We started the planning with ideas to take everyone to watch a show, then to watch a hockey game (the only professional spot scheduled to be played on that day). But after further discussion, we wanted to make the event more interactive, to allow everyone to get to know each other a bit, rather than just sitting around to have dinner or watch something. One of the last contending ideas was to have the function at a Lucky Strike bowling alley. Today’s bowling is not what it used to be. This place has decent real food than just pizza and hot dogs.
At the time, we were still doing our planning for the wedding reception. Tom has been a musician all his life, even though it is not his profession now for the past 10+ years. I have not seen him played professionally. I have seen him practiced with his partner, Pam, when they were preparing for a dual at a company function. So we thought it would be great if they can play something at our wedding.
After further logistic discussion with La Venta and the fact that Tom doesn’t have anyone to set up the equipment for him while he is in the role of the groom, we couldn’t pull together how that is going to work out at the wedding reception. Also, in order for everyone to see it, especially his sisters whom had never saw him play before; the only opportunity is to fit it in the night before when everyone coming to the wedding would have arrived by then. At the end, everyone can bowl anytime, but we don’t know when would be the next chance Tom would have to play in front of his sisters and my family. So, it wasn’t a difficult decision.
By then it was 3 weeks before the wedding, we began a mad search for a private room which can accommodate about 32 people (yes, it is that many combining the two families) and allows private musical performance. Then there is the logistic negotiation between Tom and me. This is regarding the proximity of where this event should be held. We both live about an hour drive from each other (under good driving condition). Tom finally saw the light. Since I am already driving up to Palos Verdes for the morning rehearsal and driving back to Irvine to do the bridal shower, he can share the driving by coming down to Costa Mesa for the rehearsal dinner rather than having me doing another round trip up there. Finally, we decided on the Clubhouse Restaurant.
Everything turned out so smoothly. Our private room was packed to maximum capacity. We fitted in 3 round tables. In one corner of the room, Tom set up his gear with Pam for the musical performance. I wanted people to mingle, so I didn’t set sitting arrangement. It was first come, first serve basis. It was great, as the two families ended up mixing up with everyone.
After a bit of drinks and mingling, a 3-course dinner was served. I pre-picked the salad and the dessert, and everyone else chose their own entrees based on a pre-selected main menu. Both Tom and I had the prime ribs. During the meal, we did the thank you speech to the family and friends. We presented our thank you gifts to the wedding party. Then the entertainment started.
Tom and Pam had been practicing a few songs in preparation for this. During the dessert course, they started playing and singing. I should ask Tom to list the songs they played. I cannot remember the names. The performance was well received by the audience!!! Everyone enjoyed the night very much. At the end of their performance, my nephew, Caden also played two songs. He is only 5, not even tall enough to touch the keyboard peddle. Everyone was singing along when he played the Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. His mommy, Brenda, was so proud!
When it was over, both Tom and I realized how successful it was. All the effort we put in and all the negotiation among ourselves were well worth it. I know he really wanted the chance to show his family his talents all these years. And finally it is done. I believe they love it. I certainly did!
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