Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Six Things Learned from a Wedding in Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico near Puerto Morelos

1. A few Spanish phrases: Buenos días (Good day), Gracias (Thank you), Por favor (Please) and Disculpe (Excuse me) take a person far and elicit a warmer response than the same basic French phrases do in Paris. I am not putting down the French; I'm acknowledging the warmth of Mexicans.

2. It's both soothing and exhilarating to see the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico.

3.  The turquoise sea south of Puerto Morelos is as delicious to swim in as it is to watch.

4. Destination weddings require guests to shell out a fair bit of cash and vacation time, thereby excluding many who wish the bride and groom well. On the plus side, those who gather in a far-off place have the chance to visit, talk, and get to know one another over two or more days.

5. No matter where a wedding is held, it's magical to witness two people vow to love and honor one another.

6. In the bridal-bouquet toss, the woman who really, really wants the flowers wins them.

The jumper's my younger daughter.  What can I tell you?
 She must have a thing for calla lilies.

15 comments:

Ginger Calem said...

My husband and I LOVED our trip to Mexico last fall. Everyone was so warm and friendly. That picture of your daughter is hysterical! It's either the lilies she's after or a rock on that finger! ;)

a rose is a rose said...

A few things I learned:

The ocean and the love of family and friends have extraordinary healing powers.

When you're doing something for the right reasons, nothing can stop you.

The Wedding Gods are real and they accept sacrifices.

My sister may have been the model for the Air Jordan logo.

Unknown said...

Buenos dias mi amiga!

LOL, "My sister may have been the model for the Air Jordan logo!" This, I take it, was said by the older sister. Too funny Pat.

It sounds like your family had a wonderful time. So glad this destination wedding turned out so well. And I apprecite your viewpoint because one does have to shell out a good amount in order to attend these events. But I like the fact that it's a relaxed atmophere and it give everyone a chance to get to know one another, like a bonding wedding adventure.

Now what I want to know is, what did you end up wearing to the wedding? We want pics! :)

Coleen Patrick said...

You just made me take a deep, soothing breath. I love the ocean, especially the tropical ones.
Also, I'm with Karen, what did you wear?? :)

Kassandra Lamb said...

I love France, but I'm with you, the Mexicans are more openly friendly (although I've only been to Mexico once, and then only briefly).

Come on, where are the pictures of you, Pat?

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Hi, Ginger,
Mentally, I'm still in Mexico. Physically, I'm home. Sigh.
Yes, my daughter's after something. Could it be a spot on the Olympic volleyball team?

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Ooh, Amy, I like your list, except the sacrifice to the Wedding Gods. Are you going to be in perpetual Lent?

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Hi, Karen,
"Bonding wedding adventure" is a perfect description. And yes, "a rose" is the pseudonym for Older Daughter, whose name I already gave away. Lucky I didn't go into the spy business.

Gah. I do not have any photos of myself but will tell you I didn't go the sundress route. Instead, I wore the most comfortable navy blue dress in the world to the rehearsal dinner. It is cut like a tee shirt but has a sort of tie at the front and side. For the occasion, I did not wear black ballet flats. I went wild and bought silver ballet flats and threw on a necklace with silver, turquoise, and plum beads. I loved the outfit. For the wedding, I wore a dress with a hint of a cap sleeve and a multi-colored geometric print. I liked it. Both are wash and wear because, you know, I'm all about low-maintenance clothes.

Thanks for checking on me, amiga.

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Oh, Coleen, the water was the perfect temperature, had the right amount of salt, and that color! OMG, I close my eyes and see that color.

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Kassandra, if we're lucky, no pictures of me will surface.

Have you seen the clip making the rounds of Jimmy Fallon "mom dancing" with Michelle Obama? I dance like Jimmy. I mean, exactly. Yeah, we do not want photographic evidence.

Patricia Rickrode w/a Jansen Schmidt said...

Oh my goodness. Where have I been? Who got married in Mexico? I'm sure I must owe congratulations even though belatedly.

Mexico is a beautiful country indeed. I'm just a little scared to visit any more with so much random violence.

I hope you enjoyed your visit.

Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt

Lark Howard said...

So glad you enjoyed the wedding. I love destination weddings in theory but have never been invited to one. It would have to be someone I was very close to or a place I REALLY want to go if I'm going to spend all that money.

The flower-catching photo is brilliant!! Thanks for posting it.

Sheila Seabrook said...

I love that photo of your daughter catching the bouquet, Pat. She's got quite the jump and reach. :)

I keep telling my boys to get married in some far off exotic place I've never been to. We'll see.

Welcome back from your trip!

Jennette Marie Powell said...

Looks like it was a wonderful wedding! Did your daughter the jumper catch the bouquet? :D

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your wedding fashion wardrobe with us Pat! It all sounded very chic chica! What a fashionista! Who knew? LOL! :)