My friends and family are the type of people that are worth bending over backwards for.
No, but literally…I actually bend over backwards for these people.
As the Severs absolutely rocked the grand finale of the 2019 wedding season, I reflect back on all of the memories. I think about all of the beautiful venues from Stone Harbor Yaacht Club to Bonnet Island Estate. I remember all of the delicious food from the shrimp cocktail to the filets. I revisit all of the powerful speeches that made us laugh and cry. I can still feel the electric moments on the dance floor from Uptown Funk to Mr. Brightside to Piano Man. I’ll never forget all of the special moments that I shared with some of the most special people in my life. Each wedding was different and unique in its own way. But as I reflect back, I realize that one common staple remained constant at each wedding…the “back bend.”
My go-to, limbo-like “back bend” dance move made an appearance at every wedding this season. I can only hope to keep the streak alive and nail it at Charlie’s wedding one day.
And let’s speak some truth. I don’t have a ton of versatility in my dancing repertoire. I don’t have much flexibility in my athleticism. I actually don’t know when I came up with the move or where I learned it or why I ever attempted it in the first place. I don’t know how my ACL hasn’t torn. I especially don’t know how the the Jos. A Bank and Indochino pants haven’t ripped yet. I don’t know the precise formula of Tangueray, champagne, and Miller Lite that inspire the tradition. I don’t know which song at each wedding will create the opportunity. But there’s always a moment or two at every wedding when I find myself inches off the floor, with my eyes on the ceiling, my ankles flexed sideways, my pant seams stretched, the cameras flashing, my friends laughing (with a few eye rolls), and me merely holding myself up with adrenaline.
Some of my friends argue that the move is overused. Mom may argue that it’s dangerous. Ada Pici’s break dancing cousin may argue that it’s an amateur move anyway. Brides and grooms may argue that it takes up too much space in the wedding album. But I argue that I just can’t help it. It’s the only way that I know how to express the overwhelming joy that these celebrations hold. It’s the way that I express my congratulations to the 7 amazing couples that got married this year. It’s the way that I say thank you to all of the special people that celebrated alongside of me.
Because after all, these people are worth bending over backwards for. And I intend to bring it back out again next year.
The Janiec Reflection 