It recently occurred to me on a drizzly train ride home from dinner with an old friend that there are moments in life that should be written about. I’m not just talking about international events or great moments in history; I’m addressing those brief yet powerful labels on your home calendar that deserve more than a tweet or Facebook update. I realize that the days of journaling in Lisa Frank notebooks while devouring a side of Dunkaroos has been all but forgotten by many, but I’ve remained– as old fashioned as it may seem– a lover of writing. So when I mulled over what moments matter enough to be written about, weddings obviously came to mind. Not just my own (although I’d be lying if I don’t plan to mention it on occasion), but the weddings of friends and family. Because, other than the fact that that day celebrating two people means witnessing love, humility, and tradition, in all honesty, a wedding is a TON of work. And a single day that costs so much and requires so much planning deserves more than 139 characters and a hashtag.

And the strange realization occurred at a busy train stop that if a wedding were the metaphorical house in “The 3 Little Pigs”, it would be the brick house. The brick house with an addition on the back to fit all the extra guests, complete with the towel set and dining room furniture your mothers “suggested” and a pool to entertain all the guests that only come around once. In other words: weddings are expensive. Weddings, ideally, signify a strong future that can withstand those big, bad –insert mess here—. Weddings take time and many hands to put together. Weddings are what you have to define you–the couple– the rest of your lives but, additionally, is a day meant to celebrate with friends, family, in-laws, coworkers, and one or two plus ones you may or may not have originally intended on inviting.

And that celebration, those family members and friends, are what I hope to address in this blog. You see, as much as everyone will tell you it is your day and no one else’s opinions matter (if I had a dollar for every time someone told me that…), the truth is that any good host wants their guests to have a good time, feel welcome, and ultimately walk away appreciating all the effort you put into creating your day. And, as I mentioned, I plan to appreciate all the effort of the many many weddings I have been to and plan to attend by paying homage through writing.

As the quintessential Aisle Seat Guest — the best seat at any wedding if you aren’t at the alter– I want to offer my services in remembering and recognizing that effort. In other words, in the metaphor of the Brick House, I’m the guest that shows up with a pie at the housewarming and sends a kind text afterward thanking the host for the awesome dinner and pool time.

So, in this blog I hope to feature some of the amazing weddings and wedding events I’ve been to. I hope to offer advice or at least words of caution from my own experiences, and, of course, lots and lots of GOR-GEE-OUS wedding pictures! So grab a signature drink. Scan the program and grab a seat on the aisle: this processional is starting.