Idyllic

Kicked this loooooooooooong weekend off in grand style on Saturday.

Attended my cousin Tom's wedding to his partner Steve in a most exquisite setting.

First of all, the vibe for the day was set by this couple. They are fun to be around. They are positive, successful and loving. They bring something to this planet, as opposed to the many who subtract something from this planet.

The wedding was held on the property of a guy, a family member, who has conquered the world. This guy was the marketing director for THE PATS when they were busy winning three Super Bowls. He now runs his own marketing company. Private road leading to private beach on a gorgeous lake.

Outdoor wedding on the edge of a lake. Doesn't get any better than that.

The setting was spectacular and arranged to maximize leisure. Perfect weather, brilliant sunshine, not too hot, sun bursting off the surface of the lake.

Lounge chairs facing the beach for napping and sunning. Tables set up under a large tent for socializing and chowing. Access to the house for booze and bathroom. People water skiing, donut riding, jet skiing, and party boating. But not too many, not too noisy. Just enough to add to the atmosphere.

There was some friction before the beauty. Directions were perfect until we got within ten minutes of the place. Then they went goofy. We got completely lost. We stopped three times for directions. The first two times did not help. Strangers' smart phones said "you are real close" but still could not get us there. Third time was the charm. Talked to a native who told us we were right around the corner, and then got us there.

Problem was, neither of us brought our phone. We couldn't call the wedding party, they couldn't call us. They actually held up the ceremony for a while hoping we would show. We arrived in the middle of it.

And...................it was a casual affair but I didn't get the memo. My brother spoke to Carol the night before and told her no tie, just shirt and pants. All I heard was no tie so I sported suit pants, a vest, a  dress shirt and a suit coat, all in black. As we jumped out of the car and hurried to the ceremony I noticed all the guys wearing Tommy Bahama shirts, casual pants and boat shoes. I was very pretty and extremely out of place.

The ceremony was beautiful, then the relaxation began. Appetizers circulating liberally, excellent dinner, top shelf booze.  This guy opened his home to us, including his well stocked bar.

I went looking for the Crown, the bartender had none (at the time). My brother pointed out they had Macallan, a premium scotch. 1.75 liter bottle. Probably cost $50,000. Had some of that and my taste buds rejoiced. Later on the bartender informed me they did indeed have Crown Royal. I went with that because I would have felt guilty invading this guy's home and sucking up all his expensive scotch.

But I digress.

Chowed down, enjoyed the company, everything was easy and relaxed. Come cake time we walked out onto the dock. There was a walkway leading out to a dock set up with a table and chairs.

Went out there with my beautiful wife, my brother, his ex-wife and absolutely relaxed. The dock was bobbing and weaving gently to the waves created by passing boaters. At one point my cousin Richard joined us. Eventually, Tom joined us.

That might have been the highlight of the day. It was so damn peaceful. So damn beautiful. Floating on the water, digging on family, chowing excellent cake (and I am not a big cake fan), absorbing the sheer sense of peace, nature, and ease.

It was one of those rare days. It was idyllic. Celebrating the love of a magical couple. Doing it in a setting that was spectacular. Doing it comfortably as our souls reveled in the recognition that this is what life is meant to be.