When the Ships a Rockin’, Wed will be a Lockin’

Jenny & Erik had their wedding at the Marina down 23rd Street at the East River. At least that's where it was starting. I didn't know that the wedding and the reception were going to be performed on a boat. When I got there, Nina & Scott were waiting outside while most of the wedding guests were already on the boat. I could see why. The boat was rocking side to side. People had to jump from the pier steps onto the boat. Sim & Dave arrived and was getting worried about seasickness. So Dave went to 2nd Ave. to get some Dramamine. We all took a pill for good measure and boarded the Love Boat for a 3-hour tour.
Jenny who looked beautiful greeted us. She had her hair cut short and had a white dotted dress that made her look like Marilyn Monroe. They both wore Orange in honor of Erik's homeland of Holland. She had a bouquet of orange roses and Erik wore a bright orange tie. Very handsome. The ship set off and it was shaky ride over wakes as we passed the Empire State and then back down towards Lady Liberty. I thought the wedding was going to be very casual and informal but having it on a boat was very special. It was a nice and touching ceremony. I think hearing the vows in Jen's soft, high voice made it more emotional. Tears were flowing first from her brother who gave her away, then Jenny started wiping tears from her eyes, then I noticed Nina sobbing then I started fighting back sniffles. Her grandmother sang, then they went below deck as husband and wife. The reception was also held below. The three cakes were decorated with the initials E & J by her friends. Jen & Erik attempted their first dance but the swaying boat made it look like they were slipping on ice. But it didn't matter. It was a beautiful wedding. A first for me on a boat. When we left the ship, the newlyweds gave us all mementos of orange tulips made of wood. What, no wooden shoes?
Congratulations Jen & Erik. Howda!





It was so hot. After we disembarked, we just wanted to get into an air conditioned room. We walked up to Kips Bay to see a movie. Matt & Karen went to see Anchor Man and we went to see Shrek 2. It had a slow start but the blind mice trying to find their way cracked Sim and me up. Ah, blind comedy. Puss 'n Boots was very slinky. I think even Dave might have found the movie funny.
Afterwards we wanted to go to dinner. We were heading towards Korea Town for Mandoo dumplings. I thought we were dressed too nice and looked too good to just have dumplings. How about Artisanal. A fancy cheese restaurant. We looked good. Sim was up for it but he was hesitant. We'll just keep it under $20. Come on Dave. You love your strong cheeses. Carpe Formaggio!
Our waiter was very cheese knowledgeable. He recommended a rich Pinot Noir and great selection of cheeses including some very strong and incredibly delicious blue cheeses. One that is only made by a heirless old man in a cave. And when he dies, so does the recipe. And then there will be no more of this cheese. Let's order the whole lot and slather it over Chilean Sea Bass. Gluttonous weekend indeed.