Richard,

What a great story -- makes me wish I would have worn my kilt to a Mexican wedding I went to with my my ex' back in 1998 in San Antonio -- her sister was marrying a fellow of Mexican heritage, and they had a Mariachi Band at the reception, which was held at the NCO club at Kelly Air Force base.

A wee bit of Trivia: did you know that the Mariachi's costumes are based on French army uniforms? Napoleon III invaded Mexico in the 1860's, and the Mariachis costumes come from some of the Imperial Mexican and French uniforms of Emperor Maximillan, Napoleon's de facto ruler.

Cheers,

T.