The Ceremony

We are assembled. Above us on a cliff is Cabo Surf, a small upscale hotel that housed the bridal party. But even more alluring  is the Sea of Cortez’s hues of constantly changing blues and greens. Almost sunset, the perfect juxtaposition of burnt umber grainy sand and sapphire water softens our hearts. Paddle boarders and surfers leisurely glide in the slow motion waves unfolding before us to our left unaware of the life changing ceremony about to begin. On the steps behind us an impatient flower girl practices flinging a few red rose petals. The guitarist seated above begins playing an instrumental version of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” that makes my heart snap to attention. Barefoot groomsmen escort the bride and groom’s family to their seats, and then the procession of bridesmaids frocked in blues and greens surely meant to emulate the sea beyond begins. The handsome groom, Tommy, smiling peacefully watches Stephanie, composed yet radiant as she literally (well, figuratively) floats down the sandy aisle in her artfully elegant lacy gown with the playful bow tied in the back. Their meaningful vows reinforces that this couple are completely different yet complement each other perfectly like two jagged jigsaw pieces that interlock seamlessly. The reading from Corelli’s Mandolin emphasized that love is for the long term. “Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, And when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches, They find that they are one tree and not two.” Hearts are melted and tenderness prevails as the jubilant now married couple strolls down the aisle.

The Celebration

Hearts full, we linger on the sand and begin the night’s revelries. The celebration like most wedding receptions have their tried and true elements. The lyrical elements of this wedding were sung in perfect pitch. From the tastefully decorated tables to the zany energy of the gregarious DJ to the array of local seafood dishes lining the buffet. Two off-script elements particularly stood out and both were on the dance floor. After the bride and groom danced, the DJ called all the guests to the dance floor and played Katy Perry’s “Firework.”

Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ’em what your worth
Make ’em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

A fun bouncy song, dancers pogo sticked up and down, when literal fireworks exploded across the darkening sky-y-y. The perfect synchronicity of the song, the energetic dancing and the sparkling umbrellas of waterfalling blues, greens, and reds sizzling down to the ground sparked everyone’s energy. There is a behind the scenes story. The fireworks were scheduled for the end of the night, but the videographer would have to leave early, so they moved it up to the beginning of the dancing–definitely enlivening the moment and lauching the party.
The other moment that stood out was with the traditional groom and mother dance. After a few minutes, the DJ called up all the mothers and sons, about 12 couples, including my son Nick and me–a truly inclusive and thoughtful moment in time.  Sheer exuberance and genuine love for family and new friends permeated the night.
The evening ended, yet the night lives on in the mental scrapbook of memorable moments of lasting significance.

Photo credits go to Anna Gomes and Raphael Bernal

Tips for a destination wedding in Cabo.