Hymn a L’amour (Hymn to love)

Today was a glorious day. Two friends of mine, Erin and Gabe got married. This day had been waiting in the wings for some time.  There was no way that I would miss this occasion. Not even wild horses could keep me away.

My connection with the couple began with my friend Jen’s birthday party on November 30th 2013. I was really nervous that night as I hadn’t seen her since my internship with the organization I currently work for end a month earlier. It didn’t help the anxiety that I was meeting her friends for the first time and worried thzt they wouldn’t take to me the way she did and it was my first solo party to boot. Setting the trend for every other Brooklyn trip to come, I got lost trying to find her apartment. When I finally there and shrugged off the embarrassment of the apartment being next door to the subway station, I was met at the door by a woman with a curl in her hair , one miss Erin Hall. Over the course of the night,  we kept crossinng paths and in turn my anxiety went away. Two days later, I found out that she works by day and is a musician by night. Her group, Erin and Her Cello were in the midst of recording their album Petitis Bisous and I contributed to the Kickstarter campaign. At their holiday spectacular show that December,  I would see the two of them together and knew from the start that they loved each other.

On way to becoming a super fan of the group, I was happy to hear of their engagement. It would be inevitable to see them tie the knot, when was still unknown.  That was until September 16th. I was already in an euphoric mood getting the travel documents for my forthcoming trip to Spain and in the mail came an envelope with my name in bubble letters. It was the wedding invite and naturally I rsvp’ed an hour after receiving the invite. I would do whatever I had to so I could attend their wedding as it was on a Friday afternoon. I had more than enough time off to get ready for this date.

So the day had finally come. I got myself ready and headed to catch the 7 train at Court Square and then the G train to Greenpoint Avenue. As is the case with Brooklyn,  getting there by train is the easy part. I still had to get to the venue and I got lost before eventually finding my way to the Greenpoint Loft. Upon arrival it was easy to ser why they chose the place,  the views of the Manhattan skyline are to die for. It was a time to catch up with Jen and a good chunk of friends not seen in  the same room since the cd release  concert of Petitis Bisous at Joe’s Pub on 7/31/14. The fact alone made this day memorable by itself.

Then came the wedding ceremony. Erin looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress  so did Gabe in his suit as everyone rose to the processional.  Gabe’s father presided over the ceremony. After a reading, vows exchange and sealing the union with a kiss, confetti descended onto the floor as the crowd cheered. About two hours later a family style dinner would be served. The father of the bride lead everyone in s toast as the newlyweds had their first dance.  The mother of the bride would go to the mic and officially start the party. My euphoric state lead me onto the dance floor where I tried to dance the best that I could. I was in such a happy mood all night long which the opposite of what I actually am on a daily basis. At about 11PM I made my way home  into that good night content in the knowledge that tonight was a great night.

I want to conclude this post by thanking Erin and Gabe for inviting me to be a part of their special day. I enjoyed every moment of this long days journey into night. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be friends with both of you.  I hope the both of you enjoy your honeymoon in Paris and Perpignan. Long live the sweet harmony both musically and with one another. I wish the happy couple a long life filled with love, joy and happiness!