How to Get Married in Baja.

HOW TO GET MARRIED IN BAJA

"Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own."
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First thing to do is...have a couple's only dinner party and draw straws to see who gets married.



Note: For the purpose of this thread..and due in no small part to the loose marriage laws established lately in our 'culture'... the term 'couple' means two of the same species..and further narrows the field to mean only homo sapiens. No 'couples' involving llamas, German Shepards, or gerbils were invited to participate.

Okay, okay, so I'm kidding....kinda. Nowadays you can never be 100% sure about these things.
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Now......on with The Actual Marriage in Baja:
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This last spring, our amigos from Italy, Roberto y Daniella, informed us that they were planning to get married in Mulege, a long-time favorite place for them in Baja Sur. Co-pilot and Daniella are best friends since forever in Italy. I have known the couple since our chance meeting at Playa Naranjos in the late 80's when our fates intertwined during a Jeep rollover caused by a suicidal rabbit crossing the old twisted trail....

...but that's another story altogether.

Roberto y Daniella are senior capitan and airline attendant respectively, with the same airline company as Co-pilot, namely Alitalia.

They wanted thier ceremony to take place at the Mulege Mission Church, which is certainly an appropriate setting for this historical event. For this wedding to take place requires diligent organization for a foreigner in Mexico..not impossible or even very hard, but a task nevertheless.

First, it was to be a Catholic ceremony with Padre Daniel of Mulege acting as the wedding priest. That denominational factor alone added some special requirements...which we will report on later in this saga.

The couple had met the padre previously on thier annual vacations to Playa Naranjos and became friends, then corresponding between Rome/Mulege to prepare for this wedding.

The following are the true events as they transpired:

Prior to thier Baja arrival, we (Co-pilot & I) were requested to be part of the wedding ceremony and to make our introductions to Padre Daniel while hand-delivering a letter of intent sent from Daniella in Rome. Co-pilot was to be a bridesmaid of honor. When I asked what my ceremonial designation was to be...I was asked, "Do you own a corkscrew?"
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Now....where to find the padre?

I deduced that the sure place to find a padre would be ..?? ..aha, eureka!! No, no.. not Eureka, Ca. but a church, you ninny. We lucked out. I remembered where one was...about 3 blocks east of the El Candil saloon or 2 1/2 from Alex's Mesquite Bar. I had seen the place once when I had to park that far away from my stool some years ago.

We go in search of Father Daniel. Some of us know how to dress properly for church .....and not smell of baitfish....sigh
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We find Padre Daniel and he is fine fellow, indeed. We introduce ourselves as friends of Daniella y Roberto's and give him Dani's letter. He has already recieved word on our impending visit and has a present ready for each of us..rosaries blessed by him and in a nice case. Mine has become a high-prized possession that now accompanies me to Texas Hold-Em poker 3 times a week at Ana's bistro on Santispac Beach. I wouldn't be without that card holder. I am glad I met Padre Daniel...very glad.

I go to to church more often these days.


The bride and groom arrive in Baja from Italy...and the Wedding Plan gets into full swing...


----------------------------TO BE CONTINUED SOON------------------------------



Note: FYI. If you plan on getting married in Mexico:


The Legalities."

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Legal Requirements for getting married in Mexico

Documents Required for Civil Office:

-Home address and occupations (bride & groom)

-Birth certificates (Original or certified copy of each one)

-Valid passports (Although passports are not required for US citizens for entry into Mexico, they are mandatory for weddings)

-Original blood test (to determine blood type, HIV and STD). Tests must be taken at the resort and results are ready within 24 hours (Fee of approximately $50.00 per person applies)

-Certified copy of former spouse's death certificate (If applicable)*

-Certified copy of Divorce decree (If applicable)*. If divorced more than once, please bring each divorce decree with the Apostille attached.

-Legal documentation of adoption or name change (if applicable)*

-Tourist ID. Names on Tourist ID and Passport MUST be the same.

-Name, age, nationality, home address, occupation, passport and tourist ID of 4 witnesses. Witnesses must arrive two (2) days prior to ceremony.

