Today was the day. Mandy and Chris tied the knot and I got to be their "Reverend" (or, as Rachael likes to deface the title, "Irreverend").

Even though they asked me months ago to officiate their ceremony, the gravity of the words they'd written together hit me only last night. I'd been floating around, in my usual half-dissociated stupor, until time necessitated that someone turn on the centripetal force generator. Then I felt the honor and trust they'd bestowed on me: to guide the energy of 50 people, gathered expressly to bless their marriage.

As Chris said, being so close was like witnessing a birth. Everything from their sweaty palms when they held hands to the deep inhalation, slow exhalation Mandy takes when she's nervous; every moment felt profound and worthy of attention.

So now the party's winding down, and I've got to get some sleep after a weekend greeting and reuniting with their friends and family. Not to mention the Croque-en-Bouche. That shit gave me a run for my money; I've got cerebrospinal fluid still throbbing against my skull. Could that induce hair regrowth?

Oh, one more thing. Chris showed me his father's gift (find out from him if you want to know), which led to a moment together.

Most of my time on the planet, my sense of gratitude isn't at the surface of my skin like it was today. But to see Chris open to the love he and JP share, in front of me, has remarkably reinvigorated my faith in the human spirit. He's a special, unique, gifted person. And I eventually found the words that feel most true to bless their marriage, that I love the way he loves Mandy. She's my oldest friend on the planet (this time around and maybe last time, too). And their marriage now makes him irrevocably a partner in that friendship.