To Love, Laughter, and a Happily Ever After!

I wanted to share with you the speech I wrote for Eric & Jamie's wedding reception...

Good evening everyone.

As most of you know my name is Melissa and I am Eric’s little sister. It is a real honor to be here tonight celebrating this special day between Eric & Jamie. Before I start I would like to say that Jamie you look absolutely stunning, Eric, well……… you just look stunned.

When Eric asked me to be his best man it seemed like a casual thing at first. But as I thought more about it, it became a very big deal for me. I began to feel a little overwhelmed with emotions and the importance of this day for both he and Jamie. I realized that out of everyone that Eric could have chosen, he chose me...and that it is pretty special, so thank you Eric.

As I began to think about Eric and what he means to me, I realized that I needed to tell him that I love him and that I am very proud to be his little sister. It was so nice growing up with a brother like him, I always had someone to lean on, someone to count on, and most importantly……. someone to tell on! Tonight I would also like to make a public, formal apology to my brother. You see Eric was the “golden one” before I arrived. He was the first born and our mom and dad’s pride and joy. Then I came along and well, his popularity rating took a real dive. In fact, he begged our parents to take my back to the hospital the same day they brought me home. I had evidently stolen his thunder.

Growing up Eric and I may not always have seen eye to eye, but as we've gotten older I have come to realize that so many of the qualities I most admired in our father were certainly passed on to him. It's not said enough or sometimes it's not said at all, but my brother is a person that I have come to have a great deal of love and respect for. What else can you say about a man who came from humble beginnings and is now quickly rising to the very top of his profession based solely on his intelligence, grit and the willpower to push on where others might fail. A man who is more than just successful, he is admired, trusted, respected and loved.

Jamie, I ask you to take care of my big brother and love him with everything in you. Separately, you are two special, remarkable people, but together you are complete. It is said that “You don’t marry someone just because you think you can live with them, you marry them because you know you can’t live without them.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, before I finish, there are obviously some very important people here tonight, without whom very little of this speech would have been possible. So please join me in a very special toast... to the bar staff.

And to my brother Eric, you are more than just my brother, you're also my friend. To his new wife Jamie who has quickly become the sister I have always wanted. I wish the both of you all of the happiness in the world and may you bring each other patience, understanding, and strength.

Here is to love, laughter and a happily ever after!