NOTE: This toast/speech was originally hand-scribbled on first a napkin and then the back of a wedding program while I sat at a Starbucks an hour before my friend’s wedding on Saturday. It was messy, unstructured and rambled in a few spots. But it was also from the heart. Due to time constraints and a desire to keep the thunder where it belonged (with the Best Man), I opted at the last minute to only deliver a small portion of this speech. But I’m posting it so the bride can see that I did, in fact, write her the speech she requested. Congratulations guys! -- Ken
If someone were to ask me to think about what I value most in life, I don’t suppose the thought process would take me very long. Because I would invariably tell this someone that it is my family and friends that are most important to me. And I think this is why Brian and I are such great friends, because we share these values in common. I know there is nothing he cherishes more in his life than his loved ones. But if his family – his parents Mr. and Mrs. Louie, his sisters Jennica and Monica – and we, his friends, are the measures of his wealth, his treasure; then this beautiful woman sitting next to him tonight; the newly wedded Mrs. Jackie Peng Louie, is his crown jewel.
You know, I could likely go on for hours about how unique Brian and Jackie’s story is; how improbable this moment might be or how unbelievable it is that we are all here today, looking our sharpest, celebrating their wedding. But then I think to myself; isn’t that the beauty of this day, and of life in general? Isn’t this moment what life is supposed to be about? After all, why shouldn’t we seek to fill our days with the sort of amazingly unexpected experiences that leave us thankful for our own good fortune?
To me, more than anything, Brian and Jackie are the evidence I need to know that the most wonderful aspects of life are those with no timetables or limitations. That true love and all the blessings that come along with finding it in another are – to use Brian’s own famous one word proclamation – “INCREDIBLE!” and absolutely what we decide to make of them. They teach me that while steadiness, solidity and compromise are bedrocks of a successful relationship, so too are inspiration, flexibility and spontaneity. I fully believe that for Brian and Jackie, this is merely day one to a lifetime of shared happiness.
So I’d like to ask everyone to please raise your glasses to Brian and Jackie. I could not be happier for you two, more proud to call you my friends or more honored to be here standing in front of 250 people in a mismatching black bowtie and red cumberbun, no matter how nervous I may look up here right now. Thank you for asking me to be a part of this celebration and thank you Mr. and Mrs. Louie, Mr. and Mrs. Peng, for having such wonderful children. May your marriage be blessed with enduing love and happiness and know that as long as I am around, neither of you shall ever want for the support and friendship I am so grateful to receive from all of you guys everyday. Congratulations guys. I love you both.
If someone were to ask me to think about what I value most in life, I don’t suppose the thought process would take me very long. Because I would invariably tell this someone that it is my family and friends that are most important to me. And I think this is why Brian and I are such great friends, because we share these values in common. I know there is nothing he cherishes more in his life than his loved ones. But if his family – his parents Mr. and Mrs. Louie, his sisters Jennica and Monica – and we, his friends, are the measures of his wealth, his treasure; then this beautiful woman sitting next to him tonight; the newly wedded Mrs. Jackie Peng Louie, is his crown jewel.
You know, I could likely go on for hours about how unique Brian and Jackie’s story is; how improbable this moment might be or how unbelievable it is that we are all here today, looking our sharpest, celebrating their wedding. But then I think to myself; isn’t that the beauty of this day, and of life in general? Isn’t this moment what life is supposed to be about? After all, why shouldn’t we seek to fill our days with the sort of amazingly unexpected experiences that leave us thankful for our own good fortune?
To me, more than anything, Brian and Jackie are the evidence I need to know that the most wonderful aspects of life are those with no timetables or limitations. That true love and all the blessings that come along with finding it in another are – to use Brian’s own famous one word proclamation – “INCREDIBLE!” and absolutely what we decide to make of them. They teach me that while steadiness, solidity and compromise are bedrocks of a successful relationship, so too are inspiration, flexibility and spontaneity. I fully believe that for Brian and Jackie, this is merely day one to a lifetime of shared happiness.
So I’d like to ask everyone to please raise your glasses to Brian and Jackie. I could not be happier for you two, more proud to call you my friends or more honored to be here standing in front of 250 people in a mismatching black bowtie and red cumberbun, no matter how nervous I may look up here right now. Thank you for asking me to be a part of this celebration and thank you Mr. and Mrs. Louie, Mr. and Mrs. Peng, for having such wonderful children. May your marriage be blessed with enduing love and happiness and know that as long as I am around, neither of you shall ever want for the support and friendship I am so grateful to receive from all of you guys everyday. Congratulations guys. I love you both.
so how about you speak at my wedding too? haha :)
ReplyDeleteLet me know where/when and I'll be there... granted you put 3 or 4 shots of Grey Goose in me first like Mark did last week.
ReplyDelete