Page 16 - Advance Copy: Todd Kaufman, Author

TODD KAUFMAN
I smiled and thanked Sara for her words. Feedback like that felt like a gift.
Sarah continued, “I’m wondering if I could ask a rather personal favour?”
I nodded and smiled, presuming that what might come next was a request to somehow work together.
“Will you marry me?”
As my face registered both surprise and confusion, Sarah exclaimed, “No, no – wait! What I mean is, will you officiate my wedding and marry my fiancé and I!”
We both began to laugh, although I think my laughter held a small sense of relief in addition to joy! I remembered that I had mentioned at some point during the day that I was licensed to officiate weddings in Canada. “Of course! I’d love to.”
Eight months later, I stood in front of 500 of Sarah’s family and friends in a huge, impressive banquet hall, groomsmen to my left, and Dan, a very nervous groom at my side. Dan was breaking a sweat and rather desperately looking about the room for his soon-to-be wife. We had been standing there far too long for anyone to be comfortable.
I reached out, touched Dan’s shoulder and smiled in an attempt to re-assure him. Then, facing the guests, I said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we apparently have a small technical problem. Please give me a moment, and we will begin the wedding shortly.” For the sake of all present, and particularly my now terrified groom, I hoped the words I had spoken into the room were true.
I proceeded down the aisle, and could hear my shoes clicking on the marble floors and echoing in the massive expanse of the wedding hall above the shuffling and the murmurs. I had not checked in on the bride prior to the wedding. At Dan’s and Sarah’s request, they wanted to uphold the tradition of her avoiding being seen on their wedding day until she walked down the aisle to take his hand in marriage.
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