I know it must have been a difficult decision for Justin and Casey to ask me to give a congratulatory wedding speech. It's usually the best man who gets up, champagne flute in hand and a story mixed with lots of funnies, maybe some sentimental stuff, with an ending of "I truly wish them all the happiness and joy, etc etc ..." When they asked me I was surprised; actually I was blown away.
Casey and I go way back, but we hadn't really been in touch for years. She called me about a years ago and told me she and Justin were getting married and wanted me there: told me she had told, spoken even argued with him about me being the surrogate "Master of Ceremony" as far as the ceremonial "toast" was concerned. But in her inimitable way, Casey was able to convince him, and that was that.
I kept putting it off: I just couldn't seem to get those first few words on paper. I was scared of letting Casey down. I figured I'd shelve it for a few days, and inspiration would strike when it was ready. Several days, several nights passed: and then I drifted off one evening back to our childhood. It was kind of a conscious sleep thing. Casey and I were, wow maybe 12 years old, having a sleep over at her house. We were watching the original "Father of the Bride," eating popcorn, and giggling about weddings our future ones, to be exact. Casey got very serious for a brief moment, looked at me, and told me that when she got married she wanted me, and only me, to give her wedding toast. She said my heart would know just what to say and how to say it; and it would all be true. I told her of course, and we giggled some more.
Well, now it was her wedding and she remembered, and I woke up and started crying silly, sentimental me. But, my thoughts started coming together. I went, splashed some water on my face, made myself a cup of tea, nestled on my sofa and started writing.
"Casey, Justin ... I took a dream-filled stroll one evening several months ago back to Casey's and my childhood. Back to when we were inseparable; back to when childhood was innocence and innocence was filled with romantic idealism. Casey always was a romantic. She knew, if not by name, then by nature and character who she was going to marry. We both grew up surrounded by family and friends; love and trust; and a sense of future Casey more than me. She loved, loves, being embraced by love and she gives it generously and wholeheartedly. Casey was always sensitive to others feelings and needs. I'm sure when she started arranging who would sit with whom she gave it considerable thought and had to feel it was a "right" seating. She opens her arms to people: she is the first to help, the first to listen, and the last to take, but then I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know.
That evening way back when I remember her describing her husband to-be to me: she knew he'd be attractive, but more importantly to and for her she knew he would balance her romantic idealism with romantic reality; her overflowing generosity with forethought and care; her occasional skepticism and hidden lack of self-confidence with insight and assurance ... I could go on but I think you all know that Casey's smile shines for everyone; her eyes sparkle with delight when good things happen for others; and her love is pure in its simplicity and boundless in its spirit.
Justin, we may not know each other well, but we share a deep and filling love for Casey; and in her love for you she has found the husband of her childhood dreams. She is an eternal romantic, and I wish you golden sunrises and amber twilights and love in your hearts always.
Casey and I go way back, but we hadn't really been in touch for years. She called me about a years ago and told me she and Justin were getting married and wanted me there: told me she had told, spoken even argued with him about me being the surrogate "Master of Ceremony" as far as the ceremonial "toast" was concerned. But in her inimitable way, Casey was able to convince him, and that was that.
I kept putting it off: I just couldn't seem to get those first few words on paper. I was scared of letting Casey down. I figured I'd shelve it for a few days, and inspiration would strike when it was ready. Several days, several nights passed: and then I drifted off one evening back to our childhood. It was kind of a conscious sleep thing. Casey and I were, wow maybe 12 years old, having a sleep over at her house. We were watching the original "Father of the Bride," eating popcorn, and giggling about weddings our future ones, to be exact. Casey got very serious for a brief moment, looked at me, and told me that when she got married she wanted me, and only me, to give her wedding toast. She said my heart would know just what to say and how to say it; and it would all be true. I told her of course, and we giggled some more.
Well, now it was her wedding and she remembered, and I woke up and started crying silly, sentimental me. But, my thoughts started coming together. I went, splashed some water on my face, made myself a cup of tea, nestled on my sofa and started writing.
"Casey, Justin ... I took a dream-filled stroll one evening several months ago back to Casey's and my childhood. Back to when we were inseparable; back to when childhood was innocence and innocence was filled with romantic idealism. Casey always was a romantic. She knew, if not by name, then by nature and character who she was going to marry. We both grew up surrounded by family and friends; love and trust; and a sense of future Casey more than me. She loved, loves, being embraced by love and she gives it generously and wholeheartedly. Casey was always sensitive to others feelings and needs. I'm sure when she started arranging who would sit with whom she gave it considerable thought and had to feel it was a "right" seating. She opens her arms to people: she is the first to help, the first to listen, and the last to take, but then I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know.
That evening way back when I remember her describing her husband to-be to me: she knew he'd be attractive, but more importantly to and for her she knew he would balance her romantic idealism with romantic reality; her overflowing generosity with forethought and care; her occasional skepticism and hidden lack of self-confidence with insight and assurance ... I could go on but I think you all know that Casey's smile shines for everyone; her eyes sparkle with delight when good things happen for others; and her love is pure in its simplicity and boundless in its spirit.
Justin, we may not know each other well, but we share a deep and filling love for Casey; and in her love for you she has found the husband of her childhood dreams. She is an eternal romantic, and I wish you golden sunrises and amber twilights and love in your hearts always.
About the Author:
Aaron Hu has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for unique wedding favors, E-WeddingFavors.com has the biggest selection available. You will also find Bridal Shower Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.
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