Friday, May 8, 2009

A scouting expedition

As a graduate student who does ethnographic research, I know the importance of getting out into the field to observe how particular settings influence people and behaviors.

This weekend, we're going to attend our first ethnographic field study - ah, I mean wedding celebration - since we've been engaged. We went to a wedding back in November, right before we got engaged. I wonder if Mr. Barefoot was scoping out the details back then, before I knew what was coming.... I suspect that being in the midst of planning a wedding changes how one observes everything.

The location sounds amazing - a redwood grove three hours south of San Francisco, at a Buddhist retreat center. There will be croquet and bocce, camping, feasting and dancing under the stars! I can't wait!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ahaha I keep thinking that I've been approaching weddings like an ethnographer too. Take good notes!

Kelley at My Island Wedding said...

This just sounds too good to be true. Have a great and relaxing time! I have two bocce ball sets and still don't know how to play.

Maybe this summer we'll figure it out! Happy scouting!

jes [a mountain bride] said...

gosh, with details like that, it makes every other wedding sound sorta boring. no? have fun :-)

LPC said...

Ah. If I had it to do all over again I would love to do ethnographic research. Really it's hard to go through life NOT approaching it like research. Or so I've found. Anyway, I've given you an award on my blog today. The award is for the Queen of All Things. Pass it on if you are so inclined. But most of all I really like reading about your wedding plans. So thoughtful. :)