Sixty Hours in Heaven

When D’s name appeared on my phone during a normal Monday afternoon at the office, I knew exactly why he was calling. It was just past the year mark since he and A met on the night of my birthday that past December and the question A was waiting for was actually in the works. I accompanied him to the meeting he arranged with A's favorite jeweler, Bell and Bird Custom Jewelry, just four days later. After all, I had visited the same store only a couple weeks before with the suspecting bride-to-be and was witness to all the design details. It was sure to be her dream ring, presented by her dream guy, all prelude to a dream wedding. And so it began… the journey we now know as A & D's Italian Wedding.

I wasn’t sure if I believed A when she told me I was coming with them to Positano… until I received D’s email that included our flight itinerary. My heart stopped and I had to take a deep breath; was this really happening??? It all seemed too good to be true, especially because a whole six months separated the invitation from the trip. The third week of September grew closer as I grew more excited, despite the normal routine I led. This was my first flight in three years and knowing my final destination was Italy felt so surreal. I was ready for a vacation… but little did I know what a true vacation it would become.

I had never been to Italy, nor had I done much research (shame on me). Although some might consider the Italian wine and American versions of Italian food I enjoy here at home ‘research’, I realize now that there is nothing quite like the real thing. The pasta is al dente, the vegetables and herbs are hand picked and, contrary to popular American belief, the individual portions are, dare I say, dainty. Our seven (yes, seven!) course wine dinner didn't leave me uncomfortable, rather perfectly satisfied.

From the moment we arrived at Le Sirenuse, jetlagged but ecstatic, I was truly on vacation, in every sense of the word. Thanks to D and A I didn't have to think about or plan a thing, something they know I tend to do. Nope, this was their show and they were running it. And because I was lucky enough to be their guest, what followed will live in my heart forever.

The view from the open air lobby was even more breathtaking in person than in pictures. I had been spoiling myself with the beauty of the views online during the months leading up to the trip, so when I finally saw it with my own eyes I felt as though I had been transported into a painting... but after my return home I now know it was actually some version of Heaven. With the Mediterranean Sea down below and the cliffs of the town all around us, everywhere you turned was, for lack of a more deserved description, perfect.

The hotel's impeccable team whisked us (and our luggage) away to show us to our rooms which were just as charming as the rest of the family villa-turned-hotel. Our keys were smooth hand carved metal mermaids that lived at the front desk while each guest was away; just one of their small yet significant touches that contributes the Le Sirenuse allure. I had to keep my jaw from hitting the floor as we navigated our way up and down the gorgeous M.C. Escher-style staircases and quaint hallways. Hand painted tiles lined the floors while custom photography accented the walls. Tropical plants filled lonely corners and retro-inspired furniture invited us to sit. All the while enjoying the Italian air and coastal views.

The shimmer on the water from the warm Italian sun was calling our names... a trip to the beach was in order. I found my bikini and down the steps we went, winding our way through ancient walkways crowded with gift shops and cafes. Just minutes later we found ourselves in the very salty sea where treading water is almost effortless. Sunbathing is one of my most favorite things, so when I get to partake while visiting the other side of the planet, I'm pleased to say the least. I laid on the dark sand and gazed at the (what seemed) bluer than American sky while olive skinned five year old Italian girls ran around me in just bikini bottoms. "This is it," I thought, "this is really happening".

Two hours and a few gift shop stops later it was time to prepare for the evening's festivities: Sunset cocktails and snacks at the Champagne Bar. D had reserved a lounge area just for us so we could enjoy the house DJ while sipping some of the most delicious prosecco I've ever tasted. The sky turned dark as the town's lights came on... Who knew the evening view was even better? This, of course, all before our car service would take us to our first evening's decadent dinner at half-Houstonian family-owned Dona Rosa, which happened to be a small house at the top of the mountain with an even better view. And can you believe they carry Tito's Vodka?? We were floored.

Our family-style feast was phenomenal. Everything from the generous pours of wine to the hand made ravioli... the beautifully painted platters and open kitchen that contained just two expert chefs made for a delightful three hour dining experience I'd love to have every Thursday. Except this wasn't just any Thursday... It was the night before their wedding and we were in Italy. Could it get better? Yes.

