It’s not you, it’s me. 

We need to end this affair.

It’s gone on far too long. 

Delicious as you are, I can’t afford $14.92NZD for a Soy Latte.

With heavy heart I sit in the Houston airport ready to make the 14.5 hour journey back to NZ, knowing I will not see my dear friend again.

Starbucks I will miss you.

And just like that I have forgotten you because boy, oh boy, what a wedding this has been!

What an incredible family time. And I say family time with the inclusion of not only the biological family on both sides but all the friends, who are really in every sense, true family. 

MoD and I started the day with a massage from a little walk-in around the corner, not realising it included a facial.

Bonus 🥰

Then it was back to Grana for a rest before the ceremony. Scheduled to be held on the rooftop around 5ish. 

Rain was threatening but given everyone including our amazing celebrant/officiant bestie of the bride Ollie was staying at the same location, the reality was the ceremony time could move around to suit the weather.

For Fred the German wedding planner who lives in Oaxaca, it was going to be long day. She was there early morning and stayed until last stumps, which may have been around 2am-ish.  And before I forget, what an amazing job she did with every single detail, even surprising the bride and groom with fireworks later in the evening. 

But first up, hair and makeup for the bride, the besties, mum and sisters. And me. Who tacked onto that at the last minute. So grateful. I mean no one wanted to see my hair post Florida. And I certainly could not tame it. As luck would have it, the team turned up early and offered to do my make up as well given they had time.

Can you make me look 20 years younger please?

I can’t speak Spanish, only one of the 6 in the beauty team could, but they laughed and laughed at my request. And did it anyway. 

Maybe not 20 years but as my best, and fiercest critic I was blown away by the magic they performed. Mind you there were layers and layers and layers. I thought it would never end. My eyes and cheeks were getting sore from all those layers. 

Worth every moment. There had been some discussion earlier in the week about the aging process and me finally letting my hair go it’s ‘real’ colour. Me choosing to become old. Based on the fact I was looking old. According to me. After 30+ years of dyeing my hair doubt had crept in – had I really done the right thing by stopping that nonsense now? Given I am 62 I felt in my heart it was time. But one always has doubts with such a big decision. My friends, you can be the judge of that in these photos. And only these photos. You can’t judge me in the real world photos. Oh no…..

Here I go again, getting off track. Back to the beautifying. 

All through the process of the team enhancing everyone’s natural beauty,  there was laughter, singing and just pure fun.  These guys enjoy what they are doing. Apparently they really enjoyed it this day, said it was the most chillaxed bride and group they had ever encountered. Probably an absolutely true story. 

Joyful. 

There were no moments in this day that weren’t joyful.

And I feel confident I can speak for everyone on that score. 

Post beautification I went back to my room for a rest and to wait for the wedding time. Not that you can really rest when you’ve been totally transformed like that. It’s an upright rest and a keep away from water or moisture. Lucky it wasn’t Florida where the makeup would have slid off my face.

On the way to my room our grandson spotted me and with very puzzled expression asked me at least three times why I had done ‘that’.  Hmmmm 

Fifteen minutes into my ‘rest’ I heard a pop. Or two. Oh yeah, that’s definitely the call.  Best I wander out to see how the brides hair and make up turned out (it was of course beautiful, just like her). 

What, you have champagne. Fred? 

I couldn’t possibly….well ok, just a small glass….

Then it was time for everyone to stay in their rooms while the bride and groom had photos taken within this absolutely stunning place that is Grana B&B.

Drinks in the courtyard for all and then we headed up the spiral staircase for the rooftop ceremony. The rain held out. 

At the welcoming drinks the night before my son had asked if I would walk him down the aisle. Even writing about that there are tears. I felt so incredibly honoured and proud. 

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. The words Ollie spoke on behalf of the bride and groom, and the words they spoke to each other were meaningful, heartfelt, relevant and totally perfect. We took a moment to acknowledge the loved ones who couldn’t join us on this beautiful occasion. 

And then they were pronounced husband and wife!

Meanwhile outside the front door team Calenda were waiting – if you don’t know what a Calenda is you may have to read my previous post. 

Hilarious fun. A Honey effigy from bride and groom to carry (that’s their fur baby cat), dancing through the streets, random people joining us, photos being taken of the wedding party from rooftops, Mezcal shots being consumed. 

Back to Grana for the reception and a meal that was completely out of this world. 

The bride is of Māori heritage and her stepdad did a speech even though he was told there would be no speeches. However, given the ancestry, history and the culture of the family he really had no choice. Not a dry eye in the house. It was absolutely beautiful.

Middle son and our grandson then presented the bride and groom with a Pounamu each (greenstone).  This is a Māori tradition. You can’t buy yourself a Pounamu, it must be gifted.

The Pounamu had been blessed earlier in the day by the bride’s stepdad making it all the more special. 

Not a dry eye in the house. 

The brides family, including the bride then performed a traditional Māori song and dance – a Kapa Haka. 

Not a dry eye in the house.

The DJ stepped up and dancing followed. Grana had actually built a dance floor in the courtyard just for the wedding and with that really awesome DJ the dance floor got a lot of work. 

We olds loved it given much of the music was rehashed from past decades, albeit a bit jazzed up, but songs we knew and loved. 

We danced the night away ……..surprise fireworks happened to everyone’s delight. 

Every single photo of the bride and groom is joyful. 

A wedding filled with love, laughter, happiness and joy.

We are blessed.