People watching

My niece got married this weekend, and I was there for most every significant part of that event. It’s been a while since I was involved with a wedding beyond putting in a guest appearance at a reception. For the better part of twenty-four hours I was part of a group of people, most of whom were strangers to me, and who largely remain strangers.

For much of that time there was little else to do but watch one another. For me this is an endless source of fascination. I find watching people interesting. Almost as interesting is watching myself watching people, trying to figure out what it says about me that I notice some people easier than others, and find certain people more interesting to watch than others.

For example, there was one young lady who had a certain Moira Kelly vibe, and who carried herself with a certain je nais se quoi. She wasn’t doing anything particularly fascinating, and there was nothing abnormal about her, but everywhere she went she stood out. Or the husband of one of my sister-in-law’s sisters, playing barista with quiet efficiency and projecting a welcoming aura as he marshalled his small army of volunteers to keep the drink line moving along.

There was the bridesmaid who seemed to find the event rekindled memories of her own recent wedding and her affection for her husband. Or my brother, bustling about like the lord of the manor, greeting guests and seeing to details, and finally getting to enjoy the culmination of several months’ effort and expense–and finding to his amazement and relief that magic can indeed be made.

Or the young man, perhaps ten or so, who was assigned to clear tables and was determined to perform his duties with exactness–and perhaps a touch of impatience with people lingering too long over their delectables when he was bored and eager for something to do. (Been there, done that, I understand completely! He was very polite and didn’t push, but the minute we arose, he swooped in for the kill.)

I also recognized the looks on the faces of the bride and groom, caught up in the excitement of the event, but with a slight deer-in-the-headlights look of two people trying to savor the moment while being pulled in a dozen directions–and away from one another far more than they would like. It’s not easy being the center of attention, the entertainment, the source of magic that everyone wants to feel for themselves for a moment. I hardly saw them all evening, but those few glimpses told me all I needed to know. Been there, done that, too.

On our way out to go home I discovered a smattering of people in the parking lot; some on phones, some catching some air, some experiencing private emotions. I only wish I could have watched them longer, to guess at their stories. Probably for the best that I didn’t. People watching in a crowded place is expected and normal. In a sparse parking lot is…creepy. Nothing to see here. Move along.

But inside… Well, I could have stayed at least another hour or two, just observing.