I wasn’t able to attend last weekend’s 73rd Derby Days events, but Redmond and the state of Washington weren’t far from my mind while attending my cousin Eric’s wedding in Saratoga, Calif.

As we drove up the woodsy, winding Big Basin Way to the wedding site at Saratoga Springs, I couldn’t help but feel as if I was home and wanted to keep driving so I could soak up the familiar atmosphere. When we turned off the road and entered the location for Eric and Laura’s wedding, things got even better when we were directed to a grove filled with trees that reached to the sky and family and friends strolling about anticipating the special event to come.

When my uncle Bob arrived, he noted that I probably didn’t feel out of place in this wonderland. I nodded my head in agreement and was appreciative that I could share this day — and special surroundings — with such an impressive group of people.

As each person arrived, whether I knew them or not, I was glad for Eric and Laura that they are close with this crowd of people with spiky hair, slicked-back hair, long hair, short hair and no hair. Laughter and music filled the air, hugs, handshakes and pats on the back were doled out as Eric appeared nervous, but we all knew he’d take control and deliver a solid performance as the groom — just as he does behind his drumkit in the many bands he’s played in.

I’ll admit, I was a little fidgety myself, because Eric has been a big part of my life for many years. My wife, Eric and myself have bonded over music, movies and more, so it was nice to see him in the spotlight, enjoying his big moment with his bride. To keep me busy, DJ Ray asked me to help him secure some wires for his setup as he moved speakers around and got his microphone ready. The sound was solid, so I guess I did my job right.

The wedding was brilliant. There were plenty of smiles, laughs and tears. It was the perfect place to be, surrounded by superb people and those trees of Saratoga Springs.

While I was out at Marymoor Park on Wednesday, manning the Reporter booth at movie night, I couldn’t help but mentally send myself back to that wedding. The atmosphere was spot-on for a nice summer evening with the seemingly endless supply of trees lining the field where the movie was shown. It wasn’t just movie night, it was people visiting with friends and family and even giving a rolled up newspaper a toss through the cut-out hole of a stand-up board at the Reporter’s booth.

A great night away and another stellar one at home within the course of a week. Not bad.