Sometimes in these modern times, you end up with friends that you just don’t see in person very much, if ever. They’re no less dear, once you get past the internet audience thing and realize that those are real people, and real feelings behind the words.

And if you’re very lucky, you get to meet them in person, and realize that the person behind the words is so much more than is ever shown, and even more of an incredible person than you’d thought. I was so lucky earlier this year, and had the privilege to meet Alicia and her beloved, Shawn Marie. I felt like I’d known them for a long, long time, even though I’d been only reading Alicia’s thoughts for a few years, and SM’s for none at all. We sat at a kitschy diner and could have sat the whole night if I’d had time.

But I didn’t, so I left, and a few months later got an invitation in the mail. They were getting married, and would I like to come?

Well, hell yes! I’m in the most unusual position of being able to afford it, and it’s time that I lived a little, so the very day that I received that invitation, I had a flight to Colorado booked. I was excited about the adventure and about getting to share the day with my friends, and was looking forward to it like crazy. I also had a feeling that I would have the bonus of meeting Melissa, who is every bit as lovely and gracious in person as her writing indicates.

As a bonus, Alicia asked me to do a little photography, which I was thrilled at. Having a camera in front of my face forces me to be more outgoing than I might otherwise be, gives me an excuse to get out there and be pushy and to meet strangers, and to just go with the job and have fun.

So that’s what I did.

You all know that I’m more of a moving-object photographer than a portrait person, and I found myself a little frustrated at that, but hell, when you take 600 pictures, there are bound the be a few that are decent.

I’ve clearly got some work to do to learn to use a flash and to take pictures indoors, but that’s OK.

The wedding itself was incredible. It was at a Coloradan mansion where SM’s father caretakes, and the setting was absolutely gorgeous. The setting, however, was eclipsed by the emotion of the union itself. I confess that I was a little too absorbed in the photography, but what I did hear was absolutely flooring. I’ve never been to a more heartfelt wedding, and never seen two people who were more suited to each other as Alicia and Shawn Marie.

I wish you well, my friends, but you sure are off to a wonderful start. May you continue as happily as you’ve begun.