What’s it like to be married? It’s like every other day, except now, Matt is stuck with me BY LAW! muahahhah! No, really – it’s awesome. Wanna know what’s even better? Walking up to the man you love, with a man you love who raised you, in front of your very best friends and family. Our wedding day was PERFECT – and no, it wasn’t perfect in the sense that nothing went wrong, because a few things did go wrong…. but it was perfect because never in my life have I felt so full of joy.
The day was perfect because I walked down the aisle with my cherished dad, the dad who slipped me 20′s to go to the movies, the dad who slipped me 100′s when I was living off ramen in college, the dad who always reads my writing, the dad who always unloads the dishwasher, the dad who supports a beautiful, obnoxious family of 5.
The dad who spent thousands of dollars on his daughter’s wedding, who gave a beautiful toast and a full box of home-brewed “my daughter’s dowry” beer to his new son. The dad who gave me my sharp wit, my love of sarcasm, my love of music and writing, my joy for entertainment, my smart sense about money…. I love you so very much, daddy.
After I walked down that aisle with my dad, I walked up to three beautiful women on my left.
From left: Gita, Alyssa, Katelyn and April
One of those women was my maid of honor, April: a sister who taught me everything plus a little more about what I needed to know about life. A sister who I annoyed mercilessly but still let me borrow her shoes. A sister with a fire and a zest for life, a penchant for adventure, a flair for the dramatic, a heart of pure gold. A sister who crafted paper cutouts for my bachelorette party, who hand squeezed lemonade for my bridal shower, who spent hours and tons of money on beautiful stickers and papers to make me a custom wedding scrap-book. A sister that really, truly, honestly is everything you could ask for.
Another one of those women was my best friend Katelyn - a woman who made me a parody driver’s permit at 15 when I failed my permit test for the second time. A woman who sang loudly and off key with me on countless drives to school. A woman who could make even the pope burst into laughter, a woman who could write a poem so perfect it makes the world cry. A woman who teaches, who selflessly educates, who shares her love of learning with the world. A woman who can charm the pants off women and men alike – a woman I’m lucky to call my best friend.
The third woman was my childhood best friend, Gita - a girl so unique and so beautiful, she’s going to rule America one day. This girl’s laugh is like bells ringing on a clear day, and her bubbliness is contagious. She brings smiles to the faces of everyone she meets. Her short stature is no comment on her big, tall power: a strong command of persuasive language, a fierce intelligence, a quick and biting wit. This girl flew all the way from Washington DC to stand up next to me on my big day.
And the men! The best man, Matt, another guy I have known since junior high. An artist, a friend so talented that we cross our fingers that our birthday gifts (and wedding gift) are art. A person who sees the world through multiple lenses, who has such a kindness and a genuine compassion for life that he spends his days working with young adults with autism. A man that’s so fair in his view points that we all really do feel kinda guilty when we make an off-color remark, a man with such a competitive streak and high chance of winning that we all cower at his requests to play games. This man is truly, a best man, for the type of friend he’s been for several years.
Matt, Nick and Gita
The other groomsmen, Nick – a newer friend, but a friend that immediately clicked with Matt. This friend shares the same passion for reading, the same passion for film, the same habit of procrastination, but the same sincerity, loyalty and sense of humor as my darling husband. This friend got Matt through countless all-nighters at UCLA, and was like a brother to Matt throughout his college education. Nick has been a constant source of happiness for us as LA-residents – he’s the friend that makes you smile no matter what. We were honored to have him by our side.
Tommy behind me, putting on my necklace
Lastly, our other groomsmen Tommy – my darling little brother, my sweet, intelligent 21-year-old brother who will always be 12 years old in my mind. Mom, you were right, he finally grew up. I see before me a man with a raging love for learning, an unrivaled sense of creativity, a well of talent bubbling up into ten million future successes. I see an affectionate, sweet man who knows how to treat a lady – who takes care of his girlfriend in a way that would make your mama proud. I see a smart, darling, well-spoken young man who charms crowds both young and old with his kindness, his cuteness, his sweetness. It was so special for me to have both my siblings stand up for me in my wedding.
Last but not least – to my husband. My sun, my moon, my stars, my everything. The person who inspires me every day to be a better person. The person who makes me chicken soup when I’m sick, who always opens the garage door because it’s heavy and I don’t like to undo the combo lock, the person who spoils me rotten with sparkling diamonds and glittering gifts that would make a queen jealous. He’s the man who holds the door open for the elderly, who thanks service staff profusely, who pumps his wife’s gas in the evening, because he just DOES. He’s the perfect mixture of kindness and toughness – a person who knocks my socks off in jeopardy and always out-quotes me with historical trivia. His intelligence stuns me and his talent is awesome. You make me so very happy, hubby. To a long, special life together – I’ll love you forever.
