Muz and I took off for LA last Thursday to celebrate the wedding of Muzzy's sister Irene. It was a grand, gala affair in full LA style. Outdoors in the 80 degree October weather, perfect, halcyon, palm trees, pomegranates, lemon trees and houses throughout Alta Dena and Pasadena decked out in full Halloween regalia. The wedding took place in Farnsworth Park, outdoors in the amphitheater with the stage featuring a huge flower filled in with red rose petals outlined in marigolds. The bride was a vision of exotic splendor and the groom suitably handsome in a traditional Indian knee length jacket. The reception took place in the lodge where many of the scenes from Dirty Dancing were filmed. We worked on the decor all day, long tables with black table cloths and black lacquered runners strewn with white flower petals, hand made intricate tapestries that were made by two of Irene's friends hung from the rafters. They were on loan from an exhibition at a local art gallery. The head table was placed in front of the massive fireplace whose mantle had been lined with photos of absent family members. Catering by Wahib was a brilliant idea, great Lebanese food, a fabulous band, and a glittering array of family and friends added to the perfect event.
Staying at my brother and sister-in-law's is always a treat. Safe from the recent fires, the house sits at the foot of the San Gabriel mountains. The air was clear from the recent rains, and my one treat was a visit to The Folk Tree to see their Day of the Dead altars exhibit. it was more than inspiring. While I don't want to live in LA again, the "city hit" just wires my mind and sets my creative juices churning. Check out www.ladayofthedead.com to see what our next year's project may be. Irene has asked me to do this with her next year and we may have to make it a family event. Call it what you will, cross-cultural, multi-cultural, the blending of the hispanic tradition around the Day of the Dead with the LA flair for the dramatic is something to see. Since death is the theme of this time of year (and this time of my life!), I am filled with joy at the ways I have seen it expressed this last long weekend.
