We arrived in California on Thursday, making our way to Napa Valley on Friday morning.  We checked into our hotel, relaxed by the pool, met up with our friends.  Later that night, we joined the bridal party and friends at a house for a bbq then went to Yountville met up with more people at Compadres for drinks.

Kathy and Jennie at Compadres

It was so fun to see Sevda, meet her friends, and relax a bit before the "official" events started.

Sevda and mom also at Compadres

On Saturday, we met at the estate at Beaulieu Vineyards for the ceremony rehearsal.  After, we had a ladies luncheon at the Napa Valley Grille.  The food was terrific and the company was lovely.

Barbara, me, Sevda, Kim, Senem, Kathy, Sonia, Jessica at Napa Valley Grille

That night, we joined the large crowd that had assembled in Napa for the wedding at Tra Vigne in St. Helena for a welcome dinner hosted by Blake's parents.  Again, we were treated to terrific food, a beautiful setting, a slideshow, and a few words from Blake's dad.

Marty, me and Sevda at Tra Vigne


Sevda and Koray at Tra Vigne

On Sunday, all the ladies in the wedding met at the house that Sevda's parents were renting for the weekend.  We had delicious pastries and sandwiches from Bouchon, had our hair done, ironed and steamed dresses, and hung out trying not to make anyone nervous.  And it worked, because Sevda was cool (in temperament, the weather was a bit toasty), calm, and so lovely.

Sevda, a few hours before the wedding

Sevda and her parents stepped into a car, the ladies followed in another.

Sevda and Mrs. Bulut

After arriving at the vineyard, we waited in the heat trying to keep cool and calm.  Mostly we hung out and looked at each other, picking at our hair and applying lip gloss, not talking much to reduce the nervous energy.  The ceremony went just as planned - I didn't fall or stumble in my high heels, none of the groomsmen fainted despite their tuxes and position in the sweltering sun, and I didn't weep - even when Blake surprised Sevda by reading her a poem.  And then they were married - my dear friend and her new husband.  I held it all in until after the ceremony.  We walked to a shaded area as Blake and Sevda stepped into a private garden for a moment alone.  Standing with the other bridesmaids, we watched them walk away and I started sobbing.  I don't know what happened, but it was like I was able to stop myself from my normal wedding crying only as long as I had to for Sevda's sake, then once she was safely out of sight the floodgates opened.

Mr. and Mrs. Kleinman, better together

There was cake, decorated to look like Turkish tiles.  I am so disappointed that I was too busy chatting and dancing during the cake time and missed actually tasting it.  Much like at my own wedding.

The Cake


The Flowers, in watercolor

I had been gearing myself up for my speech for quite some time, and by the time it was my turn I was sure I could deliver it without tears.  I think I made it about ten words in before the tears started welling up and I lost the ability to speak.  I had to laugh and give myself a loud "woohoo!" into the microphone in order to collect myself well enough to continue.

Marty and me

And of course, there was excellent music and loads dancing.  The bride and groom walked into the reception to the sounds of "West Wing", the theme from M*A*S*H played in the background during dinner, Blake sang "Brown Eyed Girl" to his new bride, they danced the Horah and danced to Turkish musicians.  I danced with everyone who was willing, including a very good dancer who had a handlebar mustache.  I was light on my feet, but for days later my legs were sore.

(clockwise starting from top left)
Mr. and Mrs. Bulut, Mr. and Mrs. Kleinman, Mr. Bulut and Mrs. Kleinman, Mr. and Mrs. Kleinman again.

I even danced with my dad.


At the end of the night, I took a photo of two of my favorite guys - such a handsome duo.  Sevda and I are lucky.