All photos by the wonderful Robert Gigliotti!
As our salad course was served, our DJ, Rachel, called for our maid-of-honor and best-man speeches. I knew my sister was nervous as she had never done one of these before, but she nailed it—her speech was a perfect mix of humor and touching sentiment, and just the right length.
 
Note that it was written on a cocktail napkin. From OUR cocktail hour.
Then the best man spoke. His speech is a memory that will live on, as his ?funny anecdote? was an amazing story about Benjamin trying to ?reinvent himself? in college freshman year. The two of them went to both high school and university together, and when it came to his attention that Ben had been trying to drop his diminutive nickname and go by something more ?manly,? the best man just about died. Naturally, Ben?s attempts were thwarted after that, and he was to remain nicknamed for life. Our guests exploded with (not unkind) laughter upon this reveal and to Ben?s credit, he took it all very graciously.
A good laugh at Ben’s expense was had by all.
We cheers-ed and drank and returned to the food. The main course was as delightful as the others, and once the plates were cleared and coffee and cake were upon us, we made one more announcement. I had previously informed Rachel that my wedding day was also the birthday of one of my dearest, oldest friends, and we asked the room to sing ?Happy Birthday? as I delivered a little present to her table. This, too, provided a ...