I was honored to do it, but I have a lot of irrational fear and butterflies around public speaking. Short-version: I did it, it turned out well, I was relieved, everyone was happy. Special thanks to Marnie and Gumby for the ideas, encouragement, criticism and rewriting that helped me get over myself and contribute to a very important day in Carlos and Anh’s life. Afterward I felt closer to the whole family.

The Big Event is over now, but many of the relatives (too many to count) are still gathered around for equally big aftermath of barbecues, house visits, sleepovers, iPhoto slideshows, afternoon drives to tourist spots.

Tonight I’m back at my parents’ house in tiny Morton, Washington. More deserving guests have my old room, so I’ll camp out on the living room sofa.

Photos:
1 Practicing my toast on the drive down from Bellevue.
2 Carlos presents me with a gift at the rehearsal dinner.
3 The Bride and Groom, Anh and Carlos.
4 The wedding party (that’s me floating in the back).
5 Mom and Dad and half of my siblings.
6 Mom and Dad on the dance floor.