Here is a proven recipe for the best weekend Nimue and I have ever had:
First Course:
1 part Scarborough Faire
1 part crazy-arsed Rennie friends
1 part totally unprepared Mundane family and friends
a dash of beautiful harp music provided by Sarah Mullen
add a renewal of wedding vows and handfasting
Simmer and enjoy
Second Course:
1 part Scarborough Faire
1 part crazy-arsed Rennie friends
1 part totally blown away Mundane family and friends
Add food and wine and ale
Mix vigorously then throw in a private Tartanic show
Bring to a boil!
Nimue and I would like to thank everyone from the bottom to the top of our hearts for everyone who prepared for, worked at, shared with, laughed with, and cried with us. You cannot possibly imagine how much it all meant to us to have all of you there, and those who couldn't come, to have your well-wishes.
This may seem like a Oscar night speech, so bear with me... I've been trying to get this written now for three days...
I'd like to heap praise upon Danielle Guinn at Scarby for the planning and execution of the day's events. Coy, take note: you have a winner there! Danielle, you were an absolute doll to work with! Thanks also to Andy Smith for her work and keeping an eye on things. Any minor glitches were just that and were easily offset by major positivities (new word...good thing!) ...and thanks to Coy Sevier for his help with some of the details. Ladies and gents, I can't thank you enough.
Our attendants: Don Juan de Cordoba and Doña Catalina, Lady Kett and Sidekick, Archer and Moyra...you are all friends we have made in the past 3 years, and we value you as much as anyone we have known for decades; Vicki & Elaine, the former having been my friend since I was in preschool (!); and my son Chris and his long-time friend Susannah.
The beautiful and talented Sarah Mullen played beautifully during the ceremony, and Captain Teague tried to steal the show...and the bride! When asked if anyone objected, he did! It was a hoot.
The Baron of Scarborough & Lord High Mayor wrote a most beautiful ceremony... m'Lord, if you are lurking on this board, you get a double-helping of thanks you's...
We were honoured with the visit of King Henry and Queen Anne, who both had some very sweet and kind words for us.
When Tartanic began to play, a crowd started gathering at the fringes. One of the Scarby crew was running around trying to keep out the gawkers who didn't realize a wedding reception was going on.
Elo came and grabbed me, and made me dance... I'm a musician, and it's in the musician's code—we don't dance. I proved it.
The groom's cake design we knew nothing about until we arrived and saw it. I had given the baker total artistic license, and told him, "chocolate, not nuts or coconut, and surprise me." The cake looked awesome! Pictures will follow, I'm sure... I can only assume it was good—I never got a chance to sample it!
The most important part of all of the festivities, was the sharing with our friends. Seriously, it would have been nothing without all of you there. Nimue and I agree: it was the best weekend we had ever had. Thank you to any and all who had a part in it! I wish it could have gone on forever... :-*
Wow, sorry we missed it. But for some reason, Merlin, whenever I hang out with you and Lady Kett....I run out of money ;)
It was a day to remember most assuredly!
Thank you Merlin and Nimue for sharing with us - we had a great time.
Quote from: MacKee on April 18, 2012, 10:39:02 AM
Wow, sorry we missed it. But for some reason, Merlin, whenever I hang out with you and Lady Kett....I run out of money ;)
You missed your chance, MacKee... Without you and young Merlin there to assist me, I couldn't empty the keg! The Goddess knows I tried!
I think you did just fine, Merlin! An old guy like yourself has more rhythm than he thinks. ;) :-*
Rhythm isn't the problem, Elo! I just never learned to dance! From the time I was about 15, the only dances I went to I was playing for! I had a blast with you though, Luv, even if I did look stupid as hell out there on the dance floor. :-*
You did well dancing. I have proof.
Quote from: Ronald the Bald on April 18, 2012, 02:06:31 PM
You did well dancing. I have proof.
{{*** oh...$h!t ***}}
How much for the negatives?
Here are the pics. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronald_the_bald/sets/72157629847931185/
Proof Merlin can dance:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronald_the_bald/7091323357/in/set-72157629847931185
First uploads, will add more as they finish. Slow going.
Part 1
http://youtu.be/PJwkKgP_DLI (http://youtu.be/PJwkKgP_DLI)
Part 2
http://youtu.be/802968tvPdQ (http://youtu.be/802968tvPdQ)
Part 3
http://youtu.be/fLtwKKujuxU (http://youtu.be/fLtwKKujuxU)
Part 4
http://youtu.be/45eQSl7qO7o (http://youtu.be/45eQSl7qO7o)
Part 5
http://youtu.be/9tTZJ1rmHUk (http://youtu.be/9tTZJ1rmHUk)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 18, 2012, 11:40:04 AM
Quote from: MacKee on April 18, 2012, 10:39:02 AM
Wow, sorry we missed it. But for some reason, Merlin, whenever I hang out with you and Lady Kett....I run out of money ;)
You missed your chance, MacKee... Without you and young Merlin there to assist me, I couldn't empty the keg! The Goddess knows I tried!
