My Best Friend's Wedding
CARRIE AND I NOVEMBER 2010
CARRIE AND I AUGUST 2012
This past Saturday was my best friend's wedding. When she got engaged last year, she asked me to give a speech at the wedding reception. After countless hours of editing and rewriting, here's my final copy. Side note: I cried second sentence in.
XOXO,
Good evening,Stay tuned for more updates on my trip to Calgary.
I want to start by congratulating the bride and the groom. It is a special day not only for you, but for me as well and all of us here. To witness such a remarkable milestone in your life is truly an honor, and I can't imagine two people being more perfect for each other.
For those of you who don't know, Carrie and I met 11 years ago in the 7th grade at Dr. Gordon Higgins. Our friendship goes back to when CalgaryPlanet and EdmontonOnline still existed, and when–instead of texting on our iPhones–we passed intricately folded, origami-like notes to each other in the school hallways.
Although over the years life has taken us in different directions and we don't always have the opportunity to see each other as often as we would like, there's something special about our friendship that will always remain the same. No matter how much time has passed, we're always able to pick up right where we left off.
Somewhere between our laughs, our long talks, our fights and our tears, I learned that there's the kind of friend who's there for you under certain conditions, and then there's the kind of friend who accepts the whole package and shows you what unconditional love is. Carrie, thank you for not just acknowledging my faults and imperfections, but for accepting them. You've always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. You're smart, funny, beautiful and one of a kind, but you already knew that. Your presence is truly a gift to the world, especially to those of us lucky enough to know you. You inspire me everyday just by being yourself.
I still remember when you first told me about Jon 7 years ago, and how you guys met at Winter Camp. You described him as being tall and a good dancer; two very important traits! Despite the struggles of a long-distance relationship, I never doubted that you guys would end up together, and I'm so glad my intuition played out. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting Jon 11 months ago, I knew by the way your eyes would light up, the smile that would form on your face and the way your vocals would change every time his name came into play, that you found your soul mate.
I know it means a lot to the both of you to have found someone who you can say with great conviction, "You are 'the one,' and there is no other that I'd rather spend the rest of my life with." Some people spend their entire lifetime searching for 'the one,' but Carrie and Jon have found each other at a relatively young age. Of course, don't let their age fool you. They both know that there are no back doors to this matrimony. They have vowed to each other to provide eternal care, respect, protection, understanding, loyalty and most importantly, love.
Carrie, I'm absolutely thrilled that you're married to your soul mate and best friend, even though we all know I'm your best friend and well, let's face it, Jon's no me! All kidding aside, as you and Jon embark on the next chapter of your life together, my wish to the both of you is this: May you never take each other for granted, but always experience the wonders of your union. May your love consist not only in gazing into each other's eyes, but also in looking outward in the same direction. May your love take you to places where you've both only dreamed of; where you'll dwell for a lifetime of happiness, sheltered in the warmth of each other's arms. And finally, may you love each other, even when you don't like each other.
Now it gives me immense pleasure to invite you all to raise your glasses in a toast to Carrie and Jon. To love, laughter and happily ever after... CHEERS!
XOXO,
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15 comments:
:). No words!
This speech is amazing! <3
xoxo
I didn't expect anything less than amazing from you. Love it!
I just cried, and I don't even know Carrie.
Beautiful, Lily, just beautiful.
LOVEYOUBFF.
with aloha, Mae
//thereafterish.com
This is so touching!
that is the sweetest and most touching note to a friend i have ever read. i seriously had tears welling up in my eyes! congratulations to your bestie!
ps..love your hair!
That was a beautiful speech :) I read your blogs because I love your style, but I'm also very pleasantly surprised on how insightful and beautiful your writing is. Thank you for sharing :)
I felt so weird for feeling so emotional about this but then I read that someone else cried so now its okay to be weird! :) Great speech. I hope I have friends like you to stand by me for moments like these! <3
Great speech Lily! That must have been so hard to read without being overcome entirely with emotion. That's so great that you two have managed to keep such an awesome friendship for so long :) Hehe it's cute how you guys are in the same pose in both photos.
That is beautiful! I would cry too... I DID cry as a MOH at my friend's wedding.. the WHOLE time... I wonder how audible I was!!
kat
aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com
Your speech is so beautiful! I got teary eyed as well... lol... I just love speeches about love, so cliche but so soothing!
congratulations! loved your speech and you all look great :).
LOVE BO,
PurePreciousPerfection.blogspot.com
I’m so in love with your speech ! Perfect look ! I really enjoyed reading through your blog, I am a new follower ! Would love for you to stop by my blog and follow back if you like it !
http://www.thisisln.com/2012/08/awang-sequins.html
Lily, the bob looks gorgeous on you. It makes me want to get one as well!
That was beautiful! <3 You are a great writer and congrats to your best friend Carrie!
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