At last, the big day, Friday June 17 (ignore the publish date above). We started out with a family breakfast out on our terrace, while Meghan and hers did the same at the bridal villa. The staff did their usual great job, and the view didn’t disappoint either.
Loni later went down the hill to John & Meghan’s place and found the bride and Dad completely up tight about the whole affair.
The rest of the day was lazy on our parts, but I suspect things got a little more hectic down at the bridal suite. Late afternoon, we ordered a trio of taxi vans to haul us down the hill to the Vista Grill restaurant which was up its own hill, overlooking the city and bay.
The picture above shows the covered area, but there are several large terraces to the left and center below the covered part, which have big couches and chairs to lounge on.
The ceremony was held on the largest of the patios. Unfortunately, with all the chairs, the space was a little tight and the orientation wasn’t the best for photography, with lots of backlighting.
I don’t think John & Meghan cared one whit.
The wedding was a civil ceremony according to Mexican law, and required the employment of a quasi-judicial person. In the state of Jalisco, there is only one, and that is the woman in the white shirt to the right. She performed the ceremony in Spanish, and a translator repeated everything for the benefit of us gringos. There is a required script, but it can be supplemented with personal insertions, which John and Meghan did. There seems to be a strong focus, both in the pre-marital required “counseling,” and in the ceremony’s wording, on the rights of the woman and how she is not to be abused. Seemed a little strange to our egalitarian sensibilities, but this is a macho culture. Anyway, it was a beautiful ceremony.
Meet the in-laws!
Overcoming logistical difficulties, Barry greets his new son-in-law.
The restaurant did an excellent job with the banquet. Hey, and I didn’t have to pay! All the more delicious.
Mom got to dance with her boyo. The grin stayed on her face for days.
People came from great distances to deep down in Mexico (PV is just WNW of Mexico City) to help John & Meghan celebrate. Ireland, England, and all corners of the U.S. Everyone had a blast.
When Michael and Alia got married two years ago, I was popping my buttons with pride. I had no less pride this time around, but must confess to being hit with, at times, more emotion than I thought I had left in this old bod. I don’t think I want to over-analyze it. There’s some sort of great circle being closed, and this was a big part of it. Loni and I have been so lucky in our lives, we just want the same for all our family.
Hmm. Somehow, I don’t think we have to worry.
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