Perhaps because I live on the coast I enjoy visiting lighthouses. On a trip to northern California last fall we visited Point Cabrillo Light Station near Fort Bragg. Today it is a state park. The grounds contain a restored lighthouse keeper’s home and several guest houses set back a bit from the lighthouse itself. Nature trails allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the rugged Pacific coastline in safety.
The website describes its history this way:
“Although Point Cabrillo was surveyed by the U. S. Lighthouse Service in 1873, construction of the Light Station didn’t begin until after the 1906 earthquake. The demand for lumber to rebuild San Francisco meant that maritime commerce on the north coast was at an all time high and a Lighthouse was critical to the safety of the ships and their valuable cargo. Construction of the Light Station began in 1908, and the lens was illuminated for the first time on June 10,1909, under head keeper Wilhelm Baumgartner.”
Our visit was at late afternoon. Near the lighthouse keeper’s home a large white tent was set up in preparation for a wedding. The tent had a wooden floor and tables laden with white flowers. In front a bar had been set up so that guests could take a drink with them as they strolled down to where the ceremony was to be held near the edge of the bluff . White chairs were lined up for the guests. A cello and violin duo would provide the music. The setting sun would make a dramatic background for the nuptials. This was a wedding California-style.
As we were walking away from our tour of the lighthouse, a couple from the wedding party approached us. The man asked Husband if he would take a photo of them. As Husband took the camera the couple moved closer together and tilted their wine glasses in classic style. The late sun and old lighthouse made a unique backdrop for this striking couple. He was tall, trim and dark in his black pin-striped double-vested suit and cowboy boots. Her long blonde hair fell just right as did her short draped skirt that was accented casually with a wide silver belt; cowboy boots completed the polished western look. Think J. R. and Sue Ellen Ewing. They might be from Texas, I thought.
Husband returned the camera and the man expressed his thanks. In my best Texas tourist accent I said, “Where are you all from?”
“New York,” he replied with a smile as they walked away with the California sun highlighting their wine.
Leave it to New Yorkers!
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Well, they looked great and carried themselves with confidence. And very polite. My guess was that he worked on Wall Street and she was a model. Thanks for the visit and comment. Stay cool!
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How delightful!!! I love the lighthouse, it is so very charming and your story so perfect for you. It seems that no matter where you go life embraces you and invites you into the story……I just love it!
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It was a lovely afternoon with no wind – perfect for the wedding. I wanted to casually join mingle with the guests and have some wine but Husband said we weren’t dressed for it…he was right
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Wonderful chronicle of a moment.
Patti
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Thank you, Patti! It was fun. I wish Husband had taken a picture of the couple but that would have been rude.
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Not with a telephoto lens :>) kidding, but what a sight that must have been.
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I agree. A delightful story, Jo Nell, and a fun happenstance! Husband is a handy fellow to have around. 🙂 I’m glad he was there. An altogether good feeling in this post!
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The wedding did make it rather surreal. I wanted to wait around and see the bride and groom but we didn’t.
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Great story. I’ve met more than a few cowboys from New York too 🙂
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Cowboys are good wherever you find them. Thanks for commenting.
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It seems a beautiful coming together of ridiculous (NY Cowboys) and simple beauty California Coastal weddings. You capture it all marvelously. The pictures are absolutely wonderful.
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Thanks! It was an extra bonus to see a California wedding at such a beautiful setting.
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LOVE IT!!!! We do love our Country Music up here in the Northeast
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The setting sounded delightful and man those Sunsets out there are something to behold. Wonderful post!
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Yes, those western sunset are spectacular. And country music can be a state of mind. Thank you for commenting. Enjoy the beauty of the northeast!
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Thanks so much
🙂
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The lighthouse is lovely. I agree with the others that this is a great story.
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It was different from most lighthouses and looked rather like a small church. Thanks for the visit and comment!
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What a beautiful place, and a perfect spot for a wedding. Thank you for sharing this delightful story, and for once again liking my blog.
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It was a rather unusual site for a wedding but the sun setting as they said their vows must have been romantic. Visiting your blog is always fun! Thanks for taking time to comment.
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Your story made me smile! (and I love lighthouses – that one was very pretty!)
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I try not to take myself too seriously these days. Thanks!
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A sweet story and a truly lovely place. 🙂
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Yes, it was beautiful. I hope they live happily ever afterward! Thanks for taking time to visit and comment.
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I have just nominated you for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award!
Details at http://countryliving4beginners.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/more-to-blogging-than-blogging-3/ . ~Dor
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Thank you – I am honored! I will check it out – your blog is always worth reading.
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I love lighthouses – and this one is very pretty 🙂
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It was rather unusual and reminded me of a church. I appreciate the comment and always love what you share in your posts!
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