-Bride and Groom must arrive at least 3 working days prior to the wedding ceremony to meet with the wedding officials and submit all documents.

-Ceremony will not be performed unless all documents are in order. (no exceptions). All documents become the property of Mexico. Important - If the Bride or Groom's nationality is Mexican, additional documents are required.



-4 Witnesses, if not Mexican nationals, then their valid passport and FMT tourist cards are required (Tourist card be given to you by the airline and stamped by the Immigration Officer upon arrival in Mexico)

Important Notes:
-** Do Not Send Documents by Mail **

- Mexican registry office is only open from Monday through Saturday
* An Apostille Document MUST be attached to divorce decrees, death certificates, Adoption and name change documents. For information on how to obtain the Apostille document please contact the Secretary of State's office or visit

www.state.gov/www/authenticate or www.coordinatedlegal.com/secretaryOfState


TO BE CONTINUED:

[Edited on 7-23-2010 by Pompano]

good thing you are taking careful notes..Who know who may be next

I'm waiting for the next chapter. I can't remember all the hoops I had to jump through to get married in Ensenada. I just gave Mrs. Dra. Bajabass a fist full of papers, money, and blood. I do know it was both a civil and religous ceremony. I signed more documents during the ceremony than it takes to buy a car, or join the Marine Corps. Thumb prints too. Oh well, it was worth it In comparison, we walked into the O.C. courthouse with a drivers licence and my wife's Mexican visa, 20 minutes later, done deal!

I truly wanted to be legally married in both countries. It really streamlined my wife and stepson being and working in the country from a nightmare to a cake walk! We had planned on staying here for ten years at least. Now, less than 3 years later, I'm selling it all,(not that much), and moving to Mexico for good. Being married in Mexico is going to have similar benifits as far as immigration, working, ownership laws, for me. Not that I plan on working, but owning a house for sure, and maybe a business down the road.

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2:

Update...

The soon-to-be-weds arrive in Baja, by way of Rome - Miami - Los Angeles, a flight of about 7500 miles. Getting thier stored SUV out of storage, they made thier usual 2-day drive to Mulege with no mishaps or weird circumstances.....which would be unusual in itself for me..I always have some life-altering events on that highway.

They arrive in Conception Bay and we are estatic to see Roberto y Daniela, and the girls. Hugs and kisses around.

Co-pilot cries happy tears ......

...and announces that the whole gang must be fed immediately.


IT has begun....the clock is now running...



The Wedding Plan - Step 1









We feast, have fun with the girls, and I dutifully clean some sauce from Co-pilot's hand & arm....


A fact I have found out about women. They are stange creatures. Seems that Happiness is washing dishes after having friends for dinner...

...uh, yeah...sure.



The Wedding Plan - Step 2
Naturally, the very first thing to do in any wedding plan is have another party on mi patio. (It knows parties...around No. 400, I believe.. )

..plus some dancing at Ana's and a few dinners here and there...


Note: Co-pilot is urging me to get on the Road, so this will be continued later today or tonight.

TO BE CONTINUED:

Once Again

Pompano, yet another well knit story.
Wish you and right seater lived closer. would be nice to meet such fun&friendly people. Looking forward to next posting.

Dave

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapter 3-4

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The Wedding Plan continues:

Chapter 3

Patio Party to welcome the prospective bride & groom.





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Ah...bruschettas...yum.

This has become one of my favorite dinner treats..can be a snack or an appetizer. I love 'em! Toasted rounds of good crusty bread brushed with extra virgin olive oil, fresh minced garlic, and chopped tomatos. Simple and gooooood.



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The gals are getting REALLY HAPPY now...y'think?...

(note to self: buy more dish soap)


Two parties down and some to go......."And the beat goes on."
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We regain our breath, put the cleaned glasses and dishes away, and got a good night's sleep.

Chapter 4

The next chapter of the Wedding Plan was to be.... Dinner and a Dance.... at Ana's, Santispac Beach


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SALUD!

Ana's is a great place for wedding planner's..

"..and the beat goes on..again."

TO BE CONTINUED ...after dinner tonight here in Coos Bay.

