Cabos Celebration

Nearly a week since Andrew and I returned from the celebration in Cabos, Mexico, honoring the marriage of Matt and Suzi. As we learned a few months ago, Matt and Suzi married in Florida, December 11, 2010, this, in anticipation of a celebration originally scheduled for February 2011. Beheadings in Mexico combined with a transfer to Phoenix delayed the celebration. In November when plans were finalized, we got the word: The party was on!  February 9-12. Dreams Resort, Cabos San Lucas, Mexico.

The wedding party and guests formed a small but hearty group, each committed to the proposition that this was to be, first and foremost, a ‘celebration.’ A celebration of Matt and Suzi, their marriage, their characters and lives and all they bring to the ‘marital’ relationship.

It’s a truism in photography that ‘proof sheets don’t lie.’ This past week as I edited and arranged photos for a slideshow of the event, this thought struck me: Marriage is not for children. 

The proofs revealed the fact that the two principals ‘joined together’ in the bonds of holy matrimony were both adults. Here were two grown, mature individuals who know who they are and what they want. Footwear told the tale: Suzi sported jewel-bedecked, four-inch spiked heels; Matt wore flip flops. Suzi gusssied up in a strapless, full-bosomed bridal gown; Matt wore a plain linen shirt and slacks. The point being, that both presented themselves as they wished--both comfortable with themselves are they are.  This feeling of ‘ease’ settled upon the whole party, allowing all to jump in and enjoy. And that we did! Each in our own way. Ole!

Another factor in the joy of celebration was the interaction between/among the two supporting characters--Best GF, Maggie, and Best Man, James. Both enlivened as they stood second to bride and groom. Case in point: Shortly before the ceremony was to begin, I found Suzi at the spa with Maggie and hairdresser, Laura. Things were not going well in the arrangement of the bridal ‘do.’ Too much chlorine in the water. Too little humidity. The curls were NOT laying down as they should! Crisis! Here we were, an hour before the ceremony! Two years of planning! Hundreds of hours, thousands of dollars expended! Every detail planned, checked, cross-checked. Every possibility considered. After all this! Disaster! Suzi was on the verge of tears!

Laura was firm. “Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your make-up.” Maggie was right there. She threw her arms around Suzi. Looking in the mirror, she said, “You are beautiful. Matt loves you. Don’t worry about the hair, just smile.” Laura attached the veil; the smile appeared. All was well. 

P.S: After the ceremony, I recounted this to Matt. His reply, “I didn’t notice the hair. All I saw was the DRESS.” Ole!