Yesterday, Ed and Linda got married at the Palm Event Center! It was such a nice winter wedding, only one of three or four that I've attended I believe. Most weddings are in the summer or spring. But I suppose it doesn't make a huge difference in California because the winters are so mild. It was a bit chilly outside, but nothing terrible. And the grounds / building / reception were lovely, with mulled wine for before the ceremony and an open bar after. How considerate for the guests! Nice to get warmed up before the thing with the mulled wine, and the open bar to keep the glow of joy and alcohol going after (I had considered bringing a large flask or a small one, but didn't end up having to do that!). The ceremony was short but sweet and very personal, with Judge Fernandez as the officiant (he was one of the first judges Ed appeared in front of during his first year as a DA). Mike and I were seated at the attorney table, with most of my colleagues so it was nice that we knew the people sitting with us.

After dinner, the party really began! As you can see, Quinn wasted no time getting after the drinks. And we were all warmed up (Tyrone and Michael Gadeberg's heads steamed outside). Mike and Steve had a really good time getting to know each other, and Mike (in classic Mike-way after drinking a bit) got very gregarious and funny. Example 1: He took a look at Steve, up and down, and then asked (somewhat out of the blue) "Hey, how much do you weigh?" Now, Steve is a very health conscious man (other than the drinking), so he wasn't sure how to take it initially but then took it with a chuckle. (This became a bit of a running joke through the night, and I don't think it's going to fade away soon.)

Of course, no wedding is really complete without photobooths! It's always a pleasure for both the guests and the bride/groom to look back at these photos to remember the fun event. It was after this time that Mike made another social-funny (but with slightly more...serious? consequences). Example 2: I was off talking to someone. Mike was chatting away with a girl in a pink dress that he didn't know. She was asking him how he liked the wedding and how he knows Ed. Mike responded in his friendly and talkative manner. Then he asked "So how do you know the bride and groom?" The girl got an icy glint in her eye as her face hardened, and she responded "I am the bride." She turned on her heel, and walked off. Mike came up to me with a sheepish look in his eye and explained the situation to me, saying "Uh, I fucked up." That's how I learned of it. [edit] -- I later learned that Ed and Linda had their first marital fight about this! She hadn't wanted to invite anyone who didn't know one of both of them very well, to limit the number of attendees. Ed, on the other hand, wanted to invite all his family and friends and colleagues, including their "plus ones". Oops, I guess Mike sort of tread on a sore subject already! Congrats Mike, that is how they will forever remember you!

Despite this little hiccup, we continued to enjoy the night. And when it was time to go, Salezka and her husband Dario gave us a ride back to their apartment in Palo Alto before we grabbed an Uber with Alex back to Campbell where we left our car. So much fun!

Congrats! Ed and Linda, may you have a wonderful and long marriage ---- I don't think there will be any surprises given that you two have been together over 11 years now! It's been a long time coming, so enjoy!
Anyway, this morning, Mike and I just hung out and enjoyed some hangover food --- Taco Bell -- with movies all day. What an absolutely wonderful way to spend a holiday Monday; no work, time with Mike, and junk food.

Cheers to a long weekend, without the rush of traveling to and from LA. So glad you're here, Mike!