Wedding at Lion’s Park, Carpinteria
I got off freeway at Carpinteria and drove toward to Lion’s Park & Community Event Center. As I was driving, I could see the Zaca fire coming closer to my view.
Zaca fire started in Santa Ynez Valley, close to Buellton, on July 4, 2007.
7 weeks later, the fire is now active in Santa Barbara County (close to Carpintieria).
From Lion’s Park, I can see the thick smoke pumping like a power plant.
The fire didn’t effect the wedding at all. Everything went on smooth.
Both bride and groom are in Military. The bride served a tour in Iraq. I was humble before them.
When I arrived at the bride’s apartment I was rather confused for a while. I saw a tall gentleman wearing military uniform who’s face was familiar from my prior wedding. I was hoping I would refresh my memory fast and say “hello”. But it took me about five minutes to pin-point who he was. For that five minutes I tried to act natural, but I think he noticed that I was struggling (that was embarrassing
). His wife came out and said hello to me. That’s when I realized exactly who they were. She was Nicole from two years ago (I file my weddings by wife’s first name). It turned out that Nicole was the one who referred me to the newlyweds. The groom and Nicole’s husband were military buddies (more like brothers).
At the ceremony there were four bridesmaids but they only had two groomsmen. Th other two groomsmen were out protecting our country. During the reception the father of the bride asked people in military to stand up. There were a dozen or more people from a party of 60. It was a very special and very unique experience.
I think today’s wedding was one of the most “stress free” wedding I have ever seen. The day cruised by fast.
Carpinteria Lions Park provided everything in one location (bride’s apartment, ceremony location, photography location, reception hall). The entire park was closed for the wedding. They had the whole park for themselves. There was an on-duty security guard walking around the parking lot.
Pictures coming…
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Carpinteria Lions Park & Community Event Center (website)
6197 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-5434
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