i always wanna be by your side

05Oct08

Since moving to Seattle, back in the late ’90’s, Ruben and Lacey have become much-loved citizens of our little city on the Sound. To know them is to truly love them. You just can’t help it.

I can remember exactly where I was when I met them. My friend Chris Bell had been telling me about this girl, Lacey, and how great we would get along. He knew her from Albuquerque, and there was a whole little gang of green chile lovin’ folks from New Mexico moving to Seattle at the time. He ranted and raved about this chick, to the point where I thought there was no way we would like each other.

You know how when someone tells you over and over about how you and so-and-so will just be so great together? And then you meet, and you can barely even stand each other?

That was not the case with Lacey. Not even one little tiny bit. I loved her on sight. And, Ruben? Forget about it. I practically had a crush on him that night in Belltown.

I was playing records at the Lava when Chris brought them in. Lacey was an absolute firecracker, bursting with charm and humor. By the end of the night, we were hugging and kissing like old pals. Introducing me to Lacey and Ruben is the best thing that Chris Bell ever did while we were friends.

Oh, and also that time he gave me a framed copy of a 1970’s TV Guide with Tom Brokaw on the cover, for Christmas one year.

I don’t know whatever happened to Chris, or his band, The Briefs. I thought we would always be friends, but we kind of had a falling out of sorts. If I saw him, it would be fine. I guess. But, you know.

I didn’t see him last night. But I sure saw a lot of great people I love, celebrating the marriage of Ruben and Lacey.

On one of those first nights in Seattle, I talked to Lacey and Ruben about what their plan was. Where they would live, what jobs they would have. Spots they should hit, places they should avoid. They were such a great pair, you really just wanted to help them out. After yammering away for ages, I asked Ruben what he wanted to do.

“I wanna work in a record store,” he said, in that sweet, melodious voice that everyone knows.

That, of course, got us going on old 45s, and bands that we love. The next day, I called my friend Nabil and told him about this great new dude in town, and how he should give him a job.

Shortly thereafter, Ruben was hired. He still works at Sonic Boom today.

Here is the thing about Ruben and Lacey: there was never any question about their relationship. They have a seamless union, and it has always been apparent. They’ve been together forever, it seems. The love and respect they have for each other is evident. It was almost shocking to receive the invitation to their nuptials.

You mean they aren’t already hitched?

It is safe to say that I have been to a lot of weddings. Anyone who reads this nonsense already knows it, and, if you are married, there’s a good chance I was there when it happened. I love a wedding. I am a good guest. I have been to some really great matrimonial celebrations, and last night was no exception.

It was the first time I’ve seen the bride and groom have a limited edition 7″ single as their party favor. White vinyl, of course, and with four different colored covers.

Lacey works at Sub Pop now, so a whole slew of my old homies were there. Jeff and Katie Kleinsmith, and their beautiful little girls. Chris and Stephanie Jacobs, Stuart, Tony, Andy, and Eric Brown. Mark and Emily were there, and so was Poneman. Alissa, John, and Kate were in the car behind me on the drive there, Matt Olson flew up from LA.

It was like another reunion.

And, of course, Megan Jasper made the cake. I think it was the third wedding cake I’ve had that she has baked. It was delicious.

Who doesn’t love chocolate cake with coconut frosting?

There were some folks that I worked with at Seattle Weekly in the house. Laura Cassidy did an amazing job helping get the room together. She and Lacey are really good friends, and today they will host a benefit at The Anne Bonny. It has been just two years since they lost their dear friend Elena, and today’s event is in her memory.

Entitled Tragedy Brought Me Up, the art show/auction/old-timey bazaar/party will feature all kinds of cool stuff, great entertainment, and good vibes. Proceeds will go to the Elena Steuber Memorial Fund at the Rock and Roll Camp for Girls in Portland. It starts at 4pm, and will go late.

You really should come through. My neighbor Ken Jarvey will be playing some music. Look at his sweet little baby girl.

That Ruben and Lacey will spend the first full day of their legal partnership in honor of someone they loved and lost, really speaks to their characters. They are good humans, and it was delightful to see a room filled with other good humans, celebrating their love last night.

And, those two love some good food. I have run into them at some of my favorite spots — El Gallito, Pig Iron BBQ — so I wasn’t surprised that they served up some delicious chow last night. The fine folks at Skillet provided the catering, and they did it up right.

Beautifully crafted tacos (pork or fish, and a beet option for the veggies), rice and beans, and homemade chips, served in a to-go box? Fantastic. The bar was stocked, and there were margarita-filled coolers. A bunch of Lacey’s girlfriends decorated the tables, each with a centerpiece of delightful odds and ends.

I was going to bring a date, but didn’t. I ran into my old friend Paul, right when I walked in the door, and he didn’t have a date, either. Perfect. We had a blast together.

We sat with Dave and Sophia, at the table Sophia decorated. She could possibly be the cutest pregnant lady in Seattle right now. I can hardly wait to meet that baby.

They are going to be great parents. Dave is already so attentive, and so loving. Now there is a dude I am always happy to see. I’ve known him forever now, and he just keeps getting funnier.

Kelly O documented the evening, and there sure was a lot to capture.

The very best weddings are those that reflect the couple, and the way they live. Lacey and Ruben threw a hell of a party last night, one of the truest I’ve seen. Their friend Derek Erdman conducted the ceremony, and provided the images for their invitations. He also did that big banner of them that hung in the entry. Are you familiar with his art?

You should be. You should also become friends with him if you are thinking about getting married, and want someone awesome to do the talking. He seriously knocked it out of the park, and brought the assembled guests to peals of laughter, and tears of sentimentality.

It is the only wedding I have ever been at where Clark Griswold was quoted in the ceremony.

A bunch of folks played records, and there was a dance party. And then, of course, there was a rock show.

Lacey and Ruben are in a group, called the Coconut Coolouts, and their bandmates put together a Kinks cover band for the wedding. It was awesome. Seriously, fantastic. Have you listened to the Kinks lately? That is a deep catalog of jams.

The very first rock and roll show I ever saw was the Kinks. At the old Seattle Center Coliseum, which is now the Key Arena. 1981, I think? I was 14. It was mind blowing.

Dave Holmes got up and did a song last night, and so did Mark Arm. It fucking ruled.

I think Mark is gonna co-host Election Night with me, at Spitfire. We’re thinking about playing some records, too, between results announcements. We did it together four years ago, for Kerry. We both are feeling a lot more confident this election. Mark is voting for Obama. So am I. You should come.

It sure was a nice time. All sorts of great people, and all sorts of love. Congratulations, Ruben and Lacey. You have both touched so many lives, and are a truly dynamic pair. I am lucky to know you both, and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.

I think you’re already off to a real good start.

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Tags: good times, love, weddings