The Wedding

Our friends Kim and Brent having breakfast with us at Marketstreet Grill before we left Utah.

I went on this trip so I could be in attendance at the wedding of two of our closest friends. Kim and Brent have been together 25 years and as associate dean of the University of Utah’s School of Fine Arts, Brent had a conference in DC this particular week and since it’s one the few places they could legally marry, they decided to do it. Tom couldn’t join me because of classes but it was important to me to be there. I realize that all may not be comfortable with this issue but I just want to say publicly that these are two of the best people I know. Kim and I met in college doing theatre together before he left to serve an LDS mission in Germany. Brent served in France. They met doing theatre at Sundance after they both returned and have been together ever since. Brent is also a choreographer & director and has choreographed shows that Kim and I have done together over the years. They have known our kids since they were babies and have been a part of our lives for over 30 years.

I met them at their hotel on Tuesday morning and we (our friend Raymond who is the dean of the fine arts dept. was also there as was our friend David who is an actor in NYC) had a leisurely breakfast before hitting the metro to head to city hall. Another friend had done all the pre-wedding paperwork for them so after a security line check in, we headed into the building.

Yes, as soon as we saw the stunning flower-laden archway in the “chapel” of the office we burst into laughter. So much so that we had to leave the room momentarily to contain ourselves. The ceremony itself was short and performed by a lovely gentleman who hobbled in on crutches as he had had surgery on his leg the Friday before. I was a complete boob and cried my way through the thing while trying to snap photos.

Michael Mitchell, another friend that they had worked with at Sundance and I had performed with at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City but who now works in DC was in attendance as was Steve, another friend of Kim’s that he had known from the mission field. He’s now an attorney and lobbyist and lives in Fairfax, VA. Michael and me

We left there and hopped into a couple of cabs then headed off for a luncheon that Steve had planned at The Tabard Inn. It is a beautiful old hotel & restaurant that looked very English and was chocked full of eclectic art and furniture. Steve, David, Brent, Kim, me, Michael and Raymond.

It could not have been more perfect! We had a private room for a quiet ring ceremony performed by Raymond (who also happens to be a former pastor) and then our own space just outside the room for a heavenly lunch that was Steve’s treat. The surroundings were gorgeous, the conversation lively and the company purely wonderful. I love these guys and couldn’t have been more grateful to be a part of this special day.

After a long walk and metro ride home we did a quick trip to the mall in Crystal City for some minor shopping (David and I sat and chatted in the food court) then I headed back to the metro and my hotel to crash.