The day before Katie and I got married back in 2022, we hosted an informal rehearsal dinner at a local restaurant. After everyone had their bellies full of good food, great wine, and even better fellowship, I gave a quick speech before raising a toast. This was one of three speeches that I wrote, rehearsed and delivered that weekend. This was an intimate affair, so most people didn’t hear it, therefore I’d like to share it here for #naBloPoMo.

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First of all, I want to thank everyone here for coming tonight and being a part of this special celebration. I know it means a lot to Katie and it certainly means a lot to me that you all have shown up not only tonight but in the many ways that you have over the last year and a half.

At the core, people get married simply to make a formal commitment to the one they seemingly cannot live without. And in the instance of this marriage, that is certainly true. 

But to organize a wedding?! That’s something else entirely!

You host a wedding ceremony so you can share that commitment publicly with those you love and care about the most. 

You host a wedding to exhibit the beauty that is the bride. 

And you host a wedding to celebrate the small army of people who not only helped you pull it off, but are now a part of your combined family.

When we got engaged back in June of 2021, we both knew that the wedding of our dreams was attainable, yet neither of us realized just how many sacrifices we’d have to make to get there. 

Katie and I have poured so much actual blood … so much actual sweat … and so many actual tears into making this event a reality. Some friendships have been strained, others have blossomed; family members have supported us, fought us and were often confused by us. And EVERYONE – that’s friends, family, coworkers and even strangers, have passed along their suggestions – some friendly and others aggressively.

But at the end of the day, all that really matters is that Katie and I get to commit ourselves to each other surrounded by loved ones and done in a fashion that is authentically us. True to our hearts, our passions, our expectations and our morals … Absolutely no one else’s. 

It’s an event that’s going to be tasteful, elegant and unmistakably Katie and Justin. 

Every person in this room has contributed in some way, whether big or small, and we can’t possibly begin to properly thank you for it. We know this is going to be the wedding of the century and while the love would have still been there regardless, the event wouldn’t be what it’s about to be without you all. 

So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you all for everything. We hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight and especially tomorrow.

Everyone … We made it!

Skal!

-jtf

This is post 20 of 30 in my most recent attempt at tackling NaBloPoMo. Funsies and such.