Sentimental Sundays: The experience takes the cake

During the last few years, I've had to plan a fair amount of events for work. No matter how much care I take to ensure that everything falls into place, something always falls out of line. I tend to sweat the small stuff, yet things almost always work out better than fine - due in part to the fact the attendees have no idea what is supposed to be happening (I don't tell them), so they enjoy whatever unfolds and walk away with happy memories of the experience.

Over time, I've learned that the details matter most to the hosts - and the experience matters most to the guests. I acknowledge that the experience is the sum of the details (which is why I overanalyze them), but I have come to believe that all - hosts and guests alike - tend to remember events more in the vein of impressionist paintings rather than photographs - a bit on the blurry side and very lovely.

The recent wedding of dear friends seems to underscore such a theory. During the course of Mark and Andrea's big day, the couple found themselves a tad stressed when their dreamed-about and well-planned reception program temporarily fell victim to forces of the universe. For the newlyweds, such unforeseen happenings were about as appealing as a toe poking through a favorite sock.

As they quietly mourned to each other the AWOL nature of one small piece of the program (which they later shared with some of us), we the guests were busy enjoying the occasion that Mark and Andrea had so thoughtfully brought to life:

* The reception hall in downtown Delray - an "old school yet so cool" gymnasium that was in mint condition and rendered magical by strands of white lights and floating paper lanterns. * An amazing spread of food. * A tasty multi-layer-lemon cake decorated with citrus and topped with hikers bearing the likeness of the newlyweds. * The friendly and gregarious guest list comprising friends and family from far-flung places. * Numerous heartfelt toasts to the much-adored couple. * The afterglow of the preceding wedding in a sculpture garden, starring the elegant bride and beaming groom. * And most important, the love of the pair that had led to this day.

Weddings, receptions and other gatherings - including the event called life - are made up of details and experiences that leave room for unforeseen error and unexpected beauty. They are a bit on the blurry side and very lovely, and the hope is for people enjoy whatever unfolds and walk away with happy memories. Such was the case with Mark and Andrea's wedding, at least for me and other guests, but mostly, I hope so for them.