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - Wedding License Day at Mulege Hacienda.

The countdown continues as the wedding party members awake at Playa Naranjos, Burros Beach, & Coyote Bay.

Today is to be the day the Marriage License is obtained at the Hacienda in Mulege...a mighty document.

But first....



A stroll down the beach whets the appetite for breakfast..marveling at Nature's gifts.




Ah, a great morning, but the clock is running, girls...we have to get this show on the road. Tea with lemon is made, (I had my 2 cups of java a long, long time ago), milk is poured, hot cocoa is made..sipped once, then forgotten, lollipops are taken away, breakfast is eaten, showers taken, girl hair is combed, dresses put on, warpaint applied, warpaint is scrubbed off little girls who want to look like Mommy. Driver/wrangler requests all get in the car for the 3rd and final time!

Aha! They are actually in the car! So... Now....On with the Wedding Plan.

Today we have made plans to meet in outside the Hacienda bldg in downtown Mulege at 11:00 AM.




Wonder of wonders, Roberto has not bolted. And it goes according to The Plan..we meet in the street right on the minute.



More hugs, kisses, and all that stuff...plus a glimpse of the wedding garter.














We are all gathered at the office...exactly 11:00 AM
This may be the first time in history 5 females have been on time.

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Hmmmm...The office of licensing is directly across from the Justice of the Peace court. A coincidence?

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It is the day to sign all necessary documents to obtain the marriage license, plus register all documents, witnesses, and verify thier identifications.


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There is a flurry of flambouyant signatures, shuffling of papers, staccato rubber-stamping, grins.
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It all went very smoothly and efficiently...with just ONE incident..

I looked at the document, realized I was in a marraige licensing office...and momentarily froze...my heartbeat went erractic.
Roberto assured me that it was NOT ME getting married....Calmed but wary, I got my hands out of my pockets and signed as a witness. However, I signed as 'Pompano'..why take a chance?

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The deed is done...all documents & signatures are okayed. The license has been obtained! The clock seems to be running faster.

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Rob y Daniela call it a day at the license office. Bravo, amigos! A job well done.


Now it's time to move on...to the next item on How to Get Married in Baja.

..plus, I think its' time for some nerve tonic.




[Edited on 7-21-2010 by Pompano]

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The Dress

Custom..actually superstition... dictates that the groom should not see the bride in her wedding gown before the ceremony. Why, you ask? It's an ancient tradition, of course. Personally, I figure it's like waving a red flag at a bull...or an aircraft deck flagman waving a badly approaching plane off....but then, I could be wrong.

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Daniella had packed her beautiful custom made gown in a vacuum-sealed bag for the flight from Italy. She put it in Co-pilot's care, who unpacked it and hung it in one of our spare bedrooms..safe until the day of the wedding, which was not that far away now...

tick-tock, tick-tock...Steady, Roberto, steady.
Maybe it's time for another dinner?

...or maybe a palapa break?...



[Edited on 7-21-2010 by Pompano]

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The Rehearsal


Padre Daniel

Part of The Wedding Plan is the priest visiting the proposed marrying couple at thier places of residence..thier home... to ascertain the manner and quality of thier life style and to offer guidance on how to live together in a harmonious environment.

Amen...I'm all for that.


Padre Daniel thus visits Roberto y Daniella at thier Playa Naranjos palapa on the beach..a beautiful tranquil setting if ever there was one. He sees that they are sane people, have a quality home life with the children, and have some 'unique' friends visiting at the same time. Padre Daniel also leads a rehearsal of the upcoming wedding ceremony with all the participants, including best man, maid of honor, ringbearers, etc, etc.



A welcome addition to his visit, Padre Daniel surprises and entertains us with his guitar and singing talents.


Music of The BeeGees...Perfect for a beach palapa visit. Bravo, Padre!






Now that's what I call a perfect wedding rehearsal. Baja-style.

TO BE CONTINUED

Dazzling Roger. All the best to the newlyweds. This was much more impressive than when I did it in about 50 years ago!

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapters 8-9

Chapter 8

Countdown is now less than 24 hours away. "There's still time!"


