Two Schnauz Abroad: Glamour and Ritz

Two days after landing in Atlanta we would pack our bags again (albeit smaller bags) and head to Boone, NC for a good old country farm wedding. Tom, a best friend and part of my Covington Cove rap posse was to wed his absolutely wonderful fiancée, Julia. That meant I had less than 48 hours to find a navy blue suit or end up ‘that guy’ receiving some very strange looks as I dutifully walked down the aisle. If I hadn’t made it challenging enough, I also wanted to spend as little money as possible on a suit that fit as if it was masterly crafted by the skilled hands of a seasoned Asian tailor. Ironically, I wasn’t far off. Six thrift stores, two mega-marts, and one Korean alternation specialist, compliments of my father, and I was in business, serious business. I couldn’t have dreamt up a finer suit, and the best part, it cost me a measly $34.79. Most of the total spent on fitting the suit.

Away we went, through North Georgia, a quick run through South Carolina, a couple of beautiful hours across the twisting roads of North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, and presto, Boone. I couldn’t find a lovelier place, if there was one. I think Yasmine became quite smitten as well, you know, on account of all that purdy nature and such.

The wedding was storybook, the rehearsal dinner just as impressive. Surrounded by a picturesque sunset, we dined on a homemade crawfish boil and drank from delicious, small run bottles of red wine and swallowed down cups of dark, hoppy beers. This of course, all served up in some fitting plastic china. We told old stories and laughed heartily in a holiday light lit attic barn while family and friends provided the music ambiance.

The next day’s ceremony and ensuing reception left nothing to be desired. Yasmine and I had an absolute sweaty, dance-filled blast. At some point during the celebration, in between gulping down the powerful lemonade punch and making a perfect beef to sauce bite, I recall thinking to myself that Tom was acting a bit off that night. He was removed, not as engaged as I was used to. That’s when the obvious hit me, my longtime friend was so absolutely, head over heels in love, that all he could think about was his new bride. The rest was just icing on the, well, wedding cake. I sat back in my chair, surveying the other guests that made this party and smiled knowing that Tom and Julia were totally right for each other. It’s a very reassuring feeling, especially when the love of your life is seated beside you.

Cheers Tom and Julia. Here’s to many more.