From this day forward. In sickness and in health. In good times and bad times. FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES. Ah marriage... no pressure.
I had the amazing opportunity to attend a dear friend's wedding this past weekend. I can't even tell you the last time I went to such a blessed event. Thirteen years into my own marriage, it's like the sands of time have come and gone, and everyone that I know has already gotten hitched.
Give me an excuse to eat, drink, dance and basically have a kick-ass time, and I'm there. But this wedding was especially lovely. This couple is unique. This bride and groom are about my age, and they truly played the waiting game to hold out for that perfect person.
You see, I was one of the first friends to meet "The Guy". It just so happened that it was on the night of my birthday, after consuming lots of red wine.
"The Guy" met us out at Number One Broadway in Los Gatos, on a Friday night, after a loooong work week. By the time he arrived, we were all at least 6 drinks ahead of him. "Well, lookey what we have here," I thought to myself. Let's see if "The Guy" passes my test.
Now keep in mind, my girlfriend and "The Guy" were not even officially dating yet. I mean, this was very fresh. Very new. Let's break him in, I thought. He hadn't even been in the club for more than 5 minutes, when I confidently stumbled up to him, made my introductions, and then said something to the effect of, "It's MY birthday, and YOU are going to dance with me." I'm sure it was about that same time, my girlfriend was asking why did she even come out that night.
But see, there was a method to my madness. My thought was simply this: if "The Guy" gets up, and dances with me without an excuse of "Oh no thank you, it's been a long week...let me just get a drink first", he's a KEEPER. He's unselfish. He's not arrogant. He doesn't care what he looks like next to a 6 foot tall glittered up birthday girl who shoulda been cut off about 2 hours ago. And a KEEPER he was. He got right up as I man-handled him to the dance floor, and grooved with me.
About a month later, I reported these extremely significant findings to my girlfriend. By that time, they were dating. I just kept saying, "He's a keeper, Jenn. He's a keeper," like I was some sort of Dating Expert. But after being single for THREE years, and holding out for Tom Walsh Super Genius, I like to think I sort of have an idea of what a Keeper looks, smells, and acts like.
A few weeks prior to the wedding, my girlfriend asked if I would mind making a few announcements during the reception. "Wow, what an honor. Of course!" I told her.
"Well," Jenn replied, "you were one of the first friends to meet Mark. We're not going to have a DJ, so I was thinking you could announce the Father-Daughter dance, the Mother-Son Dance, the bouquet and garter toss, and the cake cutting."
My first thought was, "Oh shit, a short dress and stilettos just isn't going to cut it for this. I hope I have a somewhat conservative dress and heels in my closet. And my second thought was, I can't get loaded. I need to be well-behaved." I mean, think about it: Drinking and then handing me a mic? Why did she think I was the right person for this job? Those 2 criteria alone, should have left her thinking that anyone would be a better pick.
But as the time approached, I tried not to worry too much about my part, because truth be told, the wedding day is ALL about the COUPLE. And as she walked down the aisle, I started sobbing like a baby. She was stunning. And I don't say that lightly....stunning! And he was angelic, sweet, and handsome. And as they embraced after seeing each other for the first time all gussied up, about to be wed, they truly looked at each other, as if saying, "Finally. I'm so glad I waited. I'm so blessed I found you. You are a keeper."
As they exchanged their vows, tears streamed down their cheeks, I was reminded that a wedding is such a concrete symbol of hope, faith, and opportunity to create a new life with another person. And being an attendee? Well, I felt like I got invited to watch a miracle take place.
Here's to Jenn and Mark! To a lifetime of love, forgiveness, being open to becoming humbled, learning, growing, and holding hands together. Ah yes... much love to you both!!
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