It was a good day.
Yesterday, I married off my crazy-ass uberScorpio ex to the crazy-ass tattooed hair colorist she started seeing after we split up in 2001. I saw them from time to time around town. They looked happy.
On Halloween 2003, they asked me to be the officiant for their wedding -- they didn't know when or where it was going to happen but they knew that 1) they wanted to do it, and 2) they wanted me to perform the ceremony. I was understandably honored, for all the right reasons. Didn't even think before accepting.
Time passed, and we saw each other socially from time to time. I got to know Linda better, observed their interactions when we hung out together, and by HP's 40th birthday last November I was 100% behind them. They are awesome for each other, clearly adore each other, and -- very importantly -- can go toe-to-toe with each other. They are two strong personalities, but even their differences are complimentary.
Despite all my anxiety issues and brain cells killed along the way (that's another entry), it was simply awesome to be there for them on their big day. It's hard to articulate those 15 or so minutes but being there was truly a honor. psychonautilus helped me keep it together as always; his pictures of the walk-through and ceremony are here (with a close-up of my fabulous new tie at the end).
And despite feeling every bit the novice hack that I essentially am, I know I made it look good because people were very generous with the compliments. I was surprised at how many people really LIKED the ceremony (maybe because I was so focused on how much better I could've done). Those who didn't know me personally were invariably surprised to know that this was my first. More than a few suggested I was "made for it" or that I might otherwise consider officiating more seriously.
Me, I was just relieved I didn't make an ass of myself on my friends' big day. And who knew that perks of being the Rev (besides the reception) include strangers buying you drinks or inviting you out to burn one? I probably could've even gotten laid if I was into straight women. :-)
The reception was excellent, the DJ was fantastic and friendly, and it was good to see HP's family and friends again. And as I watched Linda and Heather get crazy together on the dance floor (knowing well that they'd physically be paying for it the next day), I couldn't imagine anyone more perfect for each other. Cheers!