Here Comes the Bride!

I’m now on my way back to London to join up with my group. This weekend was packed but amazing. I had such a good time with family and friends. I arrived in San Diego completely exhausted because it was already 8am London time and I hadn’t really slept. My dad and little brother and sister picked me up at the airport and we began our search for our hotel. Once we got there, I just about passed out. Ok…a little exaggeration. But I was tired. My dad and step-mom hosted the rehearsal luncheon at Il Fornaio, one of our favorite Italian restaurants, that was right on the water on Coronado. The rehearsal was at Point Loma Naval Base, where the wedding and reception would be held the following day. It was a gorgeous site! We were outside right on the water with blue skies to gaze at. I loved being so close to the ocean while enjoying San Diego’s amazing climate.

That evening, the bridesmaids, Erica (the bride!) and I went to downtown San Diego for a late dinner. We ate at Stingaree, a very posh and trendy place to be. We felt a little out place among the short skirts and high stilettos but we still enjoyed ourselves. We stayed that night downtown in the Sheraton; the girls in one suite and the guys all packed in another. The luxury of an evening wedding allowed us to use the whole day to get ready. Crystal came to the hotel to do the bride’s and bridesmaids’ hair. Ashley, my 9 year old sister, was the flower girl so she and Kim, my step mom, joined us to finished getting ready. I had fun doing Ashley’s hair in an up-do, so different from her normal ponytail. Before the ceremony, the limo took us to take pictures right by the bay. I think all of us girls enjoyed feeling like models for the day. I’m sure Erica felt like we were her entourage/Paparazzi as we followed her around snapping photos.

The ceremony was absolutely gorgeous and very touching. Daniel escorted our mom to her seat and even their dog, Kenzie, got to come down the aisle! They incorporated a lot Philippino traditions into the ceremony as well as many relevant scriptures and symbolism throughout. The seven sisters (Erica’s five sisters, Ashley and I) read blessings for the couple, a Hebrew tradition. We each got to choose our blessings which ranged from Hawaiian, Scottish, Irish, and Catholic to Native American. I felt honored to read the Catholic blessing but could hardly look Daniel and Erica in the eyes because the emotion was too much.

After the ceremony, we enjoyed and beautiful and fun reception on the deck by the water. The DJ was really good- and that’s a rare occasion. He played all my favorites: Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, and Norah Jones. We danced all night long to disco and other dance floor classics. A lot of their friends from UCSB came as well as old friends from high school. Dan’s best man was Joe Purcell who he’s known “since the mid-60’s as Joe put it. Both he and Kayleen, the maid of honor, gave nice toasts. And one lucky girl caught the bouquet… ME! Haha… That was actually the second bouquet that I’ve caught… I’m not sure what that means but I think I have good reflexes! I better stop catching those because I have a feeling that none of the other girls are going to like me anymore. ;)

We left the venue late and totally spent; a long weekend. I had to say goodbye to all my family except my mom and Rich who took me to the airport this morning. I’m so glad that I was able to share that special time with my brother and new sister or sisters (I inherited six more sisters to make a total of ten including my step sisters!). Everyone was so joyful and the bride was gorgeous! I wasn’t able to play them a video I made in Scotland for the newlyweds but I gave them a copy to watch later.

Now I need to switch modes and get ready for Europe. I feel like my trip is finally beginning now that I have three and half straight months of travel and study. That reminds me…I have a paper due on Thursday! I’m sure Professor Khilstrom will be gracious to his jet-lagged student. Congrats if you made it to the end of the long blog! I love you all and until Paris, keep being your awesome selves!