A Wedding To Remember

Saturday, my weekend in Boston continued with Cristina and Chris’ wedding. One of the best I’ve ever attended, the 130-person event was truly an affair to remember.

Happily Ever After: Cristina and Chris on their wedding day (photo courtesy: Michelle Abril)

Following a nuptial mass at Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the festivities continued at Boston’s Omni Parker House – America’s longest continuously- run hotel, located next to Beacon Hill.

During the cocktail hour, I chatted with Cristina’s sweet twin brother and Man of Honor Robert. We shared a laugh when he quipped that he refrained from adjusting the bride’s train for fear that traditionally female gesture might end up on YouTube.

I also caught up with my former work husband and good friend Morty. Morty filled me in on phD application overload (he’s applying to 15 psychology programs), and we debated the subtle yet important distinction between desire and need when it comes to the object of one’s affections.

Eventually, everyone made their way upstairs to the ballroom, elegant with its dark, wood paneling and decorated with a Christmas tree and Baby’s Breath centerpieces. A snowflake ornament adorning each place setting completed the festive holiday theme.

All Smiles: the beautiful bride and me

After the Best Man said a few words, Chris spoke from the heart with gratitude for his parents and in-laws – and abiding love for his beautiful bride. Recalling the day he met Cristina six years ago, Chris said he knew then it was forever.

“You are the love of my life,” he said. “You’re the only person I’ve ever loved.”

Wow.

Speaking of wow, the DJ impressed with a perfect mix of dinner-appropriate tunes (including Sinatra in heavy rotation) and lively dance songs. Knowing my affection for Ricky Martin, Cristina had him kick off the booty shaking with “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”

Not only did I shake, as Morty put it, all three of my moneymakers but I managed to forget about my injured leg. One of the bride’s relatives later told me--

“You should be on Broadway!”

Along with everyone else, I also got my groove on to such crowd pleasers as “All The Single Ladies,” “Disco Inferno,” “Don’t Stop The Music” and “I Gotta Feeling.”

What a celebration. When a couple is so perfect for each other like Cristina and Chris, you can’t help but be overjoyed to watch them embark on happily ever after – and feel hopeful all over again in finding it yourself.

Minus A Plus One...Again

Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to Boston for a good friend’s wedding. Since this will be the third nuptial affair I’m attending this year, I can’t help thinking about what it’s like to fly solo when a couple is exchanging their I Dos.

It’s an experience I’ve had plenty of practice with. The last time I was invited to a wedding with a guest was five years ago. My then-boyfriend and I broke up only a few days before the big event, so a place card bearing his name was next to mine at the reception. Ouch.

Being minus a plus one at weddings has also lent itself to some funny, memorable moments. Like the time I kissed the bride’s cousin only to have his date turn up later (see the full story on Time Out NY’s website). Or when I accidentally singed my hair on a candle during an attempt to be flirtatious.

As another year of being unattached draws to a close, though, I find myself feeling more apprehensive about going it alone at these events. The pool of fellow singles to mingle with seems to grow smaller and smaller, as does my tolerance for being in the minority of attendees without a significant other.

Thank goodness for open bar.

A Wonderful Wedding

When you’re a thirtysomething single who’s lost both parents, attending a wedding can be bittersweet. Thankfully, my friend Cindy’s wedding last Sunday proved to be anything but.

Held at the Garrison, a charming inn and golf course nestled in New York’s Hudson Valley, the beautiful affair boasted a picturesque setting and an animated, sociable crowd of about 150 people.

The bride and groom: Me, Cindy and Jason

Before the ceremony, I chatted with amiable British groomsmen Dave, who managed to be cheerful despite having to linger in the blistering heat to distribute programs to the guests.

After Cindy and her beloved Jason exchanged their outdoor I dos, everyone headed inside for the reception. Much to my great delight, I ended up at a table with fun and fabulous people, including one of the groom’s handsome cousins and a few of Cindy’s other galpals -- Sydney-born Rachel among them.

Rachel and I danced and gabbed the night away, talking about our love for Sydney and NYC and our respective adventures in online dating. We both admitted that Cindy was the go-to wing woman back in her single days and decided to fill the void for each other and do a girls night out soon.

What are some of your most memorable moments as a wedding guest?

Coming up…a visit to one of NYC’s hottest burger joints and gearing up for SATC 2.

When Romance Meets Reality

When you go to a wedding, you can’t help thinking about the trajectory that your own love life has taken. Having just witnessed two couples start their lives together, I’ve found myself pondering what happens as romance first blossoms.

Theoretically, the beginning of a relationship is supposed to be a blissful, effortless time (or, at least, that’s how it is in my fantasy world). But what happens when reality gets in the way?

I’ve experienced my fair share of romantic starts challenged by outside forces. Geography proved to be a foe twice, first when I fell for California native Mark (a.k.a. Sparky), then again when I met Illinois resident Steve days before moving back to New York.

The most devastating trial to coincide with a new love -- losing my mother just five weeks into dating noble and dashing Brit David.

Sometimes it’s a less dramatic circumstance that poses a threat to growing chemistry. Like dating someone who’s obsessed with his dogs or who works completely different hours. It’s hard not to feel like your romantic dreams shrink a little when time doesn’t allow much margin for error.

I guess the trick, as mom used to say, is knowing how to be content with what you have. And, of course, making sure to communicate during any bumps along the way so that the time you do share with your sweetheart is well spent.

Who says romance and reality can’t happily coexist?

By The Numbers: Always A Bridesmaid Edition

You never know what’s going to happen at a wedding. From unexpected mishaps to surprise connections with members of the opposite sex, a lot can happen when two people are celebrating their I Dos.

All dolled up for a colleague’s wedding in New Jersey last weekend

With nuptial season in full swing -- and a second wedding to attend in as many weekends -- I can’t help thinking about the more memorable ones I’ve attended over the years. Here are a few of them, By The Numbers:

Number of weddings attended: 17
Number of times I’ve been Maid of Honor: 4
Number of weddings that led to romance with the Best Man: 2
Number of weddings made more enjoyable by having gay dance partners: 2
Number of men kissed whose wedding date later showed up: 1
Number of weddings at which I accidentally set my hair on fire: 1

That embarrassing moment happened at my dear friend Camilla’s wedding a few years back. I leaned across the table to flirt with a cute guy, and ended up scorching my hair with a candle. The incident spread like, yes, wildfire around the room and everyone had a good laugh. So much for being a seductress.

What engaging encounters await me this Sunday at galpal Cindy’s nuptials? With an Aussie and a few fellow singles sitting at my table, I can’t wait to find out.