Year – 2008
Venue – Terrace in the Sky, old Faculty House up at Columbia University, which is now sadly closed.
I was on the phone today with a dear friend from Boston when he said, “you were one of my first friends to get married… and probably the least likely person to do so.” I found that comment funny, and I suppose there is much psychology behind it.
“I didn’t think it was weird,” I noted briskly.
“Well, that makes sense,” retorted my friend, “you know yourself better than I do.”
Hubby and I were married on October 4, 2008. We’ll soon be at the five year mark (omg!), and also happily expecting our first child together. It definitely feels like a real union at this point, and I still feel lucky that I can look at him today and feel absolute adoration and respect, in spite of the nonstop frustrations and complaints.
What is it about weddings, and in particular, wedding planning, that makes the experience so all-consuming for both the bride and groom? But really… just the bride?
Why is it that after the wedding, it’s as though you've just come down from this enormous high and you’re suddenly bereft and left with the realization of how ridiculous you might have been, or how (tick-tock) it is time to return to the land of the normal beings again? Does all self-awareness go out the window when you are deep in the thick of things? I wonder this myself, as I know that I’ve definitely demonstrated Bridezilla tendencies when I was getting married.
The funny thing is, whatever magical powers you wielded on the day of your wedding, and even the days (weeks/months) leading up to it, they all but dissipate the following morning. The inevitable nature and clarity of this fact dawned on me when I asked one of my bridesmaids to do something the very next day, and she all but said, “nah.” Looking back, I don’t blame her.
So far, we have about four weddings planned this year (that I know of) – one coming up in San Francisco (pre-Nuke!), and three in September (post-Nuke!). My favorite part of every wedding (most recently in Rio and at the St. Regis in New York) is that moment when the bride steps down the aisle and the world just simply melts away. I live for that moment, as I believe it absolutely defines the beauty and sanctity of all weddings.
For me, that was probably the most magical moment of my own wedding day. Now, if only I could remember more from that night!
Note: all photos featured here were taken by the lovely and talented Ryan Brenizer, NYC Wedding Photographer.
