Friday night was cloudy and warm, causing a fog to form on the windows in the Piedmont Room at Park Tavern.

After several minutes of milling about uncomfortably, I found myself with the other guests slowly finding their way to seats in the hall as DeEtta walked onto the make-shift stage and began to sing a cappella.

Do I remember the words or the song? No. Her voice was so pristine, so soulful, so full of power and message that I lost my focus and reveled in it with teary eyes and a big goofy grin.

The ceremony itself was perfect. Lady D and Ms A (and I) once worked together, and D had all kinds of jabs and quips about the lovebirds that were interjected into the vows - repeating certain words three or four times for effect and the young ones following suit brought laughter and smiles from the crowd of friends and family there to support them in their new adventure.

Weddings in my book go one of two ways: they suck or they’re amazing.

This was the latter – a gorgeous dress on a glowing bride, beautiful flowers (sunflowers with roses), tables “named” for the places people were visiting from (Oahu, Baltimore, Germany), AC/CD lapel pins next to name cards, and an open bar that seemed to please many of the guests.

I was honored to be invited, and despite my xenophobia, agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder I even managed to enjoy myself. It was great to catch up with D and her husband over dinner, meet the extended family, and spend a few minutes with Tyler and Jen (newly weds in their own right, and adorable to boot).

I couldn’t have been more pleased to witness their new beginning.

Note to self: new camera before the next wedding.