Today's event: Wedding Party Dinner at Equipales, Mulege



We all meet up with the rest of the wedding party in town at El Candil, where Co-pilot insisted I have a Pacifico or two. We meet Roberto and Daniela's fellow countrymen and amigos who have flown in from Rome...Fabio and Erika, a delightful couple who quickly became our amigos, too.

We converge upon Francisco's Equipales Restaurant downtown Mulege. A delightful second story cafe where you can watch the town drive by below. Lookouts can be hired to warn you of aprroaching wives, husbands, or timeshare salesmen.


Upon entering we meet other fellow nomads who are eating there, too. Hi Laurieboats and Jim.






Laurieboats & Co-pilot relate story after story about my fishing skills...uh huh..oh yeah..you betcha.

Pablo, the waiter, says..."Rogelio, they are talking about you?
But...I have been fishing with you. I am so sorry."

(Note: pull Pablo aside for a discussion on tips)
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Francisco greets us with his usaul charm and grace..a fine hombre.




The mood is muy festive...the BIG DAY is coming FAST!







Ah..this is one of those great things about Baja..good comraderie and fellowship in a tranquil setting. Add a wedding of friends, plus Francisco's fine food ....now what could be better!




We had a variety of dishes at Equipales, all good. Steaks, lobster, shrimp, fish, mapache..plus some fine margaritas.

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At Ease..a time for reflections and random thoughts.

(Hmm..I am still dazzled by the amount of THINGS women can pack into a bathroom. I counted over 400 separate objects..only 10 that I could identify without my search engine.


I have 6 items...a toothbrush, shaving cream, razor, a bar of Dial soap, a plunger, and a towel from the Holiday Inn.

...which reminds me ...I forgot to put on socks again..sigh.)

"Francisco..is this my margarita?"

..and why are all these people speaking Italian?..

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Chapter 9

Intermission: "Waterworld"

tick-tick-tick-tick. D-day approaches...time is running out. Almost time to play, "Here Comes The Bride."

We were talking after the guests had left for the day and thought that it's time the Wedding Party took a day off..the group needs a break from all that feasting, dancing, and carryings-on. (Hey, wait a goshdarn minute...What am I saying! That was all great FUN....and we should do it again and again...and we will.)

Co-pilot and I discuss our options for some R&R. I offered this,
"Jeep ride in the mountains and desert? Clamming? Volleyball? Shopping tour of Mulege? Poker at Ana's...??"

"Why are you frowning, tesoro?"

I said,Okay, okay..the little girls would probably try to fill an inside straight, anyway...SO...How about getting up-close and personal with some porpoise? Maybe have them catch some pintos?"

She said, "Yes, porpoise and pintos! Que bello. Grazie!"

"Done deal, then. Stow me grog, lass...and we'll all take a searide in the Yarcraft, by gar."

So..in the wee hours before dawn, Co-pilot and I head out to sea to watch the sunrise come over the horizon, but most important..I want to check the water first hand. Online forecasters are usually very good, but this time we'll have children aboard soon and don't need rough water. I have the time and opportunity..nothing beats seeing it for yourself.

Note: Co-pilot is not exactly fond of bumpy water either..."I don like Waves!" was her first broadcast over the marine radio a few months back.


Good news...I dunno about the fishing, but it looks to be a perfect day to be on the water.

We spot some porpoise off Conception Pt, some spouts in the distance, flat, flat water..perfect...




..and return into The Bay/Playa Naranjos to meet Rob, Daniela, and the girls....and say Hi to Scarecrow over there loading his panga.


We decide the rubber ducky is not quite suited for our proposed porpoise purpose...



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It's a lazy day with no set plans, so we sightsee bit on the peninsula side. We pull in close to the holding pen used by some local fishermen.


Nothing in it today, though..but plenty of birds hanging around ..waiting, waiting.

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We go beachcombing on a 'deserted' island....well, almost deserted anyway.

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"Hey, everyone..how about a nice fish dinner tonight?.nothing too fancy...just some tasty pintos."

