it when great things happen to great people. And I LOVE that I got to be there for it. 
On a side note: There were so many friends there as well that I haven't seen in far too long. Friends that I really had lost a lot of contact with. Friends that live far away and I don't get to see very often...and friends that live in my own neighborhood that I don't get to see very often. Friends whose lives are mostly unknown to me these days. Friends that I had previously been much closer to. And they were all there for Lauren. I occasionally mourn the fact that people that were once so close to me have faded away and I have to take responsibility for my own part in that. So I'm going to try to be better...try to put forth more effort, whether these friends are across the country or just across town. I am not naive enough to think that every person that I meet and enjoy the presence of can stay in my life forever...But I certainly can do my part to keep as much love in my life as I can! 
Anyway, back on track....the weekend was amazing. Full of laughter and love and great food and fresh air and old friends (and some new ones!) Couldn't have asked for more! :) And watch out, all of you, I just may be showing up in your cities one of these days....
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| And what Michigan wedding would be complete without one or two "Hail to the Victors!"? |
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