exhausted...running on empty...so much more to say about this past weekend., but no time to do it..however, pulled out of the hat, here is... .Social Column 11


Love. We are all driven by it, we are all looking for it, even when we don't consciously think so. Weddings are the culmination of that search, and bring out love in all it's many and varied forms. This was the weekend of my nephew Christopher and his bride , Melissa's wedding, and what a wedding it was!
The party began at my home on Friday night, in the midst of a mini hurricane. It didn't stop anyone from laughing, dancing, drinking and eating, though. The pies I mentioned baking last week were a hit, but the true star of the evening's culinary delights was the seafood bisque and grilled swordfish prepared by Kerry, a local fisherman. He catered the final cast party for the movie "Runaway Bride," filmed on location in Berlin several years ago, and his seafood bisque was a hit in that production, also. Thanks, Kerry.
Trish and Paul, who orchestrated Open Mic Night at The Waterline Gallery a week ago, stopped by, and soon had a hand-clapping, foot-stomping audience in the living room.
Friday night's party was just the warm up, though. The wedding itself was held at The Merry Sherwood, in Berlin. The Merry Sherwood was built in 1859 by prosperous Philadelphian , Henry Johnson for his bride Elizabeth Henry, a local Berlin girl. He met her on a visit to the eastern shore, and thus the romantic tradition began. The pre-civil war home has been painstakingly restored by Kirk Bambridge into a lovely Inn, and is a wonderful place to host a special occasion, as well as a romantic getaway. The grounds are fragrant with flowers, and laid out with secluded green grottos as well as cobblestone walkways.
The ceremony itself was on the lawn, under a rose studded arbor. As I watched Melissa walk from the house to her husband to be, I couldn't help but think of the romantic tradition the Merry Sherwood has become. And yes, I cried as the vows were spoken. Thanks, cousin Jay, for the green bandana whipped from your pocket. A lace hankie would have been nice, but your bandana saved the day.
A couple of observations about the weekend from our out of town guests.... After the bar at The Atlantic Hotel closes, you can always go to Goober's for a drink. (I thought it was just a breakfast place.) Speaking of the Atlantic Hotel, that intimate, warm abode that dominates downtown Berlin, they sure do have the pulse on who is who in town. When I inquired after one of our out of town guests, the night manager knew their name, knew what other place they were staying, and what time they had left the bar. Wow! It's another small town phenomenon I'm not used to.
Melissa and Chris are now in Greece on their honeymoon. All the guests are gone. Today I am donating the rest of the flowers to the Senior Center in Berlin, and giving my social butterfly wings a chance to rest and regroup.
Planning a wedding here in Delmarva? You can't ask for a more beautiful place to celebrate your love.... See you next week!