For over a year now, I’ve had the 29th of September circled on my calendar, Kevin and Courtney’s wedding. A weekend affair, I pulled in Friday evening to Seven Springs for the rehearsal dinner. It was a laid-back event where everyone enjoyed a little laughter while dining on pizza and taking pictures with the lodge’s pirate.

The next day started off bright and early as we made our way to Courtney’s hometown, Boswel, PA, for the wedding ceremony. An early memory from the occasion was seeing the face of Courtney’s dad. Walking your daughter down the aisle can feel like an eternity, as memories from her childhood replay clear as day. He revisited these moments as they made their walk together, emotional but happy to know the character of the man receiving his daughter at the other end of the aisle. During the ceremony, the preacher spoke, family members recited lines and there were a few musical selections, yet the couple’s focus was on each other. Whispering jokes reserved for only the other’s ear, smiles bringing jollity throughout the formalities. Bride and groom unapologetically proud of the other.

After the ceremony, they made their way back to the lodge for the reception, where toasts not only brought tears from fond reflections of those not present but also the laughter that comes from uncensored stories told by those who know you best. Soon after, the dance floor was filled, a sight that continued throughout the night with guests taking an occasional break at the candy table. An appropriate tribute to their first meeting at a Dave Mathew's Concert that started it all.... “Sweet like candy to my soul Sweet you rock And sweet you roll” -D.M.