When my fiance Matt and I first started dating we spent an evening out with friends at Anvil Bar & Refuge. After a few Singapore Slings and Blackberry Swizzles, we left in search of some late night munchies.
Note: This adventure predated the installation of El Real, so our 2 a.m. food choices in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood were limited. Please don’t judge.
I had learned earlier in the week that Matt had never eaten at Jack in the Box. I couldn’t understand how a 22-year old male had never enjoyed the establishment’s yummy curly fries, so I insisted we go to the franchise around the corner to feed our need for a greasy, unhealthy snack.
While waiting in the drive-thru, Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” came on the radio. This wasn’t unusual, as it was the summer of 2009 and the song was on constant rotation. What was unusual was the reaction the song elicited from the newbie couple just patiently waiting for their curly fries at 2 a.m.
Rather than just sitting there, we decided to embrace the song. We put our hands up ‘cuz they were playing our song….noddin’ our heads like yeah, movin’ our hips like yeah. Before we knew it we were belting out the song at the top of our lungs. When I look back at our relationship, this is definitely one of those moments where I thought, “wow, this could be the guy for me.” I know that sounds silly – it was such a trivial event – but when you meet someone that you can be completely and utterly silly with and don’t have to worry that they’re judging you – that’s something special.
Ever since that night we’ve joked that “Party in the U.S.A.” is our song. This was fine and had absolutely no implications for our relationship….until we got engaged.
We soon realized that our obnoxious yet playful tune would not suffice on our wedding day. For starters, you can’t slow dance to it. Second, it’s by Miley Cyrus (enough said). And third, my family (especially my dad) takes music very seriously, and choosing a mediocre-at-best, Top 40 hit by a Disney Channel starlet would be a huge blow. I can see my dad now: “Christina…why….why have you forsaken me? Did my taking you to the Voodoo Music Experience and Austin City Limits teach you nothing? Your horrible song choice has broken my heart. You are no daughter of mine!”
For 7 months we procrastinated making the commitment to a more age- and occasion-appropriate song. The long list of contenders for our new anthem was narrowed down to two. It was a close call between Boyce Avenue’s “Teenage Dream” (Katy Perry cover) and Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” (Bob Dylan cover)….but we went with Adele. The song is beautiful, the artist is relevant and it’s not overdone. We can’t wait to hear in played for us on October 22!