Last weekend I returned to Kamloops to witness a public incarceration of two souls, more commonly referred to as a wedding.

The bride, Tanya, is a very good friend of mine. We’ve known each other for most of our lives, and I think of her family as an extension of my own. We’ve been friends since we were only a few feet tall. Well, I was a few feet tall, she grew to her full height at the ripe age of four.

I believe we met in kindergarten, which is a very long time to know someone. My first impression of her was that she was a mean, violent girl with an unfortunate haircut. She may deny her violent tendencies now, but I vividly remember her chasing me down the street while her gang tied my friend to a pole with his fanny pack. It was around this time that I decided it was probably better to have her as an ally than an enemy, and I’ve been lucky enough to call her a close friend ever since.

I’m still really getting to know her new husband, Sean. I wasn’t his biggest fan at first. She did a terrible job of explaining who he was and how they met, so I don’t feel like I should really be to blame for my initial impression. She knows how quickly I judge puny mortals. That said, the more time I spend around him, the more I see he’s a cool guy. Even though I don’t know him as well as Tanya, I know he makes her very happy, and that’s enough for me.

The wedding was held in their back yard. In the middle of summer. In Kamloops, a town with a semi-desert climate. In 37 degree weather. With no shade. Yes, she’s still a mean, cruel girl. At least her hair is nice now.

They’re enjoying themselves in Hawaii at the moment. I want to wish them all the best in their lives together. Congratulations you two. Hope you’re having a great time.