xtcian

mazeltov

11-16-03

We had the distinct pleasure of attending Virginia Heffernan and David Samuels' wedding last night, held in the library of the Century Club under the watchful ghosts of Manhattan writers past; vast seas of books and peninsulas of candles surrounded them as they exchanged vows in perhaps the quickest wedding ceremony this young reporter has ever seen. Virginia looked beautiful, and David worked the crowd majestically, which was no mean feat, as many Big Names in the New York literati world were there.

We got to see old friends like Jim Surowiecki and E. Wurtzel, and new ones like Jodi K., the vivacious editor of the Sunday Arts & Leisure section of our favorite local paper. I did my best to hold my end of the conversation, but five glasses of champagne had rendered me into Aging Fratboy™, so mostly I listened while my better half asked all the important questions.

with Jodi and her husband Ron

Tessa and her friends Lorraine and Nell all wore bustiers, and were sporting enough cleavage to bring some welcomed raunch into the evening. Despite the erudite surroundings - or perhaps because of them - there was a lot of skin, some showing of panties, and conversations centering on general issues of prurience.

At some point, our friend Linda showed up with a pile of glow sticks and everyone tore into them, as the band worked the crowd into a crescendo. The busts of Greek scholars were all wreathed with glow beads, and the place began to rock - the Century Club hadn't seen that much action since Plimpton breakdanced on the marble floor during the '84 Book Fair.

George Plimpton never breakdanced during the '84 Book Fair

Oh, and to answer your question, fair reader: I wore my double-breasted zoot suit, purchased for $40 at a thrift store in Pittsboro, NC - the bowtie is the Skylark from the Bow Tie Club. I don't care if I look like a drunk Southern lawyer, as god is my witness, I'm bringing the bow tie back!

And congratulations to Virginia and David. The Year of Weddings has gone out in style.