September 26, 2023
Happily Ever Amos
This was the third wedding we’ve been in over the past year, and we’ve got three more between now and next August too. Crazy, right? After all these weddings, it’s easy to think Wayde might be feeling a bit of pressure to pop the big question.
It’s funny how weddings have this way of making us reflect on our own lives, even when we’re supposed to be celebrating someone else’s big day. But hey, that’s life, full of twists, turns, and unexpected feelings, just like our turbulent flight to Oakland. Speaking of which, let me tell you all about it…
We reached Bellingham International Airport super early, because our flight to Oakland was scheduled for the ass crack of dawn. I didn’t even know it was possible to be at an airport before it was even open, but Bellingham’s airport is super small, so it kind of made sense. We were the first ones through security, and the only ones in the only terminal for at least an hour.
Unfortunately, the restaurant wasn’t planning to open until after our flight boarded, but there was a small store with snacks that was open. Usually, I try to avoid eating before flights because of my anxiety. We had been up all night, driving from Vancouver and going through the Canadian border, so I was famished. I thought, “I’m just so hungry, I’m sure I can handle a little egg sandwich.”
Big mistake. Huge. The sick feeling in my stomach didn’t go away, and it followed me onto the plane. I couldn’t shake it, and that made it impossible for me to fall asleep during the flight. Ugh, talk about a rocky start to our wedding weekend adventure.
Thankfully, the persistent anxiety subsided as my best friend and the bride-to-be came to our rescue at the Oakland airport. She whisked us away to her place, and I can’t tell you how grateful I was to finally get some much-needed sleep.
Later in the afternoon, we made our way to the VRBO she had rented for all the out-of-town guests to stay in and get ready for the wedding. Let me tell you, this place was something else. It was like stepping into the world of Beetlejuice. I mean, the house itself might as well have been haunted, but what really took the cake were the decorations. They were something straight out of a Halloween horror movie.
We had skeletons hanging from the ceiling, creepy dolls on the shelves, and wallpaper that looked like it was designed by Tim Burton himself. It was definitely not your typical wedding accommodations, but it was a wild experience, to say the least.
The next day, we headed to the groom’s parents’ house in Corte Madera for the rehearsal dinner. Everything about it was just so beautiful. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet brimming with excitement for the big day ahead. And let’s not forget about the food. Dinner was an absolute delight.
But the highlight of the evening was the first practice run of the ceremony itself. We all gathered around, and it was there that we began to see the magic of what was to come. The bride and groom stood together, and we all took our places, practicing our roles. It was a heartwarming experience, and it made us even more excited for the wedding day, knowing that we were all part of something truly special.
Back in college, it was easier to visit them more often. I’d usually fly up for spring and fall breaks for a few days at a time. During my visits, I was adopted into their local friend groups. It was a testament to the warmth and inclusivity of the people they had chosen to surround themselves with. But as life unfolded, I found myself living farther away, and maintaining those connections became more challenging but we never lost our bond.
As I stood there, surrounded by friends old and new, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. I’ve known these girls for almost a decade now, and it’s been quite the journey. Yet, no matter the distance, I’ve always made it a priority to be there for all of their big life moments. From birthdays and holidays, and now, weddings, our bond has remained unbreakable. And standing there at the rehearsal dinner, I realized just how precious these friendships are.
Our shared history, inside jokes, and the sheer comfort of being around people who have known you for so long—it’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world. These are the friends who have seen me through it all, and I’ve had the privilege of being there for their journeys as well.
The festivities began with us getting our hair done, and it was such a blast. Laura’s godparents brought snacks and mimosas, setting the tone for a day filled with celebration and joy. After that, we returned to the spooky house to get our makeup and dresses on. I’ll never forget the moment when Laura and Will exchanged their first looks in the Beetlejuice room. It was such an intimate, magical moment, and I was fortunate enough to be in the room to capture it on film. The love they share is pure and incredible, and witnessing it was truly something special.
As the day continued to fly by, we hopped into a limo to make our way to the wedding venue. Once there, we went through another rehearsal to make sure everything would be perfect. At that moment, I was particularly grateful for bringing a second pair of shoes because those heels would have been the death of me. And then came the ceremony—a moment of pure emotion and beauty. I had to hold back tears as Laura and Will shared their vows. Aside from them both including Boy Scout law into their vows, Laura had written hers just nine days into dating Will. It was such a sweet and genuine expression of their love.
After the ceremony, we finally got to enjoy the amazing food, dance the night away, and simply revel in the magic of the day. It was the kind of celebration that leaves you with a heart full of happiness, surrounded by dear friends and the love of a newlywed couple. What a day to remember!
The day after the wedding, we faced the monumental task of cleaning up the “disaster zone” that was the spooky house. Thankfully, neither of us were worse for wear, and we were feeling great, which was a small miracle considering all the festivities. We gathered up all the belongings, and there was quite a bit of leftover food and drinks from the wedding.
After taking care of our post-wedding responsibilities, Wayde and I decided to treat ourselves to a little adventure of our own. We hopped on a ferry into the city, and our destination was clear: Boudin for a mouthwatering bread bowl filled with clam chowder. The weather throughout the weekend had been absolutely perfect, and this moment was no exception. Just the two of us, enjoying each other’s company.
It reminded me of last year when we drove from Vancouver, bringing our beloved dog Benji along for the ride. We made a stop at Boudin for lunch, and it’s become a tradition of sorts. Boudin had become Wayde’s favorite place, and who could blame him? There’s something about comfort food by the bay that just hits the spot. It was the perfect way to cap off a wonderful weekend filled with love, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
As if the weekend couldn’t get any better, there was one more surprise waiting for us. It turned out that another long-time friend, Greg, was coincidentally on vacation in San Francisco the same weekend. What are the odds, right?
Meeting up with Greg was such a joy, and I was especially excited for Wayde to have the chance to meet him for the first time. We decided to take a leisurely stroll along Pier 39, playing arcade games and spotting the sea lions.
With the sun setting over the bay, we found a cozy spot to sit down and enjoy a few drinks together. The atmosphere was relaxed, the conversation flowed effortlessly, and it felt like time had stood still since we had last been together.
It was the perfect way to end our trip—a spontaneous, heartwarming reunion with an old friend, against the backdrop of the beautiful San Francisco Bay. It was a reminder that sometimes, life has a way of weaving these beautiful threads of connection and serendipity, making our journeys all the more memorable.
TLDR; I saw my friends get married.
Thanks for reading & drink more water
-Ri
Raisa Lynn
As an experienced freelance copywriter and web content writer, I help businesses and brands find their voice, tell their story and spread their message, using copy that engages, informs, persuades, motivates, challenges, provokes and entertains.
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Raisa Lynn
Welcome to my weird little corner of the inernet. I started this blog as a way to share my knowledge and experiences with others who are interested in my life. I hope that my insights can help others to learn and grow. Thank you for reading!