the weekend

There's so much new stuff that I want to share with you all, but we just have to go back to my magical weekend in Oregon. I had been waiting to retrieve my film photos before talking about it here.
So, my friends got married. It was so inspiring to be around these two people who love and respect each other so much, and who were surrounded all weekend by friends and family who do the same. It was beautiful.
The ceremony itself was meticulously planned, incorporating many traditions and rituals that had particular meaning to the bride and groom, and including many close family and friends as well. Even the ring box was handmade by one of our friends. Also, it was ridiculously fun. I went to college with both the bride and the groom, so suffice it to say that this wedding served as a mini reunion.

I hadn't seen any of the people there in at least two years, some even longer, and it was a true joy. I don't remember the last time I laughed that hard.

The rehearsal dinner was a western theme (the wedding was held at a ranch) involving lots of costumes, there were lawn games for everyone the day after the wedding, and even some, um, late night naked volleyball (I had no part in that last activity, seriously).

It was also amazing to finally introduce Jared to so many of my friends who hadn't yet met him. And also to meet some new people in my friends' lives as well. There were lots of smiles, hugs, stories, games, and even happy tears. There was plenty of time to just hang out, which was so great, especially since so many people had traveled to be there. All in all, it was an amazing weekend, and I already miss it.
Oh yeah, and did I mention that Oregon is beautiful?

ps: I've got tons more photos that I'll be slowly uploading over here, so you can check those out too.