This wasn't triple checked for grammer since it was read aloud so please don't fault me if you find a mistake. I was more concerned with keep my composure and not stumbling over words. So, without further adieu...
Good evening everyone. I hope you’ve enjoyed the celebration so far. Honestly, I can’t believe the day is here, and at this point- Jackie & Adrian are officially married!!! I’d like to start off by thanking everyone involved with planning tonight’s affair. Mom & dad, Susan & Gordon, and Jackie & Adrian, thank you so much for all of the hard work you put into this event. We are going to have a great party tonight!
When I think about the past, about my greatest memories growing up, there is one thing that is always there, my sister. I can't tell you how many times I thought about this speech and what I wanted to say. How do you put into words, into a 2 minute speech, just how much someone means to you? How do you find the right words to describe just how special she is and how I'd be lost without her.
I mean who else would I want to visit Disney World with, hike in Yellowstone, gamble in Vegas, or drink wine in Sonoma? Thanksgiving in Italy where I got to meet Ashley & Christina was amazing, and seeing Jack Johnson in Madrid? Unforgettable. When I started building this list, I realized just how many places we’ve been able to travel to together. Apparently traveling together is when we got along as kids...sorry mom & dad.
It may not have seemed it growing up, but I sure did look up to my big sis. But, since I obviously did NOT want her to know this, it mostly consisted of stealing her clothes behind her back or making fun of her to look cool. And, man was I cool. Thank goodness we grew out of that stage and became good friends by high school. The only problem, when Jackie left for college, I didn't know what I would do with only half a wardrobe and no personal driver. Clearly, I needed to get into Bentley College. I'll never forget the day I got accepted there. I was afraid to tell Jack, afraid she wouldn't want me to go to the same school as her. But when she screamed with delight and told me I had to go to Bentley, I knew I wouldn't regret that decision. Homecomings & spring days, my first drink at 21, with my sister, my first summer living in the city, in Jackie's spare closet, I mean office. Remember that Meg & Christina?
So when Jackie decided to move across the country, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it. Sure, I was excited for her and knew it was where she needed to be at the time, but call me selfish for not wanting her to leave me. But, like they say, everything happens for a reason. When Jackie told me she had me this guy at a party and they were planning on hanging out soon I can’t say I thought too much of it. Sorry Adrian. But when Adrian broke his collar-bone only a few months into their relationship and Jackie made him individual sized meals to re-heat while she was home in Boston, I thought boy, is she smitten. Although my trip out to San Francisco where I met the man who captured my sisters heart may not have been my favorite trip out to the west coast, thanks to the A’s sweeping the Red Sox, the relationship blooming between Jackie and Adrian was quite clear. And it delighted me to see Jackie so happy. If my memory serves me right, this was the weekend they first said I love you to each other. Just over 4 years ago...
She had found someone who made her laugh and encouraged her to go after what she wanted in life. She had her travel companion, her wine tasting designated driver, and most importantly a perfect partner. And Adrian, on behalf of my family, we can’t thank you enough for getting her off our hands! Just kidding.
Jackie, you are one of the most inspiring people I know. You inspire me to work hard, to make the most of my time with friends and family, and to get out there and travel the world. You are such a kind, confident, and generous person who I am so very lucky to call my sister. You are beautiful inside and out, and simply glowing tonight. You are my best friend and I wish you nothing but the best in life. I want to thank you for always being there for me. It has meant more to me than I can truly put into words.
Borrowing a quote from one TV’s highly respectable series, Sex in the City....Perhaps if we never veered off course (to San Francisco), we wouldn't fall in love, or have babies(in the future), or be who we are. After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, only a plane ride away.
So everyone please raise your glasses. To Jackie and Adrian, may your lives be filled with love and laughter, adventure, and most importantly, the company of each other. On behalf of my family, I hope everyone has a fabulous evening tonight.
When I think about the past, about my greatest memories growing up, there is one thing that is always there, my sister. I can't tell you how many times I thought about this speech and what I wanted to say. How do you put into words, into a 2 minute speech, just how much someone means to you? How do you find the right words to describe just how special she is and how I'd be lost without her.
I mean who else would I want to visit Disney World with, hike in Yellowstone, gamble in Vegas, or drink wine in Sonoma? Thanksgiving in Italy where I got to meet Ashley & Christina was amazing, and seeing Jack Johnson in Madrid? Unforgettable. When I started building this list, I realized just how many places we’ve been able to travel to together. Apparently traveling together is when we got along as kids...sorry mom & dad.
It may not have seemed it growing up, but I sure did look up to my big sis. But, since I obviously did NOT want her to know this, it mostly consisted of stealing her clothes behind her back or making fun of her to look cool. And, man was I cool. Thank goodness we grew out of that stage and became good friends by high school. The only problem, when Jackie left for college, I didn't know what I would do with only half a wardrobe and no personal driver. Clearly, I needed to get into Bentley College. I'll never forget the day I got accepted there. I was afraid to tell Jack, afraid she wouldn't want me to go to the same school as her. But when she screamed with delight and told me I had to go to Bentley, I knew I wouldn't regret that decision. Homecomings & spring days, my first drink at 21, with my sister, my first summer living in the city, in Jackie's spare closet, I mean office. Remember that Meg & Christina?
So when Jackie decided to move across the country, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it. Sure, I was excited for her and knew it was where she needed to be at the time, but call me selfish for not wanting her to leave me. But, like they say, everything happens for a reason. When Jackie told me she had me this guy at a party and they were planning on hanging out soon I can’t say I thought too much of it. Sorry Adrian. But when Adrian broke his collar-bone only a few months into their relationship and Jackie made him individual sized meals to re-heat while she was home in Boston, I thought boy, is she smitten. Although my trip out to San Francisco where I met the man who captured my sisters heart may not have been my favorite trip out to the west coast, thanks to the A’s sweeping the Red Sox, the relationship blooming between Jackie and Adrian was quite clear. And it delighted me to see Jackie so happy. If my memory serves me right, this was the weekend they first said I love you to each other. Just over 4 years ago...
She had found someone who made her laugh and encouraged her to go after what she wanted in life. She had her travel companion, her wine tasting designated driver, and most importantly a perfect partner. And Adrian, on behalf of my family, we can’t thank you enough for getting her off our hands! Just kidding.
Jackie, you are one of the most inspiring people I know. You inspire me to work hard, to make the most of my time with friends and family, and to get out there and travel the world. You are such a kind, confident, and generous person who I am so very lucky to call my sister. You are beautiful inside and out, and simply glowing tonight. You are my best friend and I wish you nothing but the best in life. I want to thank you for always being there for me. It has meant more to me than I can truly put into words.
Borrowing a quote from one TV’s highly respectable series, Sex in the City....Perhaps if we never veered off course (to San Francisco), we wouldn't fall in love, or have babies(in the future), or be who we are. After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, only a plane ride away.
So everyone please raise your glasses. To Jackie and Adrian, may your lives be filled with love and laughter, adventure, and most importantly, the company of each other. On behalf of my family, I hope everyone has a fabulous evening tonight.
Cheers!
And that my friends, ends the week of J&A wedding reminiscing. Have a great weekend!
xoxo, T
Tracey, I'm literally tearing up at my desk - waht a beautiful speech!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I still tear up to when I read it! ha. But somehow I kept it together (for the most part) that day.
DeleteI was so happy to read this again. What a great job you did honey!! Loved reading every day. Love you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mom! Love you too. :)
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