Wedding brain

Michael, my little brother - who forever remains a five-year-old playing hide and seek in my mind - is getting hitched.
He met Jillian in November - they were set up on a blind date by close friends, Karl and Nat. The date, needless to say, went well. BUT, both had just come out of relationships and were pretty insistent that this was just casual. You know, no strings, no commitments, just easy dating and friendship. I can remember thinking that Mike was smiling again - and how nice that was to see.
So, a few more dates later and they decide to just see each other exclusively. But, you know, still casual...
A few more dates later and they decide that a quick post-Christmas trip to Disneyworld sounds like fun. Hey, if they can spend more or less 24 hours in a car together without going insane, that's a good sign , right?
I'm pretty sure it was December 29th that I got a call from Mike asking me if anyone would be upset if he and Jill eloped. I told him to do what his heart said to do, but reminded him that if it is exciting now, it will still be exciting six months from now. So, they got engaged and came home to spread the news.
I was pretty sure they were insane - and I hadn't even met Jill yet! They set the date for July 7, 2007 and on a twist of fate were able to book the place Jill wanted most on that date - no easy task; 7/7/7 has been booked most places for quite a while and only a last minute cancellation got them in. Talk about meant to be!
Jill is fabulous and is great with, for and to Mike! She is easy to love and like and she has a truly wonderful family. He's a lucky man.
There is something to be said for crazy in love, for spontaneity, for true romance in a world where those things seem to be in short supply sometimes.
My brother grew up on me and became this incredible man. He is kind and generous, funny and charming. Those who know him, truly like him. He inspires loyalty in others. I'm pretty damn proud of him. (I hid something, can you guess what it is? It's not my monkey...)
Jill is a treasure and Mike is so lucky to have found her. I cannot wait to see them as an old married couple...
On a side note, I had a dream about the wedding last night - I kept having to run to stores on the wedding day searching for make up and bras - all the while in my bridesmaid dress and awesome new shoes...
Weird.
Take care,
V