On August 10th, two of my good friends got married. I’ve known them both since college at San Diego State University and enjoyed many memorable moments with them both. Many nights spent at Piedra, staying up late playing beer pong while listening to some rowdy music. Honestly, living in Piedra was one of the best moments of my life as it was spent with some great friends. Honestly, I don’t know how we didn’t get kicked out of that place. Haha!
This past weekend was hands-down the most memorable of them all. Anthony Eden, a fellow SigEp, good friend and former roommate got married to another good friend, Makenzie Morgan, who might as well have been a former roommate.
Also, thanks to them, they put an item on my bucket list and also helped me achieve it as well. Last Saturday I officiated their wedding. I distinctly remember at the wedding rehearsal, the coordinator asked me in front of everyone, “Have you ever officiated a wedding before?”
With a little hesitation, I quickly came up with my elaborate response, “No.”
Everyone kept asking me if I was nervous. Quite honestly, I was not. I was more concerned with the fact that I needed to get the speech inside the bible (a family heirloom from Makenzie) and get everything prepared. I wanted to give them the wedding they deserved.
Fast-forward to the actual wedding. I remember getting ready and the announcer told me to walk down the aisle and get started. It has begun. I’d imagine this is the moment where butterflies hit the stomach. Strangely, it felt so natural. All eyes on you buddy.
Then I saw my good friend, Anthony start walking down the aisle with his mother. Awesome. He had a smile plastered on his face that was infectious. His big day has finally come. I realized I also had the biggest smile on my face. Wow, my friend is getting married.
All the groomsmen and bridesmaid started coming. No butterflies. This is awesome! I started noticing tears coming down the sides of the cheeks around me. Then the music came on.
In the distance I noticed Makenzie in a beautiful white wedding dress. That’s when it hit me. When she finally makes it up to the front, the two of them stare deep into each other’s eyes.
It was so cool to be in that position by officiating their wedding as I saw it all unfold from a very unique perspective. I watched as I saw Anthony’s lips tremble and Makenzie with the biggest nervous smile as she tried to hold back tears.
I can only imagine what was running through their heads while I read the speech. Thankfully, it all went without a hitch.
So it is with great honor, I’m pleased to be the first to announce, for the very first time, Mr and Mrs Anthony and Makenzie Eden!!!
After it is all said and done. I’d like to thank Anthony and Makenzie for the honor of officiating their wedding. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to check off this bucket list item. I might even have to fast-pace another item on my list after this. Time to find my bride and get a friend to officiate my wedding!
What’s on your bucket list? http://www.ryanlum.com/bucket-list/