Two Weddings in Two Days

This weekend was one filled with so much love. Love exploded on the faces of people everywhere and dripped down their legs and onto the floor and even rolled beyond in some instances, into riverbeds. We jumped and splashed and danced in the love. It's true that love actually is all around us. Just like the movie claimed. We drank it up. We peed it out. Some vomited love and we loved them for it.

On Saturday Nikita and Mark finally tied the knot after ten years. Wowza. I've known these two love birds since high school and was privileged enough to participate in some of the unfamiliar (to me) traditions and ceremonies that lead up to an Indian wedding. And I took some pictures.

After Friday night's dancing extravaganza (Garba / Raas party), Saturday morning came around. Bridesmaids' hairdos were done; saris were draped; make-up was applied.

Nikita looked more beautiful than ever. Mark looked stunning whether he was in his Indian or western attire. There was a glow about the couple that was inspiring, enchanting, just plain old love on fire. I admittedly am a crier in general. But I cried reading the program on this one. I cried watching it all go down. I sniffled through the explanation of the Hindu ceremony's symbolism, and more tears oozed out during the toasts at the reception.

Better even than the smile on Nikita and Mark's faces was how accepting both families were of this union. An Indian American woman, a white Irish Catholic dude: blessings all around. I can only hope that my family supports me as much if I choose to marry someday.

Fast forward 3 hours: we are on a bus Boston's Logan Airport and off to Milwaukee to be with Rachel and Dan as they got hitched.

Rachel and Dan met in Spokane, WA four years ago at my MFA program. I'm fairly certain that Dan began loving Rachel the very first day he met her. Which was semi-awkward since they both had significant others. Dan became her friend and wooed her and then all became right in their world about five months later when these two really good friends started dating.

All weddings (aside from the Vegas variety, perhaps?) are very planned. There is so much detail that goes into every aspect (you know if you've planned or helped plan a wedding). Rachel and Dan's wedding was so THEM. The save the dates were printed on plantable paper (with seeds that sprouted into flowers); Rachel's dress was made by her aunt from lace they collected from various estate sales; the bouquets were picked up the day before from the Milwaukee farmer's market.

After seeing Nikita glowing with happiness, I wasn't sure I'd ever see a prettier bride. Then, the very next day Rachel matched her! Her dress was unique and incredibly flattering. Her hair was just how she'd like it; she and her bridesmaids were barefoot. And she was the most beautiful I'd ever seen her. She and Dan were both so happy (even when they were crying a tiny bit during the ceremony). I'm so happy for them as they start their new life together in Indianapolis. New jobs, new city, new apartment, and the start of their marriage.

I have two weeks left in America before Hannah and I leap into the start of our fourth year together (and 2nd year in Korea). I am looking forward to having a home, a bed I sleep in every night, time and space to write, and a routine.

I feel so lucky to have had these five months to travel, reconnect with friends, take some personal space, hang out with my family, and dance in piles and piles of love. May the love keep on a'spewing out over everything and everyone.