[note: I officiated the wedding of two of my closest friends. A lot of people liked the speech, so I am posting the relevant chunk of it below.]

As you know, this is not a traditional wedding, and so I want to begin by saying I am not a traditional officiant. Misha, Elise, rather than wax on about marriage, a subject I know little about, I want to address both of you at this--not beginning, but somewhat beginning--next part of your lives.

A month ago, you both graduated from the University of Chicago--no small feat. Some of us witnessed the arduous hours of naming, and others of us were spared, but I am confident that everyone here wishes you a warm congratulations.

See, the funny thing about endings is that they're never just that--but they're not true beginnings, either. You live...

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