Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Wedding Bells and the Honeymoon Shawl


Michael and I were married May 20 at my house with my kids as witnesses.  We've been moving toward this step in our relationship for some time, but hadn't quite set a date.  Then in May we booked a vacation cruise to Mexico, and readied to leave town on the 21st.  Suddenly The Right Time had manifested itself, and our vacation turned into a honeymoon, with visits to my parents and to one of Michael's sons and his family as bookends.


The wedding itself was hastily arranged.  I only had a dress because I'd bought one for the trip.  We got the license that morning, and I called my kids at noon to tell them that the wedding would be at 2.  Troopers that they are, they showed up right on time (both on their way to work)  for the short ceremony performed by a local judge, a friend of Michael's, who also gamely agreed to perform the ceremony at my house on short notice.  We would've gone to his office, but he insisted that a less bureaucratic location would be much better.  


That night I put my tennis shoes back on and we went out to dinner at our favorite local Mexican restaurant.   Though the arrangements were very casual, we were both very happy.

The cruise was wonderfully relaxing.  We stopped at Cabo San Lucas and at Puerto Vallarta, where we enjoyed the hot weather, shopping and the beach.  On the ship we spent time reading, getting sunburned, listening to music, and otherwise honeymooning.  It was very romantic.


Looking back on the photos Michael has noticed how happy I look.  Yes, definitely happy.


And there is a fiber-related angle here too.  I started knitting a simple shawl to take on the trip, a variation on the Kid Silk Haze Shawl pattern.  I used some anonymous thrifted mohair yarn on size 11 needles.  If I'd known I was going to get married I might have planned a more elaborate project, but as it is, I finished the shawl, not before the wedding, but on the long drive to Sacramento before our flight to southern California and the cruise ship.



So this is my Honeymoon Shawl, and it worked perfectly as a lightweight but warm shawl for the nights at sea.  It's very much a reflection of our whole wedding experience: it's plain, thrifty, yet cheerful and not without style. 

12 comments:

Rian said...

How wonderful~~I hope you and Michael will have many, many years of health and happiness together. And many more relaxing cruises in smooth, warm waters. Congratulations to you both. I am so happy for you.

Judy S. said...

Wonderful news! Congratulations and lots of best wishes. Incidentally, you both look very happy! What a great way to spend the first part of your marriange!

quiltmom anna said...

Congratulations Barbara and Michael.
I hope that you will be very happy together for many many years.
Your shawl is beautiful and you look radiant Barbara - your face reflects your joy and happiness.
It sounds like you had a fabulous honeymoon- Mexico is one of my favorite places. It is so welcoming and relaxing. Perhaps one day we will go there again for a holiday.
With best wishes and warmest regards,
Anna

DebbyMc said...

Congratulations! You do look so happy, and beautiful =-) I really like that shawl...

allie aller said...

You are indeed a glowing bride! Congratulations to you both...I'm so glad your door quilt has turned out to be a wedding gift, too!

beth said...

What a beautiful wedding post! YOu both look radiant.

floribunda said...

Congratulations! I think last-minute wedding plans are the way to do it and it sounds like everything worked perfectly. Lovely shawl, too...

Debra Dixon said...

Aw, just the best news!

I'm so happy you can start the summer relaxed and full of energy from your wedding and your honeymoon.
Congratulations!

Catherine Arnold said...

Barbara, Congratulations to you and Michael. What fun to be well thought out/planned and impulsive at the same time! The shawl is just perfect! Let's talk soon.

Finn said...

Congratulations and my heartfelt wishes for many, many happy years together. If this beginning is an indication, I have NO doubts there will be, many happy years and experiences!!Love the whole post, seems perfect to me! sending big hugs with my best wishes, Finn

Vicki W said...

Congratulations! You both look very happy!

Kay said...

I missed this post! I'm so happy for you, and wish you a wonderful life together. And this is the way to have a wedding!

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