Weddings are weddings. Each the same and each different with the obvious bride, groom, locations, ect. Wedding guests are the same, too. They clump together with the people they know, they dance, they're friendly to other guests, and they feel honored to have been invited.
The first wedding we went to was one where I'd only met the groom a few times, and never the bride. I spent most of my time hanging with my hubby and observing the other guests.
The second wedding was close friends - friends that are really, truly family. Those are the best weddings, hands down, because you have that connection - not just with the bride and groom, but with most of the guests. You're hanging out with friends and celebrating.
The third wedding was a cross between the above. The groom is Godfather to our children, and even though he and his new wife have been together for quiet a while, we haven't had the opportunity to really get to know her. Our lives have taken different paths over the past few years, so the ability to socialize has been nonexistent making part of that connection awkward and lost, but underneath that the reason the friendship was formed is still there. It was a beautiful wedding, and one of the most unique receptions we've ever been to.
The picture is of the reception site, an old tavern built in 1794 that has been restored over the past few years. There was food throughout the building - a kids room - chafing dishes of mac n' cheese and chicken fingers in a bunk room complete with beds and an old wood burning stove, coffee room, and various appetizers in each room. Guests were encouraged to investigate the building, take pictures, and find a place to hang out. Tables were spread through each of the rooms and outside. Candles were everywhere (I don't think the main house has electric). It was kind of hard to see, but not too bad (for adults - it stressed the younger K's out, big time). As the place filled with people, it got horribly hot - bad enough K3 nearly passed out and had to go outside for some air. We ended up leaving early because of that and the general fatigue of the younger kids.
And now, for now, we're done with the wedding circuit. As of right now, the next wedding on the horizon is my cousin's - which will have to travel for, but it's not for about 18 months or so.
The recent weddings just bring home that one day we'll most likely be the parents of the groom and bride. And that'll be a totally different perspective on weddings.
I only hope it's not for a long while!
Behave!