The Efficient Officiant

I have two Stacys* in my life which is really only confusing when it comes time to write about them.  One is my boyfriend and one is one of my oldest and dearest friends. I will call my friend girlStacy as to not confuse anyone. Though, she can clearly remember the days when she was just Stacy and the other one was boyStacy. Times they do change.

On December 21st, I had the honor to officiate girlStacy’s wedding! When she asked me to do it way back in January I was nervous but said yes. How could I not accept this grand role in the wedding ceremony of my closest friend? I’d never married anyone before, so I became a notary public which is all you need in Florida.  I was lucky that the couple prepared the ceremony so it was exactly what they wanted.

I spent the night at the hotel with girlStacy the night before and I was amazed at how she wasn’t nervous about getting married. The next day we prepared ourselves with the help of my hair stylist and several mimosas. Before the ceremony, I was standing near the men folk awaiting my cue to go to the gazebo. girlStacy’s dad was there and he was going on about how proud he and his wife were of what a wonderful person girlStacy has turned out to be. Then he told me he was thankful that she had me for a friend for so many years. It was quite touching, but I had to tell him to cut it out because I didn’t need to get more choked up right before I had to go and talk in front of 90 people. He gave me a swig of his pomegranate martini and I headed into the gazebo.

During the ceremony,  I got choked up and emotional when I started to ask her fiance if he took her to be his wife. Luckily, this was a surprise to no one. I get choked up and emotional watching episodes of Designing Women. The best man put his hand on my shoulder and I was able to get through the rest without additional tears.

The pictures were done right after and it was interesting to see their families watch them. They all were just emitting love and happiness. Both families were so nice and complimentary to me. After the cocktail hour we moved onto the reception which was a lovely area that included inside and outside tables. The band played Gypsy Jazz and everyone ate delicious food. Then we danced. There was so much dancing.

Everyone was so positive. I don’t think there was one negative thought conveyed the entire time. The whole affair was filled with so much love, fun, joy, and happiness. I wish the Mr. and Mrs. a lifetime filled with those things.

with girlStacy

with Stacy

*My sister’s name is Stacey, too, but she has an E.