Getting Hitched--Without a Hitch
Two of The PubScout's friends, one long-time, one new, came to OIB to tie the knot on the beach. The weather cooperated (even though Neptune played some tricks with the waves trying to get in the picture), and, with yours truly conducting his very first wedding as an authorized officiant, the small ceremony went off both without--and with-- a "hitch."
Maria and Jeff Gennari became one, witnessed only by a few friends and a few seagulls. As an administrator of the world-famous biker group known as the PBBC, Maria (neé Fen) ordered that her biker roots be involved. She and husband Jeff wore their biker jackets to the beach, but doffed them for the ceremony, though they probably wished they had kept them on.
So with one of her surrogate dads, appropriately attired in full biker regalia, giving her away, and the other surrogate dad, also appropriately attired in his biker regalia, officiating, the short, simple ceremony comported with the bride and groom's wishes.
After some champagne and noshing back at the officiant's home, the group left for the Reception Dinner. And, for The PubScout's money, that means only one place--the fabulous Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood Restaurant in Calabash.
With cerevisionary Patrick Legendre "setting the table," as it were, the group dined on exceptional fare, quaffed exceptional beer and laughed throughout the meal. I was delighted to be greeted with one of Patrick's choices from Revision Brewing--a hazy DIPA called Glitter Moon. Most appropriate for the moment and the Deep Treasure meal I was ordering. And it even had unicorns...
There was one serious moment when Maria's surrogate dad Paul delivered a heartfelt and emotional wedding toast to the new couple who will make their home in New Jersey.
The meal at The Rock was a perfect ending to what came to be called the "Royal Wedding" of the happy couple. A delightful post-meal stroll around the docks and grounds, shrouded in a light fog capped off a perfect day.
Big props are also due to Eileen, a Rock Regular with her husband Dave, for her yeoman's work as a photographer/videographer.
Many thanks to Patrick and his superlative staff at The Rock for making a special day even "specialer." And the best of luck to Maria and Jeff as they begin their new life together. They vowed to return to one of Brunswick County's premier dining spots.
