We’re in the middle of a Nor’easter and it’s very rainy and windy. We need the rain, so we’re grateful. It’s sort of nice to have a ‘weather day’ and I welcome the feeling of feeling cozy and safe, tucked inside of the cottage.
We had a lovely, low-key day yesterday. We talked about our wedding day and the fact that I was wearing a walking cast on my foot that I had so hoped would be gone on October 12th, but my ankle hadn’t fully healed, so I had to cover the cast with a big white sock so it would match my dress. I only allowed one photo of me in the cast and only after the photographer told me I should have one and that I’d regret it if I didn’t.
Then we talked about the beautiful National Hotel in Nevada City and its long staircase that I was supposed to use as the ‘aisle’ and my insistence that I do that even with the cast on. My sister-in-law held on to me as we walked down the staircase, and as soon as Don saw me coming down the stairs with the cast, he started crying. Then his brother started crying. Then our two friends started crying and when I got to the point on the stairs where I could see Don’s face clearly and saw him crying – I started crying. I think the only person who wasn’t crying was the man who married us.
It was a simple ceremony and a beautiful setting, a gorgeous autumn day in Northern California. We took a carriage ride through town after the ceremony and since it was Columbus Day, a holiday, there were a lot of people out and about waving at us.
Then we had dinner with our friends in a private room. It was lovely.
By the way, in case you haven’t read about this before on the blog, we were in Nevada City because Don was performing in a one-man show “Jeeves Takes Charge” at the theater there. The theater was run by two friends of ours (they were at the ceremony.) We didn’t want a big wedding and we didn’t want our families to have to pay for travel. Frankly, I didn’t want a lot of fuss, nor did Don. We were in our forties and spending a lot of money on a big wedding seemed silly. Don was in Nevada City and another friend of ours was there as well helping Don shape his performance. So Don and Lynnie did a lot of the footwork and planning because I was back in San Diego working. I flew up there the day before the wedding, watched a matinee performance of Don’s show (he was incredible) and the next day we got married. When Don’s brother and his wife arrived the day of the wedding, we walked over to the car to greet them and saw his brother lying down on the car seat because he was in tremendous pain from a slipped disc. Nevertheless, they came and were there for us.
The best thing is that we remember everything about that day. Every detail of the ceremony is crystal clear. Because we decided that small and intimate is what we wanted, there was absolutely no stress. Just joy.
At the end of the ceremony, we were instructed to exchange two white roses every year in honor of our commitment to each other. Some years we remember and some years (like this one) we forget. Ah well. We’ll do it next year. Last year, or was it the year before?, we exchanged the roses at a lookout spot in the mountains. It was lovely. The other people at the lookout applauded.
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I’ll close with my heartbreak at the loss of Diane Keaton. I adored her. I wanted to be her. Annie Hall was life changing for me. And since then, I have seen everything she has done, read her books, followed her restorations of several historic homes, watched her with her dogs (she loved them) and her adopted children. I’ve marveled at her style, her wit, her kindness, her bravery, her determination to live life her way. She was authentic. She was a gift to all of us. When I saw the first reports that she had died, I was sure it was some sort of internet hoax. The news originally came from People but had not been confirmed by any major news source. So I had some hope it was not true. But it was. This one really hits me. How can Diane Keaton not be here on Earth? How could this magical being leave us?
Hackman, Redford, Keaton: too much loss this year. We’re nearing the end of an era of a kind of filmmaking that is fast disappearing.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
The white rose idea is beautiful but I think you two have the commitment reminder down pat, with or without them. The wedding sounds just perfect, the way a wedding should be. I’m glad you did the cast photo — and look — it’s the one you are sharing with us! It sounds perfect in every way. Three cheers to you both.
And yes, I wanted to be Diane Keaton too. This mix of fun, strength, vulnerability. That voice, that smile. And that talent — not just on the screen. That was just the half of it. I’m equally, if not more, impressed with all she did off the screen — the photography, the writing, and all the good things she did for others. And way too young. Our screen icons are leaving us far too soon.
Far too soon.
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
What very sweet memories you have of your wedding. Very special. I am so sad at the loss of Diane Keaton, what an amazing person. We are losing so many of my heroes and favorite people as I’m at that time in my life. I am trying to remain present and soak up all I can of this life!
Me too. But the passing so many people I admire is tough to handle.
Thanks, Linda.
Stay safe.
Sitting, cozy in your cottage, sounds like the perfect thing to do on a rainy day. We’re expecting rain here today, too. Thanks for sharing about your wedding anniversary, as well as your wedding day. Made me smile. I, too, absolutely did not believe it when I saw something that said Diane Keaton had passed, I had to check elsewhere, and was shocked to hear it was true. I was a fan of so much of her work. I’m watching the special report now, telling of the release of the hostages. I’m so glad this happened, but wish it had been another administration brokering this deal. Stay warm and cozy today!
I give orange no credit whatsoever.
Thanks so much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
glad you and don enjoyed a sweet day yesterday for your anniversary.
what a lovely “walk down (yours and don’s) memory lane”! thanks for sharing parts of that special day with us.
and i’m glad you have a photo that shows your sock-covered, casted foot.
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Sunday sounds like a perfect day for you two. Love the ceremonial white roses too. There is a candle that was lit from two candles at our wedding ceremony, and we were encouraged to light it every year too. We did fine until the kids came along….and then, who knows?
I burst into tears immediately when I found out about Diane Keaton. With Robert Redford, and Jane Goodall gone as well, it’s too much to bear in such a short time. Three great roll models…all taken too soon.
Enjoy your day. ;)
I agree. All within a few weeks of each other. It’s unbearable.
Thanks, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
A belated Happy Anniversary to you and Don. I love your memories of the day and I’m glad you let that photographer capture the cast, too. It’s a beautiful shot.
Oh, Diane Keaton…my favorite as well. Loved all of her movies and books and fashion choices and television appearances. One of my favorite movies (and quirky soundtracks!) is one she directed, Unstrung Heroes. She wasn’t in it, but her mark is all over it. Oh, how will the world keep turning without her?
I don’t know. It seems impossible.
Thank you, Shanna.
Stay safe.
What lovely memories of your wedding day. Beautiful and so perfect for you both. Yes, we are losing the icons of some of the best of the film industry these last few years and too many this year (Redford, Keaton, Hackman; all amazing at their craft – my amateur school and local theater acting can never compare). Well, once again, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, you two. All the best for many, many more years !!!
Thank you, Dawn!
Stay safe.
What a lovely wedding tradition. You were a beautiful bride! I agree with losing Diane Keaton. Loved Annie Hall, Father of the Bride, The Family Stone, Somethings Gotta Give and I could go on and on. I was just getting over Robert Redford! It makes me feel like we are losing people from our generation, maybe a little older, but people we grew up watching. I am guessing the fall colors are starting to look spectacular by you. We have had torrential downpours and so much wind damage, Hope we are done with that. Take care!
Thank you, Deb.
Stay safe.
Beautiful wedding memories, Claudia. Thanks for sharing them with us. Diane Keaton will always be remembered. Hugs, Elaine
Thank you, Elaine.
Stay safe.
What a beautiful re-telling of your wedding day. You were so very pretty, your hair, your dress, all. Makes me want to cry. Last year I think you and don’t exchanged flowers and there was clapping or so.
I think So many women will miss diane Keaton’s smile, her laugh and of course her style!
Thank you, Irene.
Stay safe.