"It was imprudent of us, in the first place, to become authors. We could have become something regular, but we managed not to.
We were lucky, but we were also determined." Roy Blount Jr

"I don’t change the facts to enhance the drama. I think of it the other way round, the drama has got to fit the facts,
and it’s your job as a writer to find the shape in real life."
Hilary Mantel

Sunday, October 24, 2010

White & Festive Weekend

The White Mountains were white, and the bride wore white, there was lots of festivity and feasting for us over the past three days. Last week was so uneventful I never bothered blogging, and this weekend so busy that I never took the time.

We dropped Ruth & Jewel with their "other mother" the kennel-keeper, and began our northward journey.

"Could we stop so I can take a photo of Mount Chocorua?" I asked when we reached the Tamworth area."

"I'd rather keep going."

"All right."

So I took this shot from inside the car. The mountain is perfectly framed by trees but the lake isn't visible.



We did stop briefly at the North Conway rest stop, because it was our best view--so far--of the White Mountains.



It's easy to chart your drive on the diorama.



Our destination was Gorham.



We stopped again at the entrance of the Mount Washington Auto Road. Snow had fallen overnight, frosting the mountain peaks and accumulating in shady spots along the roadsides.



We visited the wedding couples' house for tea and brownies, then returned to our hotel to change for dinner, held at an awesome restaurant a couple of blocks away.



Their "first wedding"--private and small--took place at the lake cottage on the 31st of July. This event was larger, with family and friends from all round the country, and took place at the church where the bride is Rector. Because they are already married, the Bishop blessed their union and there was a Eucharist.



As well as being a Witness (so was the Chap), I dressed the bride and did her make-up. Here I am with the dress for which we had all those fittings in Concord.



There was lots of lovely music, on the Bediant organ...



...and this harpsichord.



And the cello, but I didn't get a photo. The choir was fantastic.

As an auxiliary official photographer, I was busy with my camera. Weddings are fun to shoot, everyone is so happy!

After the reception in the Undercroft, catered by the same restaurant that fed us on Friday night, we returned for the restaurant for another dinner. The food was superb.

This morning we attended church, with the bride presiding. And there was another reception/luncheon in the Undercroft. The wedding cake was chocolate, and there was still plenty left!

This is my favourite view from a supermarket car park. The supermarket is unfortunately closed, due to the economic downtown and competition from another corporation. Perhaps it could've stayed in business by charging tourists money to take photographs!




We left town by a different road, heading west, driving up to Randolph Ridge Road for more lovely views.



Look, snow!



As we descended through the Notch from the high country, we hit rainshowers. Nonetheless it was a pleasant drive back to the Lodge, with only one stop. The trees in our region are still very bright--yellow, copper, and bronze dominating the landscape. The reds are nearly all finished but there are a few bright orange leaves to be seen still.

It was a perfect celebration of our friends' marriage. A wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends and make lots of new ones.


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