Getting Hitched via Victoria, BC, Canada

Since moving to China, I have (unfortunately and sadly) missed opportunities to attend and celebrate the many weddings that are to be expected in my peer group. However, in 2008, I attended the wedding of Dove and Clint on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Dove and I have been best friends since forever (high school) and I got to be there when she got married to her beloved Clint - now her beloved baby-daddy. But not only did I attend, but I was also honored to participate in the wedding - honored to be her Man of Honor. Yes, on the bride's side. Now that might sound a bit non-traditional but nothing about this wedding was traditional, and that's one of the things that made this event so memorable for everyone.

Unfortunately, there was one hick-up. You see, the plan was that I would be the Man of Honor, and Clint's sister was would be his Best Woman - but something about not being able to cross into Canada with a felony or something weird like that prevented her from attending. Well, too bad for her because she missed a fabulous party. If ever there was a wedding that was made for the bride and groom, then this would be it. The attendees, gifts, dancing, and stuff - extra tasty gravy. Like all good things, they made it for themselves by themselves - literally. From the cakes (all their favorites), the wine, beer and bubbly to the invitations, music list, bride's wedding gown and groom getup (his walking cane had a hollowed-out secret compartment with multiple vials of "Jack" inside - for anyone that got a case of the nerves). Suffice it to say, it was a fantastic wedding party.

And while very memorable - I nevertheless sent myself the above posty to remind myself of the other fun happenings of this particular trip home. Quite busy actually: Surfing (of course) with Bob, Joe and my friend Jack, whom I met in Beijing; chillin' with the new twins, Dillan and Becca; movie screening to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Sleeping Beauty" at the Disney's El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood; birthday drinks and dinner for Biz at the Velvet Margarita. Oh, and a day trip to visit friends, Mitch and Janine, at their house in Laguna. We had coffee and brunch on their cliffside terrace, and then met up with their family at a Johnny Rockets.

Ok, let's see - where's my check-list? Attend wedding, surf, brush up on Disney classic, and meet up with friends for Cobb salads and burgers at classic Americana themed restaurant. Done.

Get there!