holy crap. ben's married.
so, my oldest friend just got married today.
i drove like mad as to not be late, but i was indeed pushing it to get there. both the ceremony and reception were in a beautiful old mansion on a lake, and thanks to the weather, the ground and trees were still a bit white with snow. the flowers were holly and ivy, with red roses. the gift table was a sleigh built by the bride's great-grandfather. to sound like a cliche, the bride, stephanie, really did look like an angel: a beautiful girl in a beautiful winter wedding gown, trimmed in white fur. was she really marrying that crazy trauma nurse friend of mine? unbelievable. ben, the groom, my best friend for so many years, looked older and more sophisticated than i remember, much like a Chris Noth for our generation.
the photos of the bride and groom only brought back memories of childhood and parties at ben's mom's house, when i was much much thinner and just as pale, but hadnt yet discovered the wonders of contact lenses. one of note featured me, the groom, the best man, and a fourth friend who showed up at the wedding more or less by chance, since the groom had been unable to locate him for over a year, and happened to be home from the Air Force for Christmas.
the reception was great, with homemade candies and cake, and lots of beer and soft drinks. it gave us all a chance to catch up a little and mingle.
ben's mom was my second mom growing up, and his grandmother was like another grandmother to me as well. eva doesnt get around like she used to, but she's still got the fire of a woman half her age... she can still raise hell, and i love her for it. she must have kissed me a half dozen times, and she never let go once i sat next to her.
i miss those days... back when we all were young and naiive, but i'm glad we've all found our partners with whom to share our lives with as we've moved on.
Congratulations, Ben and Stephanie, may your life together be filled with love and peace for years to come.