amanda and jason get married

The wedding is spectacular.  I wish I had the vocabulary to describe it well.  Perfect in every way.  It is Alexander’s first time at a wedding; I am afraid he will think all weddings are like this one.  They are not.

(My tiny purse barely fits one lipstick so I don’t bring a camera.   I do, however, get some photos from Sandy, a lovely man from California I meet at the brunch on Sunday).

The ceremony and reception are at the Pierre Hotel. The room where the ceremony takes place is astonishingly beautiful.  I have never seen a more gorgeous chuppah, the canopy under which a Jewish couple marries.

 The ceremony starts, and both my mother and son participate.

There are many touching moments.  For me, the most touching is watching Jason stand in front of the chuppah, waiting for his bride.  When Amanda walks down the aisle, Jason’s eyes fill with tears.  His love for her is visible.  And Amanda is absolutely exquisite.  She is ethereal as she walks down the aisle. I have never seen two people so in love.  It is hard not to cry.  And I am one of many who do.

After the ceremony, there are three rooms for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. My favorite is the sushi bar from Nobu, one of the best Japanese restaurants in New York. 

Amanda spots two wedding crashers and confronts them.  Needless to say, they are quickly gone.

After hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, we enter the magnificent main ballroom.  The table settings are stunning.

And the food is exceptional.

The 16-piece band makes not dancing impossible.  They play recognizable music from today and years past. Soon everyone is on the dance floor along with the new bride and groom. 

Rita and my mom are on the dance most of the night.  Jim, Jean’s husband, even incorporates a handspring into his wild dancing.

I love the toasts. Amanda’s mom and dad speak first. Then Amanda's younger sister Lauren and older brother Adam take the mic.  

Everyone talks of Amanda’s perfectionism and attention to detail.  Her accomplishments and her drive.  Her athleticism and her academic and business achievements.  But they also talk of their own love for Jason. His strengths.  His kindness.  His loyalties.  They have welcomed Jason into their hearts.  Everyone is utterly thrilled with this most perfect union.

And then Adam and Michael get up. 

Adam begins by marveling at Jason’s perfectness.  And Amanda’s too.  And though they admit Jason is funny, he is difficult to make fun of.  Especially since he does everything so right.  So they ask the guests to imagine the year 2024.  Amanda and Jason now have two children, Lockworth and Charlotte.  They then reenact a day in the life of the world's most perfect offspring.  It is hilarious. — the best toast I’ve ever heard. 

Toward the end of the night, Jason and Amanda are on stage with the band singing Sweet Home Alabama. Soon most of the wedding guests are up on stage with them.

The wedding ends at 1:30, but there is an after party at Club 2E in the hotel.  While I'm not there, I later hear that Michael's buttons pop off his shirt while he's dancing. He still looks adorable.

It is an extraordinary wedding, and one that aptly celebrates the love of a truly magnificent couple.