Two years ago, Olivia was the matron of honor at her sister Valerie's wedding while Pat manned the livestreaming iPad. Just before the ceremony, Pat, whom I barely had a chance to say hello to, told me they'd be in touch in a year or two. True to their word, when Olivia emailed last summer, she wrote, "He finally did it!!!"

Olivia and Pat's wedding was an extension of Valerie and James'— it was full of joy, many laughs, and lots and lots of funny and very stilly dancing. When Joe, their videographer, did some video portraits of the wedding party, he suggested each groomsman individually run up to Pat and do something "fun." Some hugged him, high-fived him, and others jumped up for a chest bump, like Cam, Olivia's younger brother, who sent Pat falling to the ground. For a brief moment, everyone held their breath and then laughed. Pat was fine.

Some couples become friends. A few become family. As for the Stickles and Dolan families, I feel very much a member of yours. Thank you for welcoming me in. I'm looking forward to the next celebration!

Rehearsal Dinner: Fiore Restaurante
Reception: The Riverhouse At Goodspeed Station
Floral: Branford Flowers
Bride Hair + Makeup: Bernadette Danielle & Co
Video: JRW Weddings
Entertainment: Steve Morgan from A & B Entertainment
Cake: Kim's Cottage Confections