Since the day we met – when our high school principal (we both taught science) introduced Yvonne to me – and we first shook hands, it was like an electric shock. We both knew that something special was in our future. By now, it was March of 2004. Yvonne and I had been having some of the same thoughts for months, as our relationship deepened and became stronger by the day.
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A Decision
I had asked her to join me on one of the numerous trips to Carmel California we would ultimately enjoy. On that special day in March, we sat on a terrace outside the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Restaurant, shared lunch, and shared those thoughts – which led to a decision. That decision was to get married… in Carmel.
We spent the next several months making meticulous plans for the event. The October wedding would be small, attended by her parents, sister & brother-in-law, my sister and brother-in-law, and a few very close friends from L.A. and “back home” in Illinois. My mom would have loved to have been there, too. Unfortunately, a mere three years earlier, she had joined my father on the other side of the pearly gates.
October of 2004
We flew into San Jose on Thursday, 21 October 2004, and drove to Carmel to my sister and brother-in-law’s home there. Yvonne & I spent the remainder of the day doing some shopping in Carmel, putting together “goodie bags” for those coming to the wedding (who needs a wedding planner?!), and stopped for appetizers and a glass of Chardonnay at the Forge in the Forest. Thursday evening my sister and brother-in-law prepared a totally awesome salmon dinner feast for everyone. Veuve Clicquot (brought by Jeff E. from IL) put the exclamation point on the evening!
Friday arrived, with an invitation for all guests, to the La Playa Hotel patio, complete with excellent appetizers, toasts all around, and plenty of laughter. I can’t say enough about the food and service, let alone the building anticipation about the wedding itself. Friday ended with a tour of Carmel, provided by my brother-in-law. Bob played tour guide and led all the guests to the “hot spots” of Carmel! Yvonne and I headed to Mission Ranch – one of our most favorite “hangouts” – for some late-night snacks and time alone.
Saturday, Rocky Point, and the Ceremony
Saturday dawned a bit cloudy, with a threat of showers – supposedly a good omen for a wedding. We all assembled at the outdoor terrace of Rocky Point restaurant, located just a few miles south of Carmel. The ceremony was short & sweet, just as we had planned. Followed by dishes of fresh crab meat and more champagne, even a few rain sprizzels could not have spoiled things… and they didn’t!
We adjourned and headed to the beach at Carmel and celebrated with yet a final bottle of champagne. We all then headed to Mission Ranch, and everyone joined in for an incredible dinner. It’s no wonder that is our favorite place to dine in Carmel!
Sunday Morning Brunch at the Beach House
Sunday morning, we all met for a final get-together. This was for a brunch provided by my sister and brother-in-law (Patti & Bob) at the Beach House at Monterrey Peninsula Country Club. OMG, what a fabulous affair! No one left hungry!
But all too soon, it was time to head out to the San Jose airport and our flight back to Illinois reality, and our jobs teaching H.S. Biology and Physics. Thank you, Patti and Bob for a marvelous weekend. Thank you, Carmel, for a memory never to be forgotten!
