This is the day we've all looked forward to- our little golden boy Adam getting married. He is 8 years younger than I, and 12 years younger than our sister Rebecca. So Rebecca and I were bratty suedo parents to him growing up (much to our parents chagrin). He was our baby doll, and we taught him everything he knew, that is until he was about 3 and became smarter than the both of us put together to the 2nd degree. Today he is a month away from getting his doctorate and he is a husband. Sorry if there is misspelling but typing through tear filled eyes will do that. I'm just so darn proud of him. And he's found a beautiful, loving, and supremely intelligent woman (she will also be a doctor soon), I couldn't be happier. But I digress- let's see some pretty pictures while I grab a tissue.
La novia getting ready
Diana had me deliver this gift with a very clear message. Oh but the games are just about to begin!
The groom departs, Heather and Justin accompany.
Madre de el novio grooms the groom
The wedding was at a 400 year old silver mine called Bocamina San Ramon . The ceremony took place up some very steep and winding stairs (as most things do in this town) and was en espanol, but the vows Adam and Diana made were said in both languages (thank you says the gringo peanut gallery!) I don't know about you, but to me the Spanish language is romantic and beautiful, the judge could have been reading about underwater basket weaving techniques or the weather forecast, sounds good and I'll probably sniffle a little.
I had asked Adam if he knew what was in store for the wedding and the reception. He, like most good grooms, was planning only to show up, do and say as he was told, kiss the bride, and look generally blissful (especially when a camera is in sight).
He knew he was getting married......
....and that there would likely be some traditional American type activities like the first dance and the bouquet/ garder toss.....
.....but didn't know that a jester on stilts was invited to get the party started.....
...that there'd be several festive wardrobe accessories to change into....
...that he and his bride would stand on opposing chairs to form an arch with their hands while the women guests (then the men) join together in a snake formation, struggling to keep the snake together whilst weaving around and through the couple and keeping pace with the increasing beat of music. This tradition is called La Víbora de la Mar. Not certain but I think we were supposed to try the knock the happy couple off of their chairs, because we did end up doing that. How you say 'whoopsie' in Spanish ?
It all happened in a whirlwind of activity and before we knew it Adams next surprise came when he was hoisted up by his male compatriots and paraded around in a mock funeral procession which culminated in throwing him 10 feet in the air several times.
That last picture gets me every time. It's best he didn't know that was coming. This tradition is called el muertito (little death). At some point during the groom toss he had his shoes and socks removed. It was Diana's job to put them back on and show the guests that she's a good wife that will diligently dress her husband every morning.
Right.
As you can see there was a lot of entertainment for all, there was also a band made of 4 lovely singer/dancers (the female lead put Ella Fitzgerald to shame) and the lead hombre looked like Marc Anthony and sang like Sinatra.
And the food. So good and so interesting. Appetizers started with shredded carrots with key limes squeezed over and a spicy paprika sauce. What? Yes, very tasty. Tamarind margaritas and candies too. Then the main course (s):
That's cream of nut soup to start with. Then a chicken dish. Then cake!
So it was around this time that my phone(camera) decided it had had enough partying and it was going to bed. We were only 1/4 of the way through the festivities.
Not.
Happy.
So no pictures of all the dancing, the mariachi band, the traditional Mexican folk dancers, and the fireworks. At about 10:00 we were served a soup that is on theory supposed to cleanse the festive drinking so you can keep partying (and drinking).
My nephew Jack was a great sport, all the little Mexican ninos were dancing and living it up, Jack followed suit after minimal prodding.
It was a great success, an event like none other and we feel very lucky to have witnessed it all!
Besos!
