A Traveler's Perspective: A Wedding

Allow me to take a moment to share the fabulously beautiful love story of my dear friend Annie. While on vacation in Peru several years ago, Annie met a pilot named Jorge (aka Coco) who quickly stole her heart. Through the wonders of the internet the two of them kept in touch and developed their relationship despite being worlds apart. About a year after they met, Annie came to a crossroads in her life and decided to throw caution to the wind and move to Peru to see if there could be a future for them. Sure enough, a few months later the two of them were engaged.

Annie and I have been friends since I moved to Oakhurst in 3rd grade. We were practically inseparable in High School and together ventured beyond the constrains of our small town for college, so it was an honor to be asked to be a part of her wedding.

The wedding took place at a place called Paradise Springs in our hometown, and the entire weekend was a beautiful mix of small town USA and Peruvian tradition. For starters, the rehearsal dinner was held at Danny's Pizza Factory, our local pizza place. Then the ceremony itself was outdoors in the mountains at Paradise Springs and we were surrounded by Pine trees, wildlife, and... snow! The Peruvian influence was quite evident as well. Jorge wore his airforce uniform, and the majority of the ceremony was done in both English and Spanish, including Jorge's vows. Jorge's mother also made a traditional Peruvian wedding cake to honor their roots. The decorations were lovely and Annie created centerpieces with an array of chotchkies of both cultural influences. Those of us in the wedding party did a sword salute (with plastic swords...) for the newly wed couple as they arrived to the reception. Annie told us that this was the one Peruvian Air Force wedding tradition that Jorge had said he would miss by not having their wedding in Peru. (Annie, you're so thoughtful.) After the touching speeches, Jorge led us all in a Peruvian dance called Sacaronchas, which was similar to the macarena, and an amazing time. The Sacaroncha dance led us into "Hora Loca," another Peruvian tradition where people wear masks and clown noses and run around like crazy with noisemakers. Well, I don't know how they do it in Peru, but that's what we did anyway. It was tons of fun.

Jenn was also at the wedding and did a lovely post about the ceremony as well!