Well, the wedding felt more like a reunion to me, in more ways than one.
It wasn't just seeing a bevy of familiar faces, or driving down streets with towering skyscraper trees, or singing in my old choir, it was being reminded that a piece of my heart will always remember Katy as home, even if I tried to bury those sentiments away for years.
Here are some of the standout moments of the three days.
Stepping off the plane and feeling COLD because it was 85 degrees outside. Yes, it really was 104 in NYC the day before, and yes I really did reshape a candle in my apartment with my bare hands and no additional heating.
When the woman at the rental counter actually SMILED at me, it made me realize how friendly people are in the South, and how much of a difference a welcoming grin really does make.
When the rental car people gave me a cream Cadillac to drive and I couldn't decide whether that meant I should be pimp-ridin' or 85 and blue-haired.
Further, when I decided I didn't feel safe driving a boat in monsoon rains or parallel parking it, even if it was a luxurious car, I couldn't believe I felt safer in Cobalt, nor that I ended up getting incredible flak from the original rental staff for trading them out.
Driving down 59 at 30 mph in sheets of rain, and later driving under 59 and having to stop in a lake, wondering if my car would drive again after waiting at a red light in 8 inches of water.
Sitting down for probably the one and only time ever at Baker's Street Pub in Rice Village and discovering that Paige Lewis, the girl who had the locker next to me for two years in high school before she left to be a Christian recording artist, was playing that night at the pub.
Finding out Maripat's fiancee's name was Holsten, and calling Michael that name by accident the next night at Ashleigh's rehearsal dinner.
Reminiscing about the Christmas Lizzie put WAY too much Grand Marnier in the cake.
Eating like a fat kid at all my favorite places: Jimmy John's, real Texas Dr. Pepper, H-E-B, Chick-fil-A (the new spicy chicken is D-E-licious, though it really needs lettuce, tomato and mayo too), Best Donuts (mmmmm Kolaches!), and Le Madeleine. Sadly, I didn't make it to China Inn for the CRISPIES, first because I didn't realize they weren't out of business, but had relocated, and second because I ran out of time.
Driving down the concrete Mississippi River known as I-10. It actually got scarier. Because you suddenly have to cross 6 lanes without warning. It's like Fast and the Furious in 3-D. And you might actually die.
Being invited to sing with old choir members, and being blown away by how skilled they are. I'm SO not a choir singer anymore. That took some muscle memory.
Looking in Ms. Land's eyes and connecting to her as a man, realizing the last time we did that while performing I was merely a boy.
Jumping up and down that I would get to see Kenny at the rehearsal dinner.
Feeling more at home behind the wheel of a car in Katy because I spent most of my driving years there.
Hugging Lauren in disbelief that she has a 5 month old son.
Seeing Andi and Lauren and Megan for the first time in 10 years, much to my surprise!
Reminding myself that Ms. Sharon might be a bigger Broadway fan nerd than I am. And so happy to see her.
3 words. No zoning laws.
Noticing how some things (the theater, the dance studio, the trucks) never change, but how much other things (the trees, Katy, people) do.
Being chastised by both Ms. Land and Janet for not asking for help when I needed it. Lesson learned.
Walking down memory lane in Ms. Land's office, amazed at her archives of some things that should never be revisited. Hindsight can blind.
Chick-fil-A at noon in the summer. I forgot.
Seeing housing developments miles past where I used to drive go-carts through the dirt and learned how to drive a truck.
Michael's twin brother's toast at the rehearsal dinner. Amazing.
Laughing with Janet through H-E-B. Most fun grocery store visit ever.
The perfect acoustics under the covered walkway at Ashleigh's gorgeous outdoor ceremony.
Sharing the real life stories behind the reunion facade over post-reception drinks. Wanting only the best for my friends.
Dancing with my friends at the wedding to Footloose. Erin saying: "You didn't think you'd know many people here, did you? And now everybody you know is here and wants to see you."
Ashleigh's face as I told her about her Wicked backstage tour wedding gift. Something so minimal to me, something so monumental to her.
Staying up far too late watching pubescent acne-laden Gleeks-in-training version of ourselves go to TMEA and ACDA.
Not wanting the fun to end, but returning to real life anyway.
It turned out to be an amazing 3 days, of which I'll always be reminded when I think about the people who impacted me most in Texas. A place I tried so hard to remove myself from, but the roots still hold strong.
