I Don't Cry at Weddings

I really don’t cry at weddings. Occasionally my eyes well up at something sweet. I do smile a lot. I enjoy weddings when I’m happy about the couple; but I don’t get outwardly emotional. I really never have.

And then I witnessed the wedding of Amie and Brittany.

I don’t want to tell their story because it is, of course, their story to tell, but I do want to tell my version of the love and the joy and the emotion I witnessed yesterday, when my niece married the woman who is clearly the love of her life, and there is no question the feeling is mutual.

Seriously, Andee, again with the damn waterworks?? Stop it already!

When we learned about Brittany and Amie being a couple, every single Chestnut welcomed the news with joy and support. As you may know, that’s a hell of a lot of Chestnuts. And every single one was happy……..because our Brittany was happy. Truly, joyously happy.

Well, as I said, yesterday was their wedding. All you needed to be convinced it was right was to look at their faces. I don’t think I can describe them well enough to do this justice, but I’ll try. Of course, they were both stunningly beautiful, but there was also a radiance. A glow. You could actually feel it. I’ve never really experienced anything quite like it.

Some people started crying just seeing them walk down the aisle. Some got teary watching them stand together holding hands and looking at each other as their brothers stood up with them. The judge said many beautiful words that brought out tissues. But as they said their vows, and we heard the words, “You made me feel normal”…… Yeah, you can take it from there.

Again, I don’t want to say too much about what is really their story, so I will say this. It was more than your usual Chestnut wedding (which are all lovely and hilariously fun). With a family so big, though, it’s really hard for everyone to be able to attend every wedding. But this one was important. Nobody said it. Everybody just knew it. Cousins flew home from New York and California. Every Chestnut was there. It was that important.

Little did we know when both families rallied around this beautiful couple, what it would do for all of us. If you were there, you know what I’m saying. I can’t even tell you how grateful I am to have been included.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve had a few moments in my life when I could say I experienced pure joy. This was one.

Thank you, Amie & Brittany.