Ben got hitched this weekend. The bride is from Taiwan, and she had an entourage of 30 or so family members that are here just for their American wedding. They already had a big affair in Taiwan, maybe even two. Hubs was a groomsman, just as Ben was a groomsman at our wedding. Between them flipping roles, the relatives from afar, little things lost in translation, and the multiple ceremonies, it was like I was at my own wedding again. It's the cliche of two people from opposite ends of the globe falling in love, much like the Mastercard 'priceless' commercial, but it's such a complicated brew of emotions and it's weird to be able to say I've been there.
Anyway, it was beautiful. The ceremony was at the famous Heinz Chapel, and the reception was at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. When I wasn't ushering, I toted my little Drebel around.
Heinz Chapel and the magnificent stained glass
E's tux and bout, and the bridal party's flowers
I was miffed at my (cheap) zoom lens because I missed a number of good shots. If I had glass with IS, I could've rocked da hizouse. Of course, I'd rather not pay the price... you get what you pay for.
Much to my amusement, E was actually hung over at the wedding. He had a little too much with the guys the night before, and unbeknownst to the bride and groom, he was sick as a dog all throughout the wedding. (Thank goodness he didn't make a scene at the altar.) Of course, the guys sniggered and hi-fived when they saw E and his 32oz. bottle of Gatorade. Nice job, boys.
The wedding was in the afternoon; we took a short break after the reception and headed to Harris Grill with the gang for supper. By this time, E's liver was ready for more, so we went down to Soba Lounge for martinis, then back to PHI. Went to Pamela's for brunch the next morning, before everyone parted ways. Now we're just waiting for another wedding to have our next reunion!
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Went to the National Aviary this afternoon. It was my first time, and unfortunately it was a let-down despite all the hype I've heard. Still sore about my telephoto lens, I decided to get some practice. Got some good shots:
And my favorite:
The penguin was taking a stroll among giants - it was being escorted by staff and curious visitors to its exhibit, I think. Odd but cute.
Now that the sun's out for good, the bike trainer takes a back seat to the open road. Brought the bike out for a ride today - 12 miles through Schenley onto the Eliza Furnace Trail and back again. One of the guys at work has been nagging me to bike to work with him, and the office is just a bridge more from the end of the trail. I felt good today, and I think I may be ready to beat the morning traffic with my silver stead soon. We rounded the evening with Greek food and a hearty smoothie.
Long weekends make the first day back at work suck. Bedtime!
