One of my best friends got married last weekend, you may have read a few previous posts about me
Work also made me want to throw around a few judo chops because it was insanely busy with last minute crap my boss dropped on me.
Anyways.
The wedding was beautiful, my friend looked amazing, and everything went smoothly.
Thank goodness I felt inclined to fulfill my MOH duty and make sure some delish wine (Barefoot Moscato, YUM) was available for the night before the wedding (where we boozed like whoa and crashed in my bed with the a/c on arctic air).
Thank goodness I also packed an extra bottle for pre-wedding jitters. It also helped me to look like an alcoholic in all the pre-wedding photos.
I mean what wedding would be complete without an MOH trucking into the venue in sweats and a bottle of wine under her arm. Photos from our getting ready room also featuring me filling cups repeatedly, aka wine bottle ALWAYS in hand.
Suprisingly I didn't cry during the ceremony. The only tear I shed was when my friend's Dad walked in the room immediately before and welled up.
I promised my friend I was her rock, and with a few "Word to your Mom, we came to drop bombs" thrown in to get a grin, we got through the ceremony, which was beautiful.
Then it was on to photos - where I swear I was such a by the book MOH it wasn't even funny. Legit, I had 3 gin & tonics for the bride at one point, triple fisting, say whaat.
I also fluffed the shit out of her train for every photo.
Then we had a pre-toast before heading into the reception. Where seriously, no one knew what to say and no one jumped in - so I dropped a little Biggie Smalls into the mix. Big hit, that one. It also loosened the others up to encourage a few shout out toasts.
Then it was onto being introduced - where me and the best man threw a few punches, Rocky style, obv.
First dance, kisses, and all the jazz.
DREADED toast time. I nearly peed my dress it came up so shockingly quick.
Somehow, I actually got through it, without passing out.
It was weird.
Without further adieu, here is the toast I gave (note 1: this wasn't given word for word I just needed some bones to work with, note 2: I also memorized the bones so that I didn't need to read from a paper):
First of all, thank you all for coming.
For those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Twiggy, and J and I have been a part of one another’s lives since we were 4. So, you know we’ve been through thick and thin. From elementary school gym shows, embarrassing concert attire, and going for scary walks down the road in the dark, to varsity soccer play-offs and writing graduation speeches, to wearing matching sweat bands to our first soccer preseason away from one another, endless phone calls, and absurdly hilarious visits to one another’s schools. Although a lot of things have changed for the better, like doing away with poorly chosen hairstyles and oversized attire, lots of things have stayed the same too. She’s still a total crack up, the most loyal friend anyone could ask for, and an incredibly loving, capable, and fun person to have around.
So, of course I was beyond honored and happy when she asked me to be a part of this wedding, that’s the very first thing I felt. The very second thing I felt was probably what a lot of Maid of Honor’s feel, fear. Uh oh, I have to give a toast. For those of you who know me, you know I do NOT speak in front of large groups of people. So, J I must seriously love you a lot. And you owe me, big time.
The funny part is, I knew both J and M before they knew one another. I worked with M several times before summer fast approached and I was switching roles. J informed she was to be taking my spot.
The first thing I told her was wait until you meet this guy Mark, you are going to LOVE him. I just know it!
After her first evening of work, I received a phone call at about 11:15PM.
I know exactly who you are talking about. I was running a bit late, which if you know J is an everyday thing, I walked into a meeting and there was one seat left next to this guy. He looked up at me and OH MY GOD, are you kidding me!? Sigh, I’m in love.
From the get go I was getting phone calls on the update of their romance or it was frequently discussed on our morning runs. It’s now progressed to me having dinner, wine, and watching a movie during the pauses of our dog's playing sessions, once a week.
I have loved watching this romance bloom. M is a fantastic guy! He’s funny, friendly, super easy to get along with, and can be pretty talkative once you get him going, just don't bother trying to get him going when something important is on the tv.
J has just blossomed since M came into her life. When J met M, it was obvious from the very beginning that he was the one. There was something different about him and she seemed to light up more than ever before.
I so look forward to the watching of the future of these two. I know that J and M will last a lifetime with each other. They just seem to have that certain something about them.
So please raise your glasses while I propose a toast:
As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life, remember to scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loop-de-loops and enjoy every twist and turn, for the ride is better because you guys share it together.
Separately you both are very special, remarkable people, but together you are complete.
So, to love, laughter, and happily ever after!
I love you both! Congratulations!
Once that was over, I started guzzling some drinks.
