John Wooden once said, “show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” If that’s the case, when two of your best friends are Dani and Andrew Spinelli, the future couldn’t look any brighter.
As I look back at their wedding weekend and forward at the rest of their lives together, a few things particularly stuck out to me.
We all know Dani and Spins bring out the best in each other, but it was especially clear this weekend that together they bring out the most in everyone else too. It seemed everyone danced a little harder, sang and cheered a little wilder, smiled a little bigger, hugged a little tighter, laughed a little louder, dressed a little fancier, and yes…ate and drank a little heavier. And while my body can’t sustain many more of these weekends, I expect that these two will give us that extra spring in our step for many occasions to come. So we need to soothe our hoarse voices, get some rest, and hydrate because when they get back from their honeymoon in two weeks, I’m sure we’ll pick up right where we left off.
Another thing that was clear is Dani and Spins don’t do anything at half speed. Through three days of celebrations, every detail was designed and delivered to the max. Sure, I expected a heartfelt ceremony, a bumpin’ dance floor, a beautiful venue filled with beautiful people, another rendition of Zombie Nation and Piano Man, a sparkler sendoff, a swarm around the late night karaoke mic, and amazing food and hospitality at the Eders house, but each detail and experience blew my expectations out of the water.
But what was most clear all weekend was that these two great people are who they are because of their two great families. Love, joy, and generosity radiates from both sets of parents and siblings. And when they’re all together, it’s something really special. We heard it in their words, and felt it in their presence all the way from the Spinellis’ speeches on Thursday to our Penn State watch party at the Eder’s house Saturday night. We’re so grateful that both the Spinellis and the Eders continue to make Jordan, Charlie, and I (and the rest of our friends) feel like we’re part of the family as well. I’m excited to see the newlyweds continue to add to this dynamic as they begin to build to the family tree.
When Jordan and I think back on our fondest memories, Dani and Spins are at the center of most of them. We made another unforgettable one this weekend. We were so honored to be part of it, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
But until then, it’s time for a nap.
The Janiec Reflection 