So after months and months, Matt’s wedding was finally this weekend. I took off work Friday in order to make the drive to Arkansas for the rehearsal. I made it with plenty of time, and we played frisbee beforehand. The rehearsal itself was a bit rough for me, as there was a lot of conversation in various groups during the downtime. Thankfully, I had my iPod and a book.

After the rehearsal, we had dinner. It was an emotional experience. Matt’s brother-in-law gave the toast, telling the story of how Matt and Cat started dating. Cat’s sister, Kara, also told her bit. Then it snowballed a bit to everyone opening up about their feelings towards Matt and Cat. It was a very powerful time.

Saturday started early with breakfast, which was succeeded by the reception preparation. We set up chairs and rinsed fruits and veggies and what not. After a bit more frisbee, we ate lunch and set up a bit more. It was time to put on tuxes a lot sooner than I expected. We dressed and took pictures and then drove to the church.

After we got there, there were more pictures, and finally it was time for things to get going. The groomsmen ushered in the bridesmaids, and we watched Cat walk down the isle. She was beautiful. Dave gave the sermon and what not, and I threatened to cry, but held it back. After the exchange of rings, Matt’s sisters and Stuffy performed a hymn. That’s what did it to me. I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore after that.

When they were pronounced, we all happily recessed and greeted people as they walked out. After a while we went to the reception. Now, I usually hate receptions. I complained a lot to various people for the few days beforehand in anticipation of it sucking. But, lo and behold, I had a blast. I even danced.

Whenever I’m here with Matt’s family, I can’t help but feel God’s blessing rubbing off them onto me. His family is amazingly blessed, and they’re just getting more blessed as time goes by. They’ve touched my life more than they know.

Back during the rehearsal dinner, I did a lot of thinking. People told stories about Matt and Cat, and I realized how special they are and how special their relationship is. I couldn’t help thinking about my own life and felt myself wanting to be special, too. There’s only a few times in life when you really find out what you mean to people and what they mean to you. This was one of those times for Matt and Catherine. I caught myself wondering what people would say about me if I had been the one up there getting married.

During this weekend I discovered how much my relationship with both of them means to me. Matt and I have been friends since college, and even though I knew Catherine then, it’s only been in the past couple of years that I’ve gotten to know her. It’s really hard to put into words how much friendship means. They’ve become a big part of my life, and I love them both.

It’s been an emotional couple of days. It was a great wedding and a great reception. It was a time for friends and family. I’m truly grateful to have been a part of it. And I actually had a good time.

Tomorrow we head out early after breakfast. My knee is still bothering me. I might have to go get it checked out if it doesn’t improve in a week or two.