Geography of a Wedding

In southern California the Mission Inn is a magical place any season to host a wedding; however, the Christmas holiday season is certainly the best. The Inn is decorated with 3.5 million lights; if that is not enough, red flowers border every walkway and planter, and decorations are everywhere. It is nothing less than stunning. Kayla & Brian's wedding was fairytale quality surrounded in the Mission Inn's magic.

The map of every wedding has poignant moments; places not to miss while making the journey from signing the guestbook to saying "see you later": The entrance of the parents, then the wedding party, and bride's entrance, the exchange of rings, lighting the unity candle, the "I do's," the kiss, the announcement of Mr. & Mrs., the triumphant couple's exit; and a number of special moments at the reception.

I captured one of those moments happening as the doors to the chapel swung open, the organ sounded loudly, everyone stood, and then the view of the bride next to her daddy as she observed the long aisle to where her groom waited. Whenever possible I like to sit near the chapel's entrance to see clearly that breathtaking moment. This was a grand scene.

The remainder of the wedding and dinner reception were grand as well. The bridesmaids wore Christmas red, long strapless dresses; the tables were covered in white cloth accented with black napkins and a strip of red ribbon. The chairs were covered in black cloth with huge bands of red satin tied in a bow at the back. The centerpieces were tall vases filled with clear glass marbles and blinking lights in the middle topped with an array of red carnations. The head table was covered in black cloth to accent the bride's stunning white attire. The meal was delicious. The wedding cake was spectacular and with a flavor that satisfied, and if that wasn't enough, Oreo cookies with red or green cream filled middles were served with martini glasses of milk!

It was well after dark as this wintry wedding evening was winding down and Kayla wrapped her white fur stole around her shoulders. Then she and her groom were escorted to the entrance of the Mission Inn for a ride in a Cinderella coach lit in dozens of little white lights; they entered the horse-drawn coach and rode once around the Mission Inn to see the wonder of the Festival of Lights.

And of course, I sipped champagne and sighed, and then came home with my Mr. Right, no make that my Mr. Fun! He's really my Mr. Right.

Good night from Southern California.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol