Slices of life, both written and photographed.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Hilltop Vista: City Lights Below and Stars Above


Most of my life, heights have frightened me.

Don't ask me why or how this fear originated. It just did. So recently, while away in the southwest, when I discovered a social gathering we had to attend would take place at the top of a steep hill,  a trickle of fear filled my heart.  We were actually attending a prenuptial dinner. It was to take place  outside, at a long table set up  in the driveway of a $1.7 million southwest style "mansion." 



The ride up to the site definitely shook me up. Twists, turns, and steep grades and terrifying dips were all part of it.  I gladly gave the car keys to my husband and said, "Honey, you drive."  The thought of hunkering down on the passenger seat floor came to mind but I toughed it out, gripping my seat belt for dear life.




Once safely at the top of the hill, I could breathe easier.  Astoundingly beautiful views met the eyes in every direction.   Thousands of lights from a city below in the valley shimmered and and twinkled.  The sunset poured gold, lavender, and orange onto the horizon,  making a colorful backdrop to strange and unique cactus plants.

Above, the stars lit up the black velvet night sky like gigantic diamonds. 

The bride, groom, and wedding party as well as all the other guests sat outside at the long table, covered with white cloths. Little candles flickered inside mason jars. The air felt cool and comfortable. It was like sitting on top of the world!



What an elegant setting for the bride, groom, and their guests to enjoy on the night before the wedding! They will remember that night under the stars for as long as they live. The entire evening turned  out to be truly elegant.   No one present will ever forget the hilltop vistas, the lights of an entire city at their fingertips, the stars above, and a couple so young and in love,

DO YOU HAVE MEMORIES OF A SPECIAL WEDDING EVENT?

6 comments:

diane stetson said...

Lovely sunset, lovely cacti and scenery. I think there are parts of the southwest that are really gorgeous and this is one of them.

Linda O'Connell said...

Such a unique setting for a prenuptial dinner. I'm sure you could write a book using this setting.

Denise@alloverroses said...

Oh I can't relate to the fear of heights. I don't know how mine started either. But I do know it has gotten much worse over the years! I do think your drive was worth all that beauty! Incredible setting for a prenuptial dinner. Thanks for sharing such a lovely post!
Denise

Claus said...

lovely setting! What a great way to enjoy good company, and good surroundings!
have a lovely day.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness that was devine - gorgeous - awesome - beautiful. I wish I could have been there -

It was worth the scare to go up there - right?

sandie

BECKY said...

Such a beautiful and unique dinner! I'm afraid of heights, too, Susan, so I can understand your anguish! Besides the bride and groom, I think YOU will remember that night forever, too!

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