Considering that I am both a friend and neighbor of Woody and Michelle, I have watched them do many things together. But last night, I stood right next to them and I watched them do something absolutely wonderful – I watched them become husband and wife.

After three years of dating, Woody and Michelle decided to make it official. So in front of everyone that they know and love – they promised their hearts and souls to each other in a very beautiful ceremony that was officiated by a Justice of the Peace – and completed with the lighting of a unity candle. Their bridal party consisted of three bridesmaids for Michelle – and two co-best men, Kyle and myself – making the bridal party an odd number in honor of Doug, who would have been Woody’s best man if he were still with us.

When we got to the Knights of Columbus, the site of both the ceremony and the reception, Woody, Kyle and I set up the unity candle, put a wedding favor on each place setting, made sure everything else was in place – and then went upstairs to put on our tuxedos. Shortly after that, Michelle arrived, and so did the guests. I remember going into the bridal room and seeing Michelle for the first time in her wedding dress – and being amazed at how beautiful she looked. In fact, when Woody, Kyle and I were standing with the Justice of the Peace waiting for Michelle to walk down the aisle – Woody actually gasped when he saw her for the first time – that’s how amazing she looked.

As I expected, I cried when they were pronounced as husband and wife – but what I did not expect was completely balling my eyes out when they danced for the first time as a married couple to the song Beautiful In My Eyes by Joshua Kadison. As soon as the song began and Woody placed his forehead against hers – I lost it. Tears were streaming down my face as I watched them look into each other’s eyes as they danced. I was so happy to see them so much in love with each other and so happy to be married, that I completely lost control of my emotions in front of everyone.

The reception was great. The DJ did a great job, the food was excellent, the guests had a great time – and Woody and Michelle were very happy – which is really all that mattered. At the end of the evening, we all headed to McMahon’s Irish Pub to continue celebrating until 3:00am – when I finally took off my tuxedo and called it a night.

Having known Woody for close to a decade – he is like a brother to me. I have been through thick and thin with him and vice versa – so to stand with him as he became a married man was truly an honor. I know that he wanted nothing more than for Doug to be standing with him as his best man – but the fact that he asked me to stand in for him was a real message of how much I mean to him – and I am very grateful for that.

After we all woke up this morning, I spent the day with the newly married couple and had a great time. We went to a barbecue restaurant for lunch – and then stopped off to see my father at Beth David Cemetery since we were in the neighborhood. They will spend tomorrow and Tuesday here at home – and then fly to New Orleans on Wednesday to begin their honeymoon. I wish them the best and hope they have a great time – because they really deserve it.

I am very happy for Woody and Michelle and hope that their love lasts a lifetime. They are amazing people who have good souls and caring hearts. Their love for each other runs very deep and they make an amazing couple. I hope that they grow old together and share a life that is blessed with happiness and love – and I can’t wait to stand next to them when they celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.

Congratulations, Mr. And Mrs. Inciarrano.