Sunday was the big day. David and Jessica’s wedding. They had to go through a lot of twists and turns to get here, but the day arrived and we were thrilled to have been able to make the trip and be a part of it.
David is my little brother. I’ve known him his whole life. Like so many who know and love him, I know what a vibrant, bright, funny, caring and unique individual he is. He is an amazing person, and I always hoped he’d find someone at least as amazing to be his partner in life.
Well, that wish was granted. Jesssica came into his life, and is every bit his match. She is creative, smart, sweet and kind, and has an enthusiasm and curiosity about life that is totally infectious. She and David are an excellent balance and complement to each other, and all of us are excited for the life they will build together.
Like all good stories, theirs has plenty of challenges, but also lots of happy endings. They were supposed to get married this spring, but COVID changed their plans as it changed the entire world. Their wedding was scaled down and changed form, but became something very special in its own right. It was attended by a small group, but was very intimate, special and very much theirs.
I had the honor of being one of David’s groomsmen, and also was asked to share a short reading in the revised service. I choose a quote from the Henry James novel, The Portrait of a Lady, and I thought I’d share it here because I feel like it sums up their story pretty well. It goes:
“It has made me better loving you… it has made me wiser, and easier, and brighter. I used to want a great many things before, and to be angry that I did not have them. Theoretically, I was satisfied. I flattered myself that I had limited my wants. But I was subject to irritation; I used to have morbid sterile hateful fits of hunger, of desire. Now I really am satisfied, because I can’t think of anything better. It’s just as when one has been trying to spell out a book in the twilight, and suddenly the lamp comes in. I had been putting out my eyes over the book of life, and finding nothing to reward me for my pains; but now that I can read it properly I see that it’s a delightful story.”
The wedding was beautiful, start to finish. It was a long trip for us from Denver, and we had a few bumps of our own along the way (more on that another time), but we wouldn’t have missed it for the world and are so thankful we got to be there.
When I got to the venue, I saw that Empire Strikes Back was playing on the TVs in the restaurant, which I know is a good omen because it is clearly the best of those movies.
We loved getting a few moments with the happy couple!
At the reception, the kids had some special moments together.
And they also got to have some fun with their cousins…
…and with their grandparents.
And, of course, there was dancing!
And I got a little quality time with my family. I love these guys.
After a fun evening, we said our goodbyes and headed back to the hotel. We start the long journey back the next morning, but thankful to have been a part of this day. Congratulations, David and Jess!
