Kira and Mark had been planning their special day for some time now, a small gathering of family and close friends from different chapters of their lives. There was family who lived a few minutes away and friends who came from the California coastline. There were CAPA kids that had matured into adults, there were professors and colleagues from CMU days and a few happy kids, excited to play a part in the day’s festivities. I was happy to be a fly on the wall, to watch Mark’s dad help his son tighten up his tie. I remember seeing Kira’s mother’s eyes, as she watched her daughter put on a bit of makeup and take a deep breath as she prepared to meet her groom. During the ceremony, Kira’s childhood friend Ben served as the officiant, and although it was his first time, he knocked it out of the park. You could tell he knew their story, genuinely cared for the couple and felt proud to have been asked to play role in their day’s ceremony. These sincere sentiments carried over to the reception as the couple greeted everyone with a warm hug and a smile. Kira’s dad provided a toast that paid a special tribute to Mark’s parents, for the part they played in raising such a loving son. All the best Kira and Mark. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your special day.