Wedding Dance

I really wanted to post an image from the wedding we attended so I could go on about the differences between this one and the ones we recently went to in the States. This was the best I could do given that I didn't haul along any fancy photo gear. Regardless of the image quality, the wedding was a tremendous experience.

Our invitation came from one of my volleyball teammates. The civil ceremony was to be at 20:00, followed by a reception. After quizzing our Mexican neighbors, we decided to arrive around 21:30 (via taxi as we were fuzzy on where the event was being held). We were one of the first 50 to get there, even though it looked like it was set up for five times that many. The groom saw us immediately and sat us at a table with his brother, another volleyball teammate. From that point forward, the brother and his wife made sure we were comfortable.

We were either honored guests or something of an oddity. We were one of the first to be asked to have a photo taken with the happy couple. I was selected by the bride for an early dance (I rarely dance, but how could I refuse). People at our table, a table originally set for eight that soon held a dozen, made sure we always had a beverage and were wanting for nothing. Food arrived about 23;30, delicious rice and chicken molé, and traditions, the first waltz (shown here), tossing of the bouquet, and a groom-grabbing free for all which we had never seen, took place well after midnight. As much as I wanted to, we couldn't last for the cutting of the cake and left about 1:30.

In talking with a friend on the beach the next day, the celebration lasted until 5:00 AM. We are not young enough to stay up that long, but are very glad we made it as far into the morning as we did.