No one siad anything about a keg >:(
You didn't think I'd throw a party without a keg! Scottish ale, too! See what you miss when you aren't paying attention!
Bad MacKee, bad, BAD! :P
It was SO much fun!! I loved watching the 'danes on the fringes watching 'Rennies Gone Wild'!!!! We must have looked like we were having a good time.
My pics from the ceremony and reception are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/al-nimer/sets/72157629492814238/
Stolen from Al Nimer... ;D
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/6949152218_8ced1b27ca_b.jpg)
An especial thanks should go to her Nibs, The Archduchess Sabine (my wife) who took it in hand to make sure we knew the correct pronunciation of Nimue (Nee-mway NOT Nim-you)! ;)
Your pictures don't do either of you justice, you are both FAR younger and more attractive than I thought! Nothing personal, I just thought Merlin had to look 500 if a day! :o
Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! for letting us be a part of your celebration! ;D
I'm so glad it was such a wonderful day for all of you, and particularly for you and Nim, Merlin! We tried our best to get there, but the Universe had other plans... Still, I can see that it was a glorious celebration, and for that we are thankful!
Many, many happy returns, my friend!
Quote from: VIII on April 20, 2012, 01:42:14 AM
An especial thanks should go to her Nibs, The Archduchess Sabine (my wife) who took it in hand to make sure we knew the correct pronunciation of Nimue (Nee-mway NOT Nim-you)! ;)
Your pictures don't do either of you justice, you are both FAR younger and more attractive than I thought! Nothing personal, I just thought Merlin had to look 500 if a day! :o
Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! for letting us be a part of your celebration! ;D
We are truly humbled by the outpouring of well-wishes. I'm not sure why everyone is thanking
us, for we must thank all of
you for making the weekend truly magical and special. In the 45 years since we first started dating (
that anniversary is actually tomorrow), I cannot think of any event, besides the birth of our son, that even comes close. Without all of you, it would have been nothing. Our heart-felt thanks to one and all.
Now, an awkward question: At some point Saturday, someone handed Nim a couple of small gift boxes, one for each of us. In the confusion, Nim does not recall who gave those to us! They are quite extravagant and beautiful, and we wish to properly thank whoever ignored ;) the no-gift directive.
Thank you to the Don and Doña, and Lady Kett and Sidekick for the special spirits; Captain Teague and Lady Gryphon for the beautiful portrait.
Thank you also, Rani and Scally. We missed having you there, and feel terrible about the van.
If they were small boxes wrapped in silver paper, I do believe that was Dona - while we were waiting for opening cannon.
Yes, that they were... thanks, Lady Kett...
I don't think 'no-gift' translates to Spanish very well. ;D
I sent you an email, Doña, but thank you very much!
Don't you mean Gracias? ;D
QuoteI don't think 'no-gift' translates to Spanish very well.
It doesn't translate into Pirate at all. But I also do not consider a Portrait a Gift either.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p138/AnnMason9877/Sherwood%20Forrest%20Opening%20Weekend/DSC_0146color8x1075sepi.jpg)
The one photo from Sherwood, that I didn't post until today. I had to keep it a secret somehow.
Thank you for inviting me to your wonderful party. I had a great time.
The folks in SAPA appreciated the leftover cake as well, dear Merlin. It was very thoughtful of you to send it back to them. :)
I'm not sure when I'll have the photos from the ceremony and reception up as I'm currently VERY backlogged on my photo processing, but I'll get them up as quickly as possible.
I'm glad that you both had a day worthy of you two! :)
Did they get any of the chocolate cake? If so, ask them how it was...I never got a taste of it :'(
8) Already planning the next one....
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 20, 2012, 07:04:19 PM
Did they get any of the chocolate cake? If so, ask them how it was...I never got a taste of it :'(
8) Already planning the next one....
Merlin, I'm not sure you or Sidekick are up for another. Maybe once we get through this year we can just get together and throw a party in the parking lot in the future? Nimue and I will get get fresh pedicures the night before though and show off our sexy toes to the assembled rabble. :o
I thought I was doing pretty good for 6 months post bypass surgery. I had a party to go to, and a lady to make happy.
By all accounts, she's very happy too! There should be a lewd wink emoticon, but it would probably be way overused, eh?
^^^Where is that damn "LIKE" button?!?^^^ ;D
The chocolate cake was- magical! Yummy too! What a good party! hugs to you both!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 18, 2012, 11:40:04 AM
Without you and young Merlin there to assist me, I couldn't empty the keg! The Goddess knows I tried!
Ah, if only I had known good sir, I would have been more than happy to have helped you with your task!