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SATURDAY, MAY 16 — WEDDING OF JEN KING AND IRA ELLIOT, GOLDEN GATE POINT, SARASOTA

As the flamenco guitarists pick out The Beatles’ “I Will,” the bridal procession makes its way onto the bayside dock. Clouds have been threatening all day, but the skies are now clear and the ground is dry just in time for the late afternoon wedding of Jen King and Ira Elliot.

Both NY residents presently, Miss Jen grew up in Sarasota and has chosen her family home to celebrate her marriage to Ira, whom you may know as the drummer of rock band Nada Surf. Ira looks dapper in a three-piece suit and touchingly attempts to hold back tears when his bride appears at the end of the aisle. Jen floats down in a pale satin ruched-front dress of her own design, accented by a green sash and pink tulle bustle. She is breathtaking.

I am pleased by their beautiful and somewhat unconventional ceremony, including a metaphysical priestess as the officiant and guests tossing stones stenciled with “J (heart) I” into the bay. The couple exchanges vows and rings and are finally presented as husband and wife to cheers and applause.

The crowd breaks for a champagne toast as the bridesmaids hustle to finish setup on the lawn for dinner. Not 15 minutes later, though, we spot lighting in the distance. Everyone pitches in to hurriedly move the tables, chairs and decorations back under the tent a safe distance from the bay.

As I carry a final few chairs in I notice that no one is making any moves to relocate the bar tent at the waters’ edge. I decide I’d better get one more drink before the rain begins in earnest. But as the first drops fall I realize that because the rain is coming down at an angle from the south, the bar front on the north side is staying dry. What luck! I will weather the storm here with brave bartender Brian. Daniel, the dreadlocked bassist, has the same idea and joins me and Brian under the awning.

The first 10 minutes of the storm are all fun and games; I’m still completely dry as dark clouds pour down and we laugh and make introductions in the tent. It’s not long, though, before the squall gains strength as Brian, Daniel and I do our damnedest to hold onto the tent itself. Talk about a wet bar. (Ba-dump-bump!)

Eventually the rain dies down, and people begin circulating freely once again. The boys from Lan serve up a delicious dinner and we all enjoy a glass (and/or bottle) of special “Ira and Jen” wine.

Next is the cutting of the cake and I love the twist on tradition. The happy couple stands behind a mountain of cupcakes and cuts the small cake on top (complete with miniature versions of the bride and groom), before passing the delicious confections around the room.

Considering all the musicians in attendance tonight, I know there must be more music in store for us and thus I am quite pleased when lead singer Matthew pulls out his guitar to accompany the mother of the groom in serenading her son with “Sunrise, Sunset.” Her song is quite poignant and the crowd joins in for what becomes a group sing-along. Ira takes the guitar next to lead everyone in a handful of obscure Beatles tunes, backed up by his bandmates. After the singing, guests filter out under what is now a clear night sky for dancing to a mix of fun tracks from DJ Patrick Miller.

The phrase “best wedding ever” is bandied about several times before the end of the evening and I must concur. The rain, which seemed to be such a threat all day, has in some respects made the party. Once we were all soaking wet everyone let loose and had a blast. This will definitely be a night to remember, and a fitting start to what will surely be a long and happy marriage. Cheers, kids! And thank you for the invite.
With love always,
The Scenestress

(photos courtesy Patrick Miller)

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