I wore a gorgeous navy blue Indian Saree with hot pink edges and gold details. We threw flowers all over the wedding guests and each other; we hammed it up in hopes that it would go viral. Everyone laughed and enjoyed our entrance. But when Kimmie walked up the isle, it took our breath away. This was her moment. She was walking to her man. I’ve always loved to watch the groom when the bride arrives and begins walking down the isle. Undra was so overcome with emotion at the alter. It melted every women’s heart to see him standing in gratitude and love before his bride with tears streaming down his face. Kimmie handed him her christening handkerchief.
The rain came down while Kimmie and Undra said their vows. We all wiped our eyes filled with tears of joy, and popped open our umbrellas. After we ate, huddled under the food tent, hiding from the downpour, we danced on the unrolled outdoor carpet that was soggy and muddy. The dance floor was still covered because it was too dangerous to dance on it. There was laughter and love all around despite the rain pouring down from heaven. Kimmie and Undra took it all in stride. They were married and we were their witnesses; witnesses to the love; witnesses to letting go of perfect beginnings; witnesses of laughter and close dances and mob line dances; witnesses to friends and family rejoicing in Kimmie and Undra’s special day. It was one of my favorite weddings; one I will always remember.
We left the next morning and took off to New Orleans. We went with our favorite California friends, Susie and Steve McNitt. It was our first time in NOLA. We rented an AirBnB that was within walking distance of the French Quarter.
New Orleans is an old city. Note to self: always wear gym shoes.
You can’t walk around (safely) in flip flops. Cobblestone streets, and ancient trees make their way to the light of day like zombie roots escaping out of sidewalks. Music was being played every where we went. The music changed from classic jazz to zydeco to blues to funk to rock every other bar. You could just walk in (with no cover charge). You just had to buy a minimum of one drink. You could stay as long you liked. It is a people watching mecca: lots of drunk people; lots of street performers; lots of tourist attractions; lots of young homeless people hanging out in doorways or park benches; many of them with their dogs sitting next to them. As couples, we just walked hand in hand strolling down the street, smiling and laughing, and eating our way through NOLA.
By the way, it’s virtually impossible to eat whole food plant based vegan when you’re with another couple. We were not good at planning or making better food decisions. I couldn’t tell you one vegan restaurant that was worth eating at. Next time, we’ll have better expectations of restaurants ability to accommodate vegans. Ultimately, we were there for the company not the food. Although, I will tell you that New Orleans beignets are like crack: scary for your health and addictive; I could see giving all my money away on powder sugar beignets and risk becoming homeless.
This was week that was filled with the joy of life--a wedding, dancing, time with good friends, travel, live music and delicious food. It is so good to be alive!