After just a few hours of sleep it was time to wake up despite the fact that my phone said it was 1:30am back home. I wasn't about to sleep any longer than necessary, afterall it was finally the day for which we had traveled here in the first place. Not to mention A had scheduled a mani/pedi that I was sure would be wonderful. I think I drifted off as the last coat was drying, writing my toast to the almost-wedded couple in my mind. A had been telling me about how this day would be filmed by Austin Cinemetographer, Joe Simon, for months, but I was beginning to feel like I left my "public" speaking skills at home. Just like in this blog, I feel my words are best conveyed when written... so the thought of trying to say exactly how special this experience was seemed a bit overwhelming. Still, I knew they would understand what I was trying to say no matter how the words came out. Even though they would, and hopefully did, I'd like to dedicate this entry, my written feelings, to the happy couple.

My suite's bathroom phone rang as I was putting on my mascara. I heard the frustration in A's voice when she told me the hairdressers were there and I wasn't. Typical me, running ten minutes behind. Up two and a half floors of horizontal stairs I went, there the bride was waiting with a smile. Not yet in her dress, we sat and enjoyed the morning view of the ocean while our Italian artists sculpted our hair into picture perfection. A was oddly calm, almost like this was a practice wedding day. I asked her how she felt and I believe she simply replied, "happy". No stress, no mess - just her favorite people in her favorite place. Pure bliss.

Town Hall in Positano is not like any place you've been. The historical architecture that somehow clings to the side of the cliff allows Italian (in this case, half American & half Canadian) couples to wed with a backdrop only seen in the movies. It was yet another moment I look back on and feel was part of a dream. As D describes it in Joe's video, "the magic of the moment didn't hit me until I saw her walking towards me". Although I was with her when she found that dress, saw her try it on more than once and even helped her into it just minutes before, she still took our breath away. We were here. It was real. Nothing seemed more important at that moment in time. I smiled away a few happy tears while a language I don't understand married my two dear friends. It only took 10 minutes for them to become Man & Wife, an endearing title they'll hold for the rest of their lives. And to be honest, they shouldn't be anything less to eachother.

Our private boat that would take us down the Amalfi Coast arrived on schedule later that afternoon. With two photographers and Joe in tow, our nautical adventure began just as the sun was setting. We headed east towards a calmer cove so A could "trash the dress". (This is just another reason D thinks she's the coolest woman on the planet.) If being photographed and filmed oceanside in an expensive dress with a glass of Veuve in your hand doesn't give you an insight to what "the life" feels like, I'm not sure what will. I can't help but daydream about it still... we took a swim, made our toasts and all 105 of the bobbypins in my hair actually kept it looking good for our seven course dinner that evening. Yet another Italian trick I need to learn.

I had barely been in the country 36 hours and Italy was beginning to feel like home. As I prepared for another fabulous meal I was reminded that I had another whole day in this amazing place, and for that I was more than thankful. That feeling continued as I walked down to the dining room on the third floor. Anyone close to me knows how much I enjoy a flawless dining experience and I knew this seven course dinner was going to be one of the best ever. We joined each other and over our first glass of wine gleefully recapped the day, A & D's Wedding Day.

We laughed about the mandolin player and how he ended his Italian serenade with a very American "YEAH!", balked at how incredible the boat ride's scenery was and inquired about their Vespa jaunt up and down the windy road. We enjoyed an impromptu, but very well done, live version of "We no speak Americano", sung by our ever-so-charming waiter and same mandolin player, just for the newlyweds. At that moment my heart felt like it might burst. All that love, happiness and beauty in one place; I was reminded of how perfect life could feel. I'm sure A and D still feel that way at least once a day... a day they get closer to the rest of their lives together. I suppose couples like them give us the phrase "lucky in love".

And for me? I'm lucky enough to relive that pure, priceless feeling of joy when I watch their wedding video. By the time P & I boarded our plane home we had been there just 60 hours... yet each and every time I hear D's voice start to describe Positano I can feel the salty breeze, smell the cappucinos and taste the limoncello. Thank you to P for being such a good travel partner; I'll let you know when we get picked for Amazing Race ;) And to A & D, thank you for an experience of a lifetime. I can't wait to share more amazing memories together.