Three nights and we’re done. After a long hiatus of human interaction Gilbert and I were reunited; a hug and a punch to the lip to bring it back together. The festivities happened to take place on the most sacred of ground: Duke University, which one bridesmaid very eloquently described as their closest thing to home at present.
John
At an early hour in our friendship for innumerable reasons John and I knew we were roughly the same person. Given my retreat after freshman year, however, we grew distant and underwent many unshared developments. So when I asked him what had changed for him to become marriage material, expecting something grandiose and informative (for my own curious purposes), I was surprised to hear just a genuine “I met Jenny.”
Man. He evolved within his self. I didn’t as much as I swing wildly for the identity with which to approach girls and live life. Maybe I should stop that nonsense.
Regardless, I am truly appreciative to have been invited despite my status as the least involved g-man.
Then in his amazingly composed and conducted toast, John referred to each of us in terms of a nature to which he rarely resorted. I was moved.
Finally, upon hearing the beatific FF Prologue and Rosa/Love Theme I knew he was still the man. Sheer happiness was visited upon me.
The New Faces
Knowing only four or five people of the seventy there made for some awkward moments, others interesting. With the few people who made it past small talk I think many of us would be good friends.
With those who didn’t, well, I’m not sure. Everyone seemed very nice, some so much that I wish we had in fact talked a bit more. I’d never met Jenny before, was happy to finally say hello, and hope to hang out with Gilbert sufficiently enough to get to know her. It almost goes without saying: the Dukies, I could’ve known them all.
WaDuke
The undergraduate fantasies came to fruition. I am a rich, white, golfing, southern businessman. I eat $20 omelettes and watch $15 movies. (thank you hotels.com).
From the willingness to bypass crummy interactive TV systems for the bachelor party of the ages to democratic political strategist James Carville’s mean Manhattan to the yummy food choices, all about the Washington Duke was as expected, wondrous. I hope later to make deals there.
The Partying
Ahh Yellow Toad and Marth were true fighters in the struggle to outgame Gilbert. And a struggle it was for all but a few glorious moments. Audrey beating him cold with BB Hood on MVC2 surpassed all as candidate for the best, but Yellow Toad’s “I’m not softcore” trance and Marth’s glorious final smash will remain memorable as well.
Dancing at the reception was a trip. Sauced up and ready to go I made a sufficient ass of myself early on during Poker Face to garner some rather interesting comments.
That’s about it for the wedding review. The pilgrimage back to the best place of my life nearly had me as excited as the wedding did. More later.
The End
Dear John: As you tried so proactively to get me to salvage my life in the past, and as you successfully save many now and going forward, your true colors in what limited serious stations confront us together have been shown. I am impressed. Congratulations, John. Kudos, Jenny.