Everyone agreed that sounded pretty good and we get some fishing gear ready.

Clearing the Bay, I head for an area I know near the old mine just south of Conception Point. It's a normally great spot to easily catch a mess of fish, pintos, snapper, cabrilla, and sometimes the odd yellowtail. It's labeled No Brainer Hole on my gps.

I put 3oz darts of various colors on some jigging rigs and we let them down over the hump of rocks 255 feet below. It did not take more than a few seconds before we had fish on...they were hungry!





Roberto did an excellent job of helping his daughters catch thier first fish. Those smiles are priceless!



Mine put up a helluva fight, but I finally managed to bring him to gaff....what you are looking at is a 125 lb wahoo. Should feed us all and then some.

That hand in the photo is just something I photoshopped as a prank.

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We round out the day on the water with a general beachcombing of Playa Domingo. The girls collected 1,374 shells and starfish before the Yarcraft starting taking on water.

A fine day with good friends.

...ON WITH THIS WEDDING....IT APPROACHES FAST!

A slight blunder...very slight.

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!

A very common mistake was made early in this Wedding Plan:



Co-pilot had found out that the cards I had bought for the wedding reception are actually THANK YOU cards.

Well..shucks and opps.

I say..Hey, it saves time. I mean, people are going to give presents, so why not thank them in advance? Actually, I think people appreciated the efficiency of such a card, don't you?

And if you don't..what the hell, it's Baja.



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Mistake? What mistake? I only see perfection in that picture

Keep it coming.

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Damn early, May 27, 2010

COUNTDOWN 8 HOURS ..tick-tock, tick-tock

We are up-and-at-'em before roostercrow today. I'm already dressed for The Main Event. The casa is busy and noisy with preparations.

Since dawn Co-pilot has been singing and blowing kisses to everyone...me, Carmen, Cedric the Beachdog, the panguero motoring by, the pelicans...plus playing CDs with songs like 'Today We're Getting Married..blah, blah, blah', by some gal,... 'We've Only Just Begun', by the Carpenters, ...'The Wedding Song', by Julie Rogers,... 'In a Country Churchyard', by Chris de Burgh...'Marry Me', by the Vandals..'Going to the Chapel', by Billy Idol...........you get the idea.

She completely missed my humor attempt when I slipped in a few of my oldies...'Running Bear', by Johnny Preston....'Last Kiss', by J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers...'I Want My Baby Back', by Jimmy Cross...'Ride of the Valkeries', by Wagner...'Streets of Laredo' by Johnny Cash...you get the idea.

Putting her wedding disc back, Co-pilot tells me .. "You play strange music, tesoro?...is not good for a wedding, no? Listen to me, amore mio, you must take lots of photographs today..it is a blessed event. You can take the photograph of you and me now, please? Today is so sunny, so beautiful. We will stand here?"

" Sure, Easy as pie", I said, and set up my tripod. I didn't comment on the ominous red dawn I had noted earlier. Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning....you get the idea.


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After the photo, I have to check our solar batteries due to yesterday's late-night fiesta and this morning's lights, music, hair dryers, curling gizmos, toasters.....you get the idea.

Fortunately I have to pass by the game room beer fridge.

Ahhh, time out for a refreshing michelada..a red one back in ND. Whatever you call them, it is Blessed Plasma to combat last night's attack by a brutal drink we dubbed 'Rum in a Drum.' I'm gonna need lotsa plasma before this day is over.

I vow never to touch Captain Morgan's again.
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I hear car wheels crunching in the drive. A door openes and closes. Footsteps crunching now. I see Co-pilot running past the poolroom windows. Then happy Italian voices from the veranda.

Daniela, the bride to be, is here now. After a outrageous amount of smiling and hugging and kissing and weeping and laughing, she and Co-pilot disappear into the dressing room where the wedding gown hangs.

I check the solar system..it's okay...so far, so good.

Humming to The Carpenters, I think life is good..as I create another michelada in the pool room. I was just racking another game of eight ball when Co-pilot calls me outside to take some photos of her and Daniela.

As soon as I see them, I'm glad she did...a beautiful and rare sight for sure.




