(no subject)
Have you ever been to a wedding where the love feels genuine? It seems silly to think that weddings are not always genuine, that love is a display.
This Labor Day weekend my cousin, Casey, took his time with his handwritten vows and cried through nearly all of it. But I almost remember the vows of Melissa, whom I had just met that day, more vividly: "When I was young I asked my mother how I would know about 'the one,' and she told me it would be someone who made me feel at home. And I'm at home with you, Casey." She lost her mother to cancer seven years ago.
I felt privileged to be there, to watch this sort of sacred, intimate moment, a moment that didn't need to be defined by a big budget, dollar dances, bouquet tosses, or a clumsy toast. It was nice to know that this kind of love exists.
"Donate to the American Red Cross," their gift registry advised, "A gift in our honor to people who need it more than us."
"Or, write us a long letter. Fill it with advice for the newlyweds, favorite memories, family histories. Include your favorite recipe."
They've set the standard. Congratulations, you two.