Newport Beach Wedding Weekend

Well, the big weekend for Graham and Amber had arrived! A large group of us headed from the Central Coast down to Newport Beach to help celebrate their big wedding weekend. Friday morning (the 16th) we drove down to the OC and actually had decent traffic on the way, but we made sure we left by 10 am to beat what jams might be on the 101 and 405. It was pretty much smooth sailing as long as you are through LA by 2.

The hotel we all stayed at was the Ramada Costa Mesa. It's a decent place to stay and you cannot beat the rate, $89 per night (but that was a group rate). The beds are pretty comfy, the room was large, and there is a huge vanity in the bathroom. The hotel is set up more of a motel where you park in front of your room. We heard a lot of noise from passers-by and you could hear people walking above you, but all in all considering the price and location it was a good hotel. Oh yeah, there is pool and small hot tub too! Oh, and a mini fridge in your room! That's always a plus.

There is plenty around the hotel to walk to, a Trader Joes, a pizza place, a bar, Denny's, Del Taco and more. Or you can hop in your car and be down at the beach in a matter of minutes. Or prefer shopping? Fashion Island is minutes away by car also. They have a restaurant, The Yard House, where we had a party Friday night. They had fantastic appetizers and pretty good drinks (just don't order a mudslide, the bartenders don't quite know how to make it on the rocks). But it was a great time mingling with the wedding party and guests Friday night.

Saturday was a day to relax, shop, hit the beach, and get ready for the wedding. We were all shuttled from the hotel to the yacht Athena at Newport harbor. It was a fantastic ship. They really did a nice job of hosting a wedding and reception on board. The food and service were very good. And I am just so happy for Amber and Graham and wish them many years of happiness together.

Sunday, those of us available, wound up at the Hodge house for an afternoon of margarita machine and taco man. And, yes, it IS as wonderful as Amber said. Man, those were good tacos. I wish we had him up here in our area! It was nice to mingle with friends and family who were at the wedding again. But the party has to end at some point.... Graham and Amber left for their honeymoon around 7:00 p.m. I sure hope they are enjoying that honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, I can't wait to hear more about it!