My tesoro says, "Okay, then you must come and we have another picture taken with me. Daniela will take it for us. Come stand here with me, please. Grazie. Wha? Aiee..first I clean the red spot off your shirt. Pay attention, tesoro."

Out I go...and pose with Co-pilot on the bright..after the pool room, a little toobright... patio.

Daniela is standing there in her wedding gown with my camera. For some reason, the vision sends a shiver up my spine.

I hold tightly to steady myself, thanks Co-pilot!






Daniela snaps the photo...one photo. Thanks be to God. Now they're laughing again, rapid-firing in Italiano...

...and I ease off to the poolroom.....you get the idea.
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6 HOURS AND COUNTING....WE'RE ALMOST AT THE ALTER NOW..

I am still waiting for the Mariachis, otherwise it cannot be an official Mexican wedding you know. I think that somewhere in the fine print of the marriage license it specifies that missing mariachis are even legal grounds for annulment...

I think it is also stated there should be at least one fight! Hopefully not between the main characters in this saga! There were only three scuffles at mine, I felt a little slighted. One was because a certain player in my wedding "lost" the cash for the mariachis

How to Get Married in Baja..the Saga: Chapter 11

Chapter 11



---5-4-3-2-1..WITH THIS RING I THEE PLEDGE

I drive Daniela and the girls up to the old mission. I am singing "Get Me To The Church On Time." Of course, they know nothing of this song and chalk it up to Pompano Crazy and the micheladas.


The Mulege Mission


All is ready...the girls hold up the gown's long trail..and Padre Daniel welcomes all...we look for the groom..



Roberto is still at the alter...right where Daniela nailed his feet to the floor yesterday.


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Shhh...Hush now..it's that time. The wedding has begun...














I pronounce you husband and wife.



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Congratulations, Roberto y Daniela!






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Daniela removes her wedding garter and presents to Fabio (and Erica...hmmm?)










More tradition follows.....

The Bridal Bouquet Toss. (This would be an easy wingshot with some 12 ga. No. 6's)





Co-pilot shows me her catching prowness



I show her my interception and end-run manuevering.



It is over. The official book is signed.

Roberto, old amigo, you are a gone goose...but I know a happy one.

Congratulations to you and Daniela. May your marriage prosper long and well.




Now...What say let's all go to Ray's and celebrate this happy event?




--RECEPTION AT RAY'S TO FOLLOW--(where are those mariachis, anyway?)

[Edited on 7-24-2010 by Pompano]

OK, Roger - the bouquet never lies. So now we need a ring and a date for you and co-pilot. I volunteer to arrange the bachelor party!!!

How to Get Married in Baja. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

THE RECEPTION PARTY AT RAY'S

Done deal. They're married.

A bachelor has eaten the bullet...but the new mold has already set, and better calibers are chambered for the future. (please excuse the hunting prose, but today I have been thinking of the fall season to come..)

After the ceremony and photo-ops, at the Mulege mission we impromtu an old-fashioned wedding motorcade into el centro and around the zocalo of Mulege. Everyone honking their horns of course.




Before heading off to Ray's La Habana Cafe in the Mulege Valley. Ray's is worth the drive and really very easy to find.

Okay, okay..so there are more turns than the Turtle Bust thread, but just follow the signs..it's as easy as pie.


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Sometimes..like these two energetic and graceful young spirits below..I just drive out there to dance and twirl barefoot in Ray's grass yard.

Ah..the joy of running and leaping! I might change my forum name to...'Gazelle?'



Going up the stairs at Ray's is sooo easy...Coming down later can be a challenge for some of us.



Italian in training. You learn to hug and kiss at an early age. Norwegians do this too, but the smell of herring kinda mars the moment.



Ray Lima is an old and dear friend since he first moved here by way of Baja Norte, US, and Cuba. We are glad he did. Whatta smile and an honest welcome. The perfect host.




I've ordered almost everything on Ray's menu and found it all very, very good...so I am often flipping a mental coin as to what to try on any given dinner. But one thing I ALWAYS have is the absolutely yummy Oysters Rockerfeller...ah, they are to die for..but I won't. The newlyweds, Roberto and Daniela had ordered these a few weeks earlier ...with a grand seafood feast for all of us.

