Wedding energy!

Two weeks ago this Friday, I was invited to be a part of my neighbor and dear friend's wedding as the oficient.  It was my first wedding to officiate and I was a bit nervous.  Ok, I was a lot nervous.  I have had a fear of public speaking for as long as I can recall.  I often forced myself into situations that would require me to speak publicly to try to get over it, but nothing worked.  I was communications director in high school and spoke to the whole school every day with the morning announcements and during assemblies.  In college, it seemed things got worse.  I would experience increased heart rate, flushing and muscle twitches in my face a knees before group or other presentations.  I would be well prepared and somehow, I guess based on feedback, I've always done a great job.  I wouldn't know because I always seemed to "black out" the experience and could not recall exactly what I had said.  After any of my public speaking engagements, I would receive praise from those in attendance often hearing, "You were made to be a public speaker, you should do this more."  It has always been such a conflict, because I do like it, I just don't like the stress that I experience right before.  Maybe it's the adrenaline?  I don't know, but I was determined that I would not black out or embarass myself or my dear friends at their wedding.  I had a lot of coaching from an officient that I work with, I was well-prepared, but I was still out of my element, doing something for the first time.  
I should mention that I was also helping with the flowers for the wedding, so my down time was occupied.  I praticed while we were making bouquets.  I do believe that working on flowers right up until 30 mins. before the ceremony helped, I didn't have time to worry and I had to know that I was prepared.  Just to give myself an extra edge, I decided to do a little Reiki on myself.  Wow!  The energy of the whole day was changed!  I also believe a big part of that was the energy of the families and guests.  Everyone was radiating positive energy and was there to celebrate these two wonderful humans.  It was a high unlike any other. Everything went off without a hitch!  I don't think this happens often with weddings, but it did with this one.  I didn't make any mistakes that were obvious or that affected the ceremony.   Everyone could hear me without a mic, which I am grateful for.  There were a few things that were just between the couple and myself which didn't need to be broadcast!
The afternoon/evening was beautiful and the party legendary.  
The reason I share this is because this is a real issue for me which I am finally getting a handle on after about 50 years of trying.  I know that the Reiki session helped set me up for the success that I desired.  I also feel there is a little sense of "I don't give a crap" that comes with age. I've noticed it more after 55 than ever, but it is very freeing.  It does not mean, I really don't give a crap, but more, I'm going to do my best and I am okay with the results.  Maybe that is the key, maybe people pick up on this "confidence" and that changes the energy.  I don't know the answer, but I do know that the way I set myself up for the challenge worked.  At the core, I believed in myself and I knew in my heart I was working from my heart and in my truth.  We have to believe in ourselves.  What do we have to lose? We are the only one who is always there for ourselves in the best and worst of times.  Where there is love and good intentions, good things follow.  
My question to you, what do you do to prepare yourself for something that is completely out of your comfort zone?  How do you feel after?