Saturday, September 29, 2007 was long to arrive, having received an exquisite save the date in the days following 24 May 2007. The note simply stated, Paul and Don planned to marry on Saturday (9/29/07) and the event would take place at The Lord Thompson Manor. This particular wedding was quite important to me. You see, Paul and Don are great friends, to each other and to nearly everyone that passes. I can't remember exactly when I met them, as it was a raucous Monday at the Colonial and many of the specifics are blurry, but one thing is clear for me, they are a splendid example of what marriage is all about.
The invitation package, designed by Paul - a visual designer for Lord and Taylor, is amazing...deep purple and lime green, heavy stock paper and clean font represented the short note at the bottom of the actual invitation piece, which read "black and white reception immediately following." Personally, I was relieved and a baby-bit disappointed when I heard that this did not mean tuxedos and gowns. I was able to get really dressed up and be original, without matching every other man there, if you've been to black tie affairs, you understand the visual. The disappointment is that women is evening wear are just drop dead gorgeous. I was a dressed up as ever.
[Pictures are forthcoming from Nate, but I'll whet your appetite by saying this: black four-button suit, charcoal shirt and silver tie. Accented with big white sunglasses.]
The Manor is gorgeous all by itself and the flowers, decorations, amenities all enhanced the experience. The floral display a hundred or more candles and cala lilies of many different colors and sizes reminded me of a Renaissance chandelier. The food was perfectly delicious; a gargantuan shrimp set atop a phenomenal Fillet served with 1/4 piece of sweet potato, 1/4 piece of blue potato and a few stalks of asparagus. Perfect pairing and quite delicious.
The DJ who looked like a cross between a model for H&R Block CPA commercial and my friend Andy Arnold was totally digital and totally awesome! There were about 20-30 people that just stayed on the dance floor most of the night.
Many times, while driving to a church or facility where two friends are to marry, I have thought about the couple and been flooded with thoughts of their future and how out social circle will change. Yesterday was different, I was invited - and guest, so Mark Macaruso graciously accepted my invitation and accompanied me to the event. During the 20 plus minute drive, we discussed the grooms and the others that would be in attendance and most importantly (and I must have said this a dozen times during the day, if I said it once) the fact that this couple is the picture of who should marry. I learned yesterday that they have been together for 17 years and it shows. Their unified love and strength truly shines.
Twice now, I have referred to the event - I chose the word event because that's exactly what you get when you are invited to The Lord Thompson Manor. Jackie and Andrew are welcoming you into their home...and Ted, Kelly and all of the staff bring elegance and precision to an entirely new level. A wonderfully whimsical alternate world. A perfect location for a perfect couple to bring together family and friends to create beautiful memories.