Mary + Luke, Part II

One month ago today, we were at this lovely place...

Watching these two lovely folks say "I do" (and eat cake, dance a first dance, and generally be the most awesome hosts ever):

We were well below the Mason-Dixon line:

I got to be a bridesmaid for the first time with these lovely ladies...

...and carry these beautiful flowers:

There was the requisite St. Catherine's photo (it's hard to believe we've known each other for a minimum of ten years...eek):

There was crazy-lady dancing...

And even some slow-dancing:

Photo by Keenan/Whitney.

There are so many things I could say about this day. I could say that it was beautiful, because it was; I could say that it was fantastically fun, because oh my goodness it was SO much fun to hang out with friends - old ones and new ones; I could say that it was hot, because BEHOLD: Virginia in the summer is hot. But most of all, it was touching. I felt so lucky to be part of Mary and Luke's day. Mary was my best friend throughout high school, and to see her so happy with Luke on that day (seriously, y'all - she was positively luminous) was nothing short of awesome.

When I toasted Mary and Luke at their rehearsal dinner, I said that they seemed at home together - and that, for me, seems to sum it up best. Yes, their wedding was beautiful, their cake delicious, their ceremony lovely, and their party completely kick-ass, but what was palpable throughout their whole wedding day (and in the days leading up to the wedding) is that Mary and Luke just work together. They seem at ease and so happy together, and even though they'll be living in different states for the next year (they're each in separate graduate programs), I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that their first year of marriage will be a wonderful one - because they'll be married! To each other! Hurrah! Before that first year anniversary, however, there has to be a first month anniversary. So with that, happy one-month anniversary, Mary and Luke. Here's to many, many more.

P.S. Now the "Mary + Luke" Flickr set is complete - enjoy all the pictures! Because oh my goodness. There are plenty.