All the right reasons.

A wedding at Allerton Park in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois.

I don’t have the best track record at weddings. I always end up crying over something stupid, crying over being the perpetually single girl who was somehow sat next to an empty chair at the table (twice), crying over some stupid boy who is ignoring me for someone else, crying over the fact that I always seem to catch the bouquet (three times) in some sort of cosmic “yeah right” moment.

Plus that whole open bar thing always seems to help perpetuate those desperate feelings. Alcohol plus singledom plus everyone else’s love and happiness can sometimes be a recipe for disaster.

And so I was nervous coming into this one.

Especially since I was already on drink number two before the ceremony even began (hello, cocktail hour before the ceremony is pretty much the greatest invention ever).

But, you know what, the wedding was amazing. And fun. And I really just enjoyed myself. And the only time I cried was during the ceremony. Because it was beautiful, and heart felt (and, OK, maybe because they asked for a moment of silence to remember those who are no longer with us).

Several of my friends have commented lately that I seem happier than they’ve ever seen me. And while, yes, I still rant when I’m having an off day, I still step back and think how absolutely glorious my life is right now. Because it is.

But, enough about me. You guys, Sid and Sarah are married.

Sid, my dear friend from college, and the amazingly crafty and beautiful Sarah are married.

And they got married amongst cupcakes and legos and green dresses and s’mores and mechanical rings and friends and family from as far away as England and India and Thailand (HELLO, THAT’S ME!)

The night all cemented the fact that I made the right choice in coming home when I did. I always had October circled as the absolute latest I could return home. Because I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this wedding for the world.

It was an amazing wedding and an amazing night. And, you know what? I was surrounded by all of my friends. So many friends who have found the person they want to spend their life with. Or the person they’re finding out if they want to spend their life with. And I didn’t feel lonely, in that way that I normally do. I just felt hopeful. Hopeful in that way that maybe someday it will happen for me too. That someday I will share my glorious life with someone with an equally glorious life. And when that happens, it will be amazing.

And despite the fact that I had maybe nine drinks (I lost count) (and yes, yes, I am that guest) I didn’t even feel that drunk. (Though, I have a feeling the bartender must not have been too generous with the Malibu in my pineapple juice.)

And I was feeling so good that I decided to take a brave step. Well, a brave in the wussiest sort of way step. In a not “I’m drunk and stupid” way but in an “I’m happy and I just want to do something that can potentially make me happier” way. And, even though it totally didn’t come to anything, and I was ignored, I was happy I did it. That I just got it out there. Because I need to just stop being afraid.

And how’s that for being vague?

Anyways, enough about me, again. Cheers to Sid and Sarah, may your life together be filled with love and friends and legos and cupcakes and s’mores. And just be glorious.

I love you both.

my last chance to steal the groom…

Maybe I was drunker than I thought.

 

p.s. here is everyone singing Call Me Maybe (via Brian). Because you needed to see that.