Водка!

My central purpose in traveling to Chicago earlier this month was not the riverboat ride or window shopping on Michigan Avenue, but a trip to attend my nephew Reas's wedding. The October weekend was a progression of dinners ending with the grand finale -- Reas and Diana's wedding at the Elysian Hotel!

Since I didn't snap any actual wedding photos of the happy couple, I borrowed this one from my sister-in-law's Facebook page. The wedding was a swank soiree with many people in attendance from the Ukraine, the bride's family's original home. The actual ceremony was followed by a cocktail party, dinner, and dance in the hotel's ballroom.

These gorgeous pedestal flower arrangements graced all the dinner tables. After the guests consumed their four course meal and all the toasts were made, the entertainment began! This is when the true taste of Russian culture commenced.

A professional Russian Dancing with the Stars type team boogied to music that sounded like 80's Disco meets James Bond/Goldfinger.

The professionals made frequent costume changes and danced to songs performed by a professional singer, a relative of the bride.

Some of the guests from the Ukraine seemed to have a preference for white suits and frequent vodka shots. A cry would go up -- Водка! Водка! -- and the tables would toast with vodka. And they loved to dance! I sat back with my blistered feet and just enjoyed the show! The party boogied on until way past midnight.

My impression? Russians are extremely generous and gracious hosts, and they really know how to celebrate and enjoy life!

Much happiness and a long life to Reas and Diana!