Erik and I recently had the pleasure of attending an old friend's wedding in Long Beach. This friend holds a special place in my heart as she was my first friend when I transitioned to catholic school as a child. Though life took us on different paths and we lost the closeness once shared, the bond of those formative years remains, making the wedding invitation a truly honored moment.
With the wedding being an adults-only affair, we saw it as a perfect little getaway and left our daughters in the loving care of Erik’s mom. Our flight on Friday night was the beginning of a whirlwind trip that saw us returning by Sunday afternoon – a quick but sweet escape that suited our family schedule perfectly, especially considering we had recently been away for an extended period.
Opting for convenience, we decided to stay in an Airbnb strategically located between the wedding ceremony and reception venues. The decision to rent a car was a no-brainer given the logistics, but traditional rental prices seemed steep. Enter Turo, where we found a red Discovery Sport Land Rover that caught our eye. Not only was it more affordable, but it also allowed us to indulge in driving a car we've long admired. Despite its impressive acceleration and the novelty of driving it, we quickly realized its compact size didn't suit our family's needs. Still, it was perfect for our weekend jaunt.
The Airbnb itself was an amusing mix of high-tech luxury and minimalistic living, with a state-of-the-art toilet and high-end appliances outshining the otherwise sparse amenities. It's funny how a toilet can become a memorable aspect of a trip, but there you have it – the highlight of our accommodation.
Our culinary adventure in Long Beach was nothing short of delightful. 8th Haus Café provided a scrumptious start to our day with its Bulgogi Benedict and Ube Waffles, dishes that were as delicious as they were unique. The mimosas, especially the Haus mimosa with its hint of passionfruit, were a treat we wouldn't easily forget, reminding us of the simple pleasures we miss out on living in Utah.
The wedding ceremony held in a beautiful Catholic Church was a reunion of sorts, unexpectedly rekindling another childhood friendship. With a gap between the ceremony and reception, we seized the opportunity to enjoy some pre-reception drinks at Streamliner Lounge, an experience enriched by the venue's historical charm.
The reception at Vintage Rose was beautiful, though our energy levels meant we had to bow out before the after-party even began. Our spirits were willing, but our bodies were not.
Before heading back home, we managed to squeeze in a brunch at Nep Café, catching up with a friend from pharmacy school. The meal was a delightful exploration of flavors, with the Egg Coffee and Banh Mi Chao standing out as culinary highlights.
Our trip concluded on a high note with an unexpected upgrade to Comfort Plus for our flight home, rounding off a weekend of friendship, celebration, and new experiences. We returned home to our girls, filled with stories and a renewed appreciation for the journeys that bring people back into our lives, if only for a weekend. This whirlwind trip to Long Beach for a dear friend’s wedding was a testament to the lasting impact of childhood bonds and the joy of rediscovering them as adults.
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