After reading the whining tirade of my coworker on dream weddings in wine country, I decided to offer my dream wedding story.
Ten years ago, I had a wine country wedding. Another word to describe it was culture crossing. Born and raised in Scotland it was only naturally that my brothers wear kilts. I married into a fantastic Hispanic family who of course invited Mariachis representing the Mexican culture. Endless music and beer were consumed before the famous buffet line was put on by all the Tia’s (aunts). Eight middle aged woman all chattering in Spanish happily serving the endless line of guests. Carnitas, rice, beans, salads, tortillas and of course tamales.
Scottish people are used to their meat and potatoes. We venture into Indian and Chinese cuisine but never Mexican. This was all new to my family. Of course they tasted and approved of the food until it came to the tamales. “How are you supposed to eat this”? I hear my brother-in-law across the room shouting out in his quite intoxicated voice. As I get closer to see what all the commotion is about, I see my brother-in-law attempting to bit down on the husk. Laughter erupts from the other Hispanic guests and someone politely shows him how to peel back the husk to enjoy this delicious traditional food.
As the Scots continue the buffet line the curiosity has grown about the Hispanic culture. For some, it the first time seeing a different culture up close and personal. Well, personal it became. To my surprise these little middle aged ladies got talking in Spanglish and were curious to know what was under the kilts. Much to my astonishment after many trips to the bar my brothers obliged in the ladies by showing off their bare bones to whomever. Laughing erupted and I think you could say they bonded.
I truly did have a Wine Country Wedding. Beautiful church set back in the vineyards the smell of crush in the air and the beginning of a wonderful life here in Sonoma Wine Country.