Excuse me while I recall the flavor of those oysters. Co-pilot knows my predilictions well. Ahh..be still my heart.




Ray made enough OR's for a small army. I figure I'm at least battalion strength when it comes to these gems.




It took about 10 seconds for this group to get into a festive mood. Extraordinary nice people..and very fun to fiesta with on this special occasion. To top it off, Padre Daniel joins us and Ray welcomes him with a hearty bear hug.





Now it was time for the main course...a medely of seafood that defies description. The presentation was masterful and fun to watch. The huge platters had it all..fish, shrimp, lobster, scallops, clams... and probably more..but I got too busy eating to count all the ingredients. Suffice to say, it looked great and tasted wonderful.

Bravo, Ray. You're da man!



Ray & Company made sure our glasses were full of good cheer.



There was mucho clinking of glasses and many, many toasts. I think my camera got a little fuzzy about here....


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Nothing makes a dinner more joyful than to be with couples who thoroughly enjoy each other's company.


Bravo Fabio and Erika!


iBravo Tom and Ruth!


Bravo Pompano and Co-pilot


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But most of all... Bravissimo, Roberto and Daniela!


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With dessert and some after-dinner libations, Padre Daniel entertains us with a few songs and some fine guitar playing. It got more and more festive and lively about this time...as if we weren't already!



Letting the Good Times Roll. Padre Daniel plays and sings very well. Great songs and fellowship.




But now it was time for that special dessert...The Wedding Cake. Fabi, Ray's wife, had the honor to prepare the cake.



Roberto, Daniela, and the girls did a masterful job of slicing portions of this great traditional treat. (Daniela knows her cakes. She is an expert baker and has a thriving cake/pastry business in Rome.)




Co-pilot relates an excellent and poignant story of her and Daniela's longtime friendship.


Brava, tesoro..you have charmed all who have met you.



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A TOAST..A TOAST! To the bride and groom. There were about a dozen or more..charge those glasses...stand and be eloquent.

My contribution had to be nautical of course.. seems I just can't get away from the sea.

"Here's to the good ship, Matrimony. May she never meet with bad weather."





Padre Daniel is wowing the wedding party and everyone else in Ray's that night as he continues on with his serenades to the table.



And then a special treat. Roberto plays the guitar and with Fabio sings beautifully. Very special songs for this great day and evening. I find myself reminiscing about my early attempts to self-teach guitar. Perhaps it's not too late? Do they make a one-string?




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Daniela unwraps lots of wedding gifts ..with some help from the girls.


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Now the party is winding down....and some the members are getting verrryyyy sleepy. It's time to call it a night. And what a night it was!



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Later, at mi casa, we say our farewells to Roberto and Daniela and the girls. We shall miss them... until they come back to Baja next year.

It's been a huge pleasure for us to be part of this wedding. Godspeed, amicos.


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Whew...it's been a helluva long and FUN day...time to reflect a bit on marriage before turning out the lights.




Okay, that's it. I'm calling it a night. I found that browsing books about marriage with a skinful of vino tends to wierd you out, as these quoted statements will show..

Marriage is nature's way of keeping us from fighting with strangers.

Marrying for love may be a bit risky, but it is so honest that God can't help but smile on it.

Men have a much better time of it than women. For one thing, they marry later; for another thing, they die earlier.

Men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage - they've experienced pain and bought jewelry.

My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher.

Only choose in marriage a man whom you would choose as a friend if he were a woman.

Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then.

The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep.

The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.

You do live longer with bran, but you spend the last fifteen years on the toilet.

A dress that zips up the back will bring a husband and wife together.

A psychiatrist asks a lot of expensive questions your wife asks for nothing.


Being divorced is like being hit by a Mack truck. If you live through it, you start looking very carefully to the right and to the left.


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....and THAT'S how to get married in Baja. Hope you enjoyed being part of it. G'night all.

Pompano.





[Edited on 7-28-2010 by Pompano]