My Best Friend's Wedding

I recently flew to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota to see my good friend Andy Ybarra tie the knot with his girlfriend Leah. Andy chose me to be his best man and stand with him at the alter - what an honor it was to be a part of the whole experience. I even caught the garter at the reception! Here are some of the memories...thanks Andy. Taking the edge of the pre-ceremony gitters. The groomsmen from left to right: Ivan Chavez, Andy Ybarra (groom), Joel Anderson, myself doing a bit of reading while patienty awaiting the main event. Same picture with usher James Kwon up front. chatting with Andy about the NBA playoffs - the most over-discussed topic of the weekend. Andy's father Juan Ybarra and my father Tom sitting in chairs designed for kindergarteners. Andy's family from right: aunt Ana, Andy, mother Rachel, father Juan, sister Diana seated up front. My picture with Andy where he bears the face of an individual getting married in 10 minutes. Myself, Andy and his father assemble for a picture before we head to the alter. Myself and the ring bearer Nathan Swenson (who bears a stunning resemblence to a young McCauley Culkin) going over last minute details. IT'S DONE...here is the Ybarra family. The entire wedding party squeezes into one frame. There doesn't seem to be any privacy for the groom to kiss his bride. Our picture with the Bride, Leah Ybarra Andy and Leah make the perfect couple with cousins Nathan and Natalie Picture of the wedding party inside of the church before we part to the reception. Andy and Leah cut the cake. Probably talking about the NBA playoffs again while Leah interjects to remind us we are at the wedding party table. Discussing when I should make my Best Man speech, or as Andy refers to it - the 'don't embarrass the hell out of me' speech. My favorite picture: The friend I've known for 15 years of my life, his new bride, and a very happy me. My second favorite picture: A man that is in love with his wife. This is the point where Andy is no longer humored by all the pictures. Father Ed Beiswenger dances with his daughter the bride. Another kiss. Some people getting their funk on like it was 1999. Bridesmaid Robin and her main man Dan were the biggest Vikings fans in Minnesota. The point at which I should have been more aware of my surroundings.

Thanks for everything Andy - congratulations