Juan and Esperanza's Wedding!
Juan and Esperanza had a beautiful ceremony in a very modern cathedral, south of the city, followed by a wild reception at a nearby athletic club (think country club, without the golf or country). We had never seen Carnival-style dancers on stilts at a wedding before...or balloons and party hats. But, I have to admit it was very festive and fun. And certainly memorable.
Mexican weddings start at around 8:00 in the evening. The invitation will likely say that it starts at 7:00 or 7:30, but everyone knows that is just to make sure you are there in time for the ceremony to start. That said, there were still people arriving, even as the ceremony was ending. While the couple is taking their vows, everyone was handed a small silver bell to ring as the couple walked back down the isle at the end of the ceremony. That was fantastic, and loud!
The reception doesn't start until around 10:00 p.m. Food is served around midnight. Dancing starts around 1:00. And, for those who find themselves still hungry, a second meal is served at round 3:30. Yes, we slept very late the next day.
Many men wear "smokings" or tuxedos to weddings. Even if they are not part of the immediate family. This custom is fading due to the high cost of tuxedo rentals, plus, they make you buy the tuxedo shirt, tie, and cumberbun. So, most men wear a black suit and white shirt. Ladies wear very formal (expensive) dresses.
Photos courtesy of my friend Juan Carlos.
Throwing the garder
Ana Diaz, Juan, and Juan Carlos' wife Sonia
My bowling buddies: Marcelino, Juan, and Juan Carlos
No, wait, give me the camera!
The full boliché team
Jan & I with the groom
Dancing the night away
with balloons
and guys on stilts!
Sandy's wedding is next.
Sonia
Betty and Gabriel
The huge band in one of many costumes
Everyone wants to dance with Juan
The bride dancing
The groom dancing
The bride and groom dancing
Mariana dancing
The girls from the office
Nice shoes!