Summer of Love Starts Now
Summer of Love Starts Now
what I'm packing for a West Coast wedding
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This weekend, I’m heading to Big Sur, California for a wedding. And not just any wedding: it’s kind of a big deal…
One of my husband’s best friends from high school is getting married - for the first time - in his early 50s. And as it happens, later this summer, one of my best friends from high school is also getting married for the first time - in her late 40s.
Two of something make a trend, right? Or maybe it’s three…
Either way, I’ve decided this is the Summer of (Late) Love!
I love the romance and ritual of weddings: hearing toasts from family and friends about how the couple met and fell in love and watching the besotted pair gaze adoringly at each other. I suspect these two weddings will be that much sweeter because everyone involved is fully grown-up: sure of who they are and what they want from life. I can’t wait to participate (in a small way) in their love stories and cheer on their marriages.
Right on cue, as I started thinking about what to pack for this weekend’s wedding, this missive from Matthew Ogle’s lovely poem-a-day newsletter, Pome, appeared in my Inbox.
Love Comes Quietly
Love comes quietly,
finally, drops
about me, on me,
in the old ways.
What did I know
thinking myself
able to go
alone all the way.
by Robert Creeley (1960)
As a wedding guest, I view my primary responsibilities as showing up on time and behaving appropriately: laughing, applauding, crying, and dancing when expected. And dressing well!
Which brings me to packing…
It’s no fun when you’re in a rush, but I can enjoy packing for trips - as long as I have enough time to really think through what I need. In fact, if I thought about the contents of my closet the same way: ie. paring it down to just the things that really suit my life, the climate, look the most flattering, and I actually like wearing; I would have a much more streamlined and organized wardrobe. Future goals!
Anyway, here’s what I’m taking with me to Big Sur…
To Read and Watch
Given the long plane ride from New York to the West Coast, and the extremely limited WiFi and cell service in Big Sur, I’m taking plenty to read: the latest hard copy issues of The Atlantic, New York, The New Yorker, and Architectural Digest, and I’ll pick up my fave guilty pleasures, People, and US, at the airport. I’ve got two new novels ready to go on my Kindle: Vladimir and The Covenant of Water. Both came highly recommended - The Covenant of Water is an Oprah Book Club pick, so my hopes are high!
I’m also taking a draft copy of the novel I’m working on. The story just happens to take place at a series of weddings, where Amy, a Gen X divorcee who has sworn off love forever, struggles to suppress her feelings for Ben, a dashing Brit. So far, the weddings in the story are set on Harbour Island, Charleston, and New York City. Who knows, maybe I’ll get inspired and add another one in Big Sur!
I wanted to download the entire season of Based on a True Story, which Sadie (16) and I are currently obsessed with. It’s a brand new satire/comedy/dramedy about murder podcasts and America’s obsession with them, featuring an unreasonably handsome and talented serial killer (shades of You). However, I didn’t want to pay the “upgrade” fee required by Peacock, so will have to resume watching it when I get home.
Instead, I’ve downloaded some old favorites: The Princess Bride and It’s Complicated for wedding / west coast vibes; Reality Bites (not sure why, but I have been thinking about this movie a lot lately); and some shows and movies I haven’t seen: Wellmania; Florida Man; Queen Charlotte; Flack; Masterpiece Endeavour; and She Said.
What I’m Wearing!
I have put a lot of thought into what I’ll wear because it’s no fun to be away from home and feel like your clothes aren’t right! The weather will be mild - from low 50s overnight to high 60s1 during the day - so I’m bringing layers. Along with PJs, hiking gear, a fleece, and a swimsuit, here’s what I’m taking.
For the flight, I’ll wear jeans, a striped tee, and a cotton sweater. The plan is that the same tee will also work with the navy linen shorts I’m bringing; and that these two button-down shirts will go with either the jeans or shorts for lunching and sightseeing. The flat slides and nude sandals also mix and match. And I’ll wear the striped sweater with everything!
For the Friday evening gathering (dress code: cocktail casual) I have a fun cotton sundress in red, white, and blue; a denim jacket for when it gets chilly, and a woven straw purse. I’m wearing wedge espadrilles in the pic below but could switch gears and wear the flat sandals above…
The main event - YAY! - will also be held in the evening. The dress code is cocktail attire and the invitation noted that the ceremony will take place on grass. I really love this dress - it is comfortable and flattering (well-placed ruffles cover my tummy, hips, and thighs) and it has pockets! I’ll carry a black envelope clutch that goes with everything; wear mid-height block heels; and am taking a soft ivory cardigan for warmth.
Now I’m off to get this all into my carry-on!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to reporting back on what to see and do in Big Sur!
xo
Amelia
PS: I have a newfound respect for models! I spent 45 minutes posing for these photos, and yikes, it is hard to look “normal.”
Fahrenheit. In Celcius, this is 10 - 20 degrees.