Somewhere Between Family and Friends

As 4Q heats up and in this time of impending recession, work has consumed a lot of time. However, I was fortunate enough to take some time last week and attend my cousin's happy nuptials.

I can't quite find the perfect book synopsis to describe the couple's story, (it's a bit Disney princess, a bit Bridget Jones, a bit Romeo and Juliet) because it really was both a romance of a lifetime and a whirlwind courtship--but in the end, perhaps the most touching to me, is the idea of marrying your best friend.
I was glad to be invited and contribute in a small way and look in as both a family member and a friend. It made for an interesting juxtaposition. The ceremony was lovely, complete with beautiful couple and comic relief (ringbearer and a too long aisle and the bouquet toss that almost ended in a concussion), seeing friends and classmates I hadn't seen in up to 11 years and perhaps renewing some friendships that have languished. It was also to be lovely around family and have a happy, happy reason to celebrate. The mother of the bride and matron of honor's toasts were especially lovely.

The couple is clearly very much in love and the words I most often heard associated were "perfect," "storybook," and "fairytale." And perhaps to some this really is a "tale as old as time," but to me it was two best friends declaring to their friends and families that they are in it for a lifetime. Maybe it took them awhile to get to that place where they were both in a position to recognize that since the chance meeting at the Public Library so many years ago, but they got there and now are beginning their life as a "we," together.

I realized that I also gained something more than just wonderful memories of a fun celebration, my family has grown too. Despite everything that has happened, FAMILY is still number 1 to me. And while my new mantra also includes "friends are the family YOU choose," in this case, I got both... I am now able to welcome a friend into my blood-related family as well.

Welcome to the family, Seoyoung!

P.S.: I'm glad I been able to see your forever friendship blossom along the way... from the Public Library, to Gov't Team, to Sadie's, to Prom to Ragtime and beyond.