It was a quick trip across the ocean (less than four days for me), and we are both still very sleepy. But we are so glad that we got to share in the joyous occasion! Claire looked absolutely stunning, Kay looked thrilled to be marrying her, the R. family was ecstatic to be inheriting such a wonderful daughter (or sister or cousin)-in-law, and the food and drink were bubbling over for the occasion.
A quick run-down of the details, and an explanation of why the best inaugural party was the one celebrating the inauguration of Kayur and Claire's married life together:
The venue: For the site of their nuptuals and subsequent party, Kayur and Claire selected an adorable seventeenth century hotel in a cute rural area outside of London. It was a beautiful hotel that exuded old English charm, and it seemed tailor-made for their event. The "registry" occurred in one beautiful old-fashioned parlor room; we moved seamlessly to another room for cocktails and "starters," a larger room for a scrumptious meal, and finally another room for dancing and drinking. We stayed the night at the hotel in a charming cottage on the grounds, and I discovered the inspiration for my future home.
Stokes Place
(Although London has a reputation for miserable winters, I can guarantee that it was not half as cold as the National Mall. Wedding 1, Inauguration 0.)
The ceremony: The happy couple were married in a very official British ceremony called a "registry." One of the highlights (other than the obvious happy result): Ankur gave an inspired reading of Percy B. Shelley's poem, Love's Philosophy. Or, I should say, almost Percy B. Shelley's poem. Two of the words had to be altered in order to avoid mentioning "heaven," as that apparently was too "religious" for the Crown.
(There was definitely no Rick Warren reading an inaugural prayer. Wedding 2, Inauguration 0.)
The fashion: In an inspired gesture towards blending the East and the West, Claire wore a gorgeous strapless sheath-style white gown constructed from a white and gold sari. She looked absolutely fabulous.
(The dress was also perfectly symmetrical--the essence of beauty--with no uncomfortable fidgeting every time she moved. Wedding 3, Inauguration 0.)
The food: In another expert nod towards cultural harmony, the lovely couple selected the best of both culinary worlds. The guests enjoyed a scrumptious indian meal, served family-style on each table, followed by English wedding cake and lemon tarts. Indian "savories," English "sweets" -- the perfect combination.
(And it sure beats wild game and root vegetables. Wedding 4, Inauguration 0.)
The entertainment: The speeches and toasts were hilarious. The DJ was excellent. The dancing was exuberant. The alcohol was copious. But the biggest entertainment of the night for me was my adorable little baby cousin-in-law Carys, who I got to carry, dance with, and play with for the majority of the evening. It was much fun and an excellent workout--my arms were unbelievably sore the next day!
(We got to stay at one great party, rather than dance the exact same dance at 12. Wedding 5, Inauguration 0.)
The result: The beginning of a wonderful, happy, and long-lasting marriage!
(This was a close one--I am a big fan of the regime change in Washington as well. But ultimately I have to go with the wonderful new addition to family--Wedding 6, Inauguration 0.)
In sum, a good time was had by all. It also brought back very fond memories of our own wedding a year and a half earlier. To all who made it possible--thank you for a fantastic trip!
2 comments:
Loved the post and your wonderful writing as well! Great pictures too :)
Hi Melanie
Just catching up on admin since the wedding - it seems to have taken up most of my life over the last few months!
I really love the posts on your blog & feel honoured to have a mention!
I hope you are keeping well in Washington & not working too hard...
Mrs Claire Rughani xx
Post a Comment