It was a Monday morning and I woke up slightly disoriented, my body mildly aching, and in desperate need of water — for once, not the result of libations. My wife and I were exhausted from our wedding day just hours ago. We checked out of the hotel, and I beckoned my first cup of coffee as a married man...
If you're reading this, I have just spoken the following vows to my wife...
At last, the wedding is days away. After 11 years since I met her, 3 years since I started pursuing her, 2 years since I asked her to be my girlfriend, and 1 year since the engagement, it's time. Finally, I get to become one with my best friend under the eyes of God. To say that I am blessed, would be the understatement on the century. I am not trying to boast, but rather share the joy of this moment — and perhaps inspire you to believe in love...
On our way toward the last uber of the night, we stumbled upon a Johnny Rockets that would become the last stop of the night — the final chapter of our bachelor party saga. Why? Because, what better way to wrap up an epic night of libations, libations, sustenance, and libations, than with, libations!? More innocent libations this time: Milkshakes!...
Hot dogs consumed, we were back to — you guessed it — libations! Indeed, the first place we headed to was the bar, and yet, we all retained our mental faculties. Perhaps it was all of the pizza we ate during the preface to our night, perhaps it was Pink's, but we all held our liquor down through the fourth stop...
As the night descended upon us, and several libations in from both Melrose Umbrella Co. and Antonio’s Restaurant, the gents and I headed for a signature LA bite just around the corner: Pink's Hot Dogs! "A Hollywood legend since 1939" — according to their slogan — Pink's has been a favorite of mine since my UCLA days...
The first thing we noticed upon entering Antonio's was an elderly man sitting in the corner of the narrow reception area, who welcomed us before a server directed us to our booth. Slightly confused by our introduction to the restaurant, it took us a minute to realize that that must have been Antonio! We then received our menus and saw the image of the same man who welcomed us — decades younger. It was inspiring!...
This is it, the last night out with the boys before the wedding! I know what you're thinking: "Here comes a narrative not unlike the synopsis for the 2009 film comprised of alcohol-induced adventures staring Bradley Cooper." Sure, it very well could have been the next installment of The Hangover, but that would have been too easy. Instead, I asked my best man to forgo the staples — scantily clad ladies, debauchery, and iniquity — and focus on slightly more sophisticated libation-filled activities...
There is just over a week left before "I do!" Let me rephrase that, we are getting married next week! We are beyond excited! Everything is (finally) starting to fall into place. As we wrap up the final details, we visited our wedding venue for the walk-through...
While not know for its coffee, IKEA is famous for its affordable yet stylish furniture and decorations — the latter of which we sought to purchase for the wedding. Specifically, we went to IKEA in a semi-last minute effort to find wood slices for our wedding's table decorations...
Caffeinated In Los Angeles 