Over Labor Day weekend, Abbie & Patrick celebrated their marriage.  Abbie & Patrick were married two summers ago by way of the Texas courts and waited until they could celebrate in grand style when they moved to Hood River, Oregon.  The festivities unofficially started on Thursday night, August 29th at the Alberta Rose theatre in Portland. In addition to being an oncologist, Patrick is also a musician and before starting his fellowship at MD Anderson in 2010, he took a year off to create an album. The album featured top of the class musicians from around the world (Patrick has a preference for middle-eastern music and instruments most of the world has never heard of).   And for their wedding celebration, he flew them back to Portland for a special performance. These musicians had never met or played with each other before and within 48 hours they pulled together an amazing show.  They performed with Patrick and under his brand of "Stereognosis".   The musicians came from Belgium (Fatty K, Belgian Beat-Box Champ), Turkey (Sinan who plays a one-of-a-kind stringed instrument), New York (Miles Jay, upright base) and Uzbekistan (Abbos, crazy good finger drummer and percussionist).   Although ALL were incredible, I couldn't get over Fatty K and just what sounds his mouth could make.

The official wedding festivities started Friday night at the Hood River Winery where Solstice Pizza catered and friends and family gathered and talked.  As most weddings are, it was a reunion from all stages of Abbie's and Patrick's lives and we got to see people we hadn't seen in years.  Unfortunately, we were enjoying the company far too much to even take one picture of that night....

Saturday was the big day. With Abbie & Patrick already being married (and having a 11 week old baby), it was a little non-traditional.  The event was held up Highway 35 in Hood River and had spectacular views of Mt. Hood.  Everything was outdoors, and after a 90 minute cocktail hour, a few family photos and listening to the musicians get prepped, the "ceremony" began.  Abbie, Patrick and Nash welcomed everyone, shared a bit of their history with everyone and then introduced those amazing musicians.

The musicians then played for nearly an hour, and when it was time to eat, we asked them to keep going.  Whether or not one had been familiar with the music before arriving that day, they were hooked.  You just can't say no to world-class musicians. It was an opportunity that most of us won't ever get again.   The music finally needed to stop, because dinner was just as impressive.  Portland is home to Pok Pok, a Thai restaurant that is one of a kind.  (except for the second one that opened in New York.)  It's very well known and Patrick's #1 place to eat.  I think he is their best customer.  And because he is that good of a customer and has been asking if they would cater this event for the last two years, they finally agreed to it.  I doubt the guests knew just how lucky they were and just how rare of an event that was.

After dinner and socializing, we went back to the bar and stage where the musicians were happy to keep playing while the visiting continued.   It really was a beautiful and wonderful event.  Something that couldn't and won't be repeated again.  It was unique and perfect for Abbie & Patrick.  I'm so glad we could be part of it.

We have posted pictures of that night on our new photo website:  pics.leeandkatie.com   The password is personalized for Abbie and Patrick, so if you'd like access, please let me know.