Showing posts with label #MattWedsKat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #MattWedsKat. Show all posts

Sunday, August 17, 2014

#MattWedsKat

In the past couple years, I've been to at least a half dozen weddings that have leveraged hashtags. The social identifier becomes a billing for guest participation, an open invitation for selfies, and a means to aggregate a collection of wedding shots and commentary in real time.

Mostly, the subjects of these indexes were my age like the majority of their guests. By the last dance, dozens of outtakes had registered on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. In retrospect, nothing compared to the vast, scrolling library of images and messages that Matt and Katrina racked up last night.

Matt is my first cousin, once removed. Cousin Bob's son. Growing up, Matt and his brothers were the smaller versions of my little brother. Equally athletic, equally as emotional about Notre Dame football, equally as dressed up at Family Reunions. Katrina, his blushing bride is a St. Mary's grad, passionate non-profit marketer, and the original subscriber to my blog. (Love her.) Both mid 20s. Both among the younger half of the Millennial generation.  

Yesterday, they joined hands in marriage while their friends and family tweeted the play by play. It wasn't just the avid social sharing that made this wedding day distinct, there were other Millennial monikers that stood out.

There were more single ladies lined up to catch the bouquet than I have ever seen.
And man, did they know how to dance.
The couple had practiced their kiss, so they were going to get it right for the camera.
Chipotle got a nod during the maid of honor's speech.
Frozen got a standing ovation.
The Bridesmaids dresses were a whole lot better.
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The little bubble blower was mine.
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Everyone had an iPhone.
And everyone used the hashtag.

But mostly, next generation nuptials have more in common with their predecessors than not.
Still, nothing beats the second the back door of the Church opens.
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Or that moment that a beaming bride gets lost in an eye lock with her handsome prince.
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There will always be proud fathers and teary mothers.
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I dos ...
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will be followed by a kiss that seals the deal.
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There will be thunderous applause after Mass.
(More of that, Mommy.)
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Little girls will want to look just like Princess Katrina someday.
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Brothers will sit together, remembering when.
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Cousins who grew up will dance circles around each other.
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Cocktails will be served at dusk.
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And dancing will go on till dawn.
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All day, the love shared by the couple will reflect in the eyes and hearts of those in attendance.
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And a whole lot of people will come together to wish the bride and groom love, laughter and a lifetime of happiness today. 
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Tomorrow.
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Congrats Matt and Kat!  
Lo.