Congratulations, Melinda and Chris!

Last night I had the pleasure of attending my friend Melinda's wedding. Melinda and I met online last July on our local wedding planning board on the Knot. She emailed me once to let me know about some job opportunities, and our friendship was born. Throughout the process of planning my own wedding, she was one of the people who was there for me most. She gave me input and support and always played along with my jokes. And we each got to help plan each other's weddings, so I was really excited to see how hers turned out.

It was a lovely wedding and tons of fun. Everything turned out really well. I think there were a few snags as far as keeping everything on track logistically, but I only knew this because their DJ is a friend of mine (and he DJed our wedding as well). It was awesome to see all of Melinda's planning come together in a way that reflected her (I would say that it reflected Chris too, but I don't know him well enough to say that). And she was truly a beautiful bride.



This was the first wedding that Roy and I went to since our own wedding last month, and it affected me deeply. For some reason I was really nervous for Melinda (in a good way) on the drive to the site. And when she walked down the aisle (to "Canon in D," like I did), I cried. I never really cried as a guest at someone's wedding, but I did this time. It was a combination of being so happy for Melinda and also remembering my own wedding.

I can honestly say that after my wedding, I finally "get" it. I know now what weddings are about and why they're so special. It's not just about love between the two people getting married. It's about the love of family and friends as well. It's about joining two families together. It's so bittersweet, and I could see that Melinda was feeling this as she danced with her father to Butterfly Kisses. I didn't get any good pictures of the dance, but it's going to be a strong memory for me. Melinda was crying pretty hard by the end of the dance, and she and her dad, mom, and brother held each other in a big family hug afterwards. It was so touching.

I am so happy for Melinda and Chris, because I know they just truly love each other. Lots of love to you both! I know you are going to have such a wonderful life together.

Here are some pics: