Hope strengthens.

What can I say, today of all days? Martine, you are now Mrs. Stefanovic. The tall, lanky girl who I’ve known since I was two years old has grown up into a beautiful woman, starting a new chapter in her life. Finally going somewhere that I cannot follow. I want to say, “stop, don’t go, stay here with me where you belong.” But as I stand here and look at you and your husband, I realize you are
exactly where you belong.

Is this not what we dreamed about? Played Barbie, pretending that we were the ones in pretty white dresses, marrying our Ken?

And Nick, I can’t remember a time as an adult that I didn’t know you; that you were not a part of my life. I’ve always felt that you were family, and now we’re related by marriage, and it’s so, so awesome! I feel like at this point I should insert a warning to treat her like the Queen she deserves to be treated as, but you do that already.

So, because I’m going to need a drink if I’m ever going to let you take Martine away from me, I would like everyone to raise their glass to Martine and Nick. I love you both so very much. Have a wonderful life together.