We spent two days in the Catskills with perfect weather, great organic locally grown food, and plenty of quality time with both our families. (It was the first time in 5 years that Erik and his sisters have all been together.)

We celebrated at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York - in the heart of the Catskills.  The resort is made up of lodges, cottages, barns, and even a yurt, scattered throughout the property, all within easy walking distance [see map].  It was nice to wander the land to pay visits to each other, run through the grass, pick wildflowers, stack rocks near Esopus Creek, and cool off in the pool.

The wedding ceremony took place outdoors between the beautiful red barn and the creek.  The bride wore her Mom, Joan's, wedding dress from the late 60s, which was especially fitting since her Mom gave her away at the beginning of the ceremony.  The bouquet, arranged by Joan, was made up of wildflowers from Mindy's childhood house in Missouri (including Tiger Lilies, Black-Eyed Susan, and Queen Anne's Lace).

Our amazing officiant, Reverend Sara Henderson, helped us create the perfect ceremony, which included: a reading by Erik's grandfather, Don Waterman (the same passage he read at Erik's parent’s wedding, many, many years ago), a special remembrance for Erik's Grandmother, Edna and Mindy's Grandmother, Jeanette, a candle lighting ceremony for Mindy's Father, an English translation of two yoga chants, mentioned of the wedding bands we made for each other, and a even bicycle reference. 

Erik's father Dan toasted the newlyweds during the ceremony dinner, which was full of food, wine, and his/hers cakes.  (Chocolate raspberry for Mindy and carrot for Erik.)

After dinner we retired to one of the barns where a big screen covered one wall for the family slideshow/video that we co-produced.  It was like a San Francisco Shotwell Street backyard party, only in a barn.  The video contained photos and video footage of us that spanned our childhoods, our travels, and our relationship.

After breakfast the next morning, a large portion of our group went on a hike a short distance from the resort.  The views of the surrounding mountains from the summit were amazing.  A smaller contingent went into the neighboring towns of Phoenicia and Woodstock to check out the local (counter-)culture.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing, swimming, exploring, and enjoying each other's company.  A tasty BBQ dinner prepared us for the big bonfire at sundown where Jess toasted us, reminding Mindy of lists she made about her ideal partner over a decade ago.  We provided s'mores (with Mindy's favorite Bay Area chocolate), Larry provided customized marshmallow roasting skewers for each guest, and Daniel demonstrated his amazing s'more-making techniques by using the rocks to soften up the chocolate.  The wine, beer, and champagne was free-flowing and Joan’s homemade apple pie was plentiful.

After the "adults" retired to their quarters, the "kids" retired to the barn for highly competitive pool playing, dueling iPod dance mixes, salsa lessons, and lots of tequila.  And somehow in the end Helen, Mindy, Carrie and Kailin all ended up drenched in beer.

Good times were had by all...  It almost makes us want to get married again next year!