On Saturday night, I was lucky enough to attend the wedding of a former student.
It’s not the first time I’ve attended a former student’s wedding. I’ve even officiated the wedding of a former student.
It’s always such an honor to be included in these events.
I taught this young woman when she was ten years old. Today she’s an accomplished adult finishing law school and preparing to change the world.
I’m not surprised.
The wedding took place in the northwest corner of Connecticut, and it was spectacular.
The day was perfect:
Blue skies. Perfect temperatures. It could not have been more glorious.
The wedding took place on the green in front of a beautiful church, and the reception was just down the hill at a place brilliantly decorated by the couple and their family.
Beauty personified.
I had taught the bride’s brother, too, and I knew the bride’s sister well, and her parents had become friends over the years, so it made for a lovely reunion of people I’ve known for a long time.
Also, some surprises.
I met two people who had read my books:
One woman had read “Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.”
A man had read “Storyworthy” and “Stories Sell” and used the books extensively at work.
I also met the father of a Moth producer who I’ve worked with in the past.
One of those constant reminders about how small and connected the world can be.
I also met a man who hadn’t worn a suit in 25 years and had to purchase one, plus shoes, just for the wedding.
A quarter century without wearing a suit. Given that he’s a college professor, I was astonished.
I think men’s suits are ridiculous and stupid in so many ways, but even I have suits in my closet and wore one at the bride’s request. I didn’t wear a necktie, of course, because that was a bridge way too far, but to not even own a single suit?
I admired the hell out of this man for managing to avoid them for so long.
The father/daughter dance was pretty remarkable. As a wedding DJ for more than 25 years, I’ve witnessed more than 500 father/daughter dances. Rarely have I watched a father and daughter have so much fun on the dance floor.
The bride’s brother, a former student, sang a song acapella to the couple that was perfect. I don’t typically advise folks to allow singing at the wedding because it encourages others to sing, but this young man’s performance was so astounding that only a fool would dare attempt to follow him.
The couple had a table at the front of the reception hall filled with photos of their parents, grandparents, and maybe great-grandparents with a sign that read, “The love stories that came before ours.”
I loved this so much. I’ve also never seen this before, and that’s saying something given I’ve attended more weddings as a guest, DJ, and minister than most people on the planet.
I danced with Elysha, of course, which is one of my favorite things to do in this world.
Weddings can be a lot of things.
Some are ordinary. Some are unfortunately boring. Some are traditional and expected. Some are staid and perfunctory.
Most are good and sometimes even great.
A few are extraordinary: Joyous, raucous, and unforgettable. Filled with exuberance, excitement, and love.
This was one of those weddings. A celebration of love that had everyone smiling all day and night.
What an honor to be a teeny-tiny part of it.
