It was on a bright but cool June summer day with an open sky Chuppah (canopy) ceremony that Mel and Barb exchanged vows. They couldn't have picked a better place; the grounds at The Bates House in Setauket set the tone for a very relaxed, "easy-mingling" reception which followed after the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. Raised as devout Catholics, this is first for our family and it didn't surprise me that there are close similarities in the wedding rites.
At his ripe age, it might be a little late for Mel to go through the brit milah ritual to fulfill the religious requirement. Not again! Although it wasn't referred to as bris when it was performed when he was a kid. Mel was teased plenty about it by Frederick, Barb's brother-in-law during the toast. Didn't I tell you George, breaking the glass alone doesn't constitute conversion!
Members of both families warmed up to each one instantly. I'm lousy at remembering names, but there's Barb's sister Stacey, Bonnie and Mark and a host of other lovely relatives and friends coming up to us and introducing themselves. We were touched.
Ped, George, Inang and myself represented our family and trust me, we're not well-versed in doing most things perfectly and without embarrassing our beloved ancestors, but this time, we did a damn good job of standing for my brother Tony and sister-in-law Prasing who couldn't make it to the wedding. Even George behaved himself. As usual Inang charmed everyone.
I loved every detail, from the flowers to the cake, everything tastefully done, allowing for plenty of time and room to mix with all the guests. Music was awesome, a guitarist provided some classical and smooth jazz background. One piece stood out for me, Santana's Samba pa ti.
He did have competition though, when Mel was called in to play. Impromptu but he did wonderfully, singing a beautiful Beatles ballad. Ped toasted his brother with pride and with stories reminiscent of their young days during the Beatles era.
Without further ado, here they are and we're happy for them. Mazel Tov!
Have a good life together!
