About a year ago, I began preparing this speech in my head.  I had so many amazing things to say.  But as the time drew nearer to actually put pen to paper, I blanked.  Because how do you really encompass the love between two of your favorite people in the world and the love that you have for them into a speech that should really last no longer than two minutes or so?  It’s a pretty big task. 

Nick and I met about 12 years ago at college.  We met at a party, ended up having a class together, and started spending a lot of time with each other.  But the funny thing is…I have no real memories of really getting to know you, Nick…I just feel like I’ve always known you.  And you’ve remained my constant and faithful friend.  I can’t think of a single time that you’ve ever let me down. 

And I’m sure it will come as no surprise when I tell you all that Michelle and I met…in a bar.  We used to frequent the downtown bars pretty often, but it took us a few years to realize we shared more in common than our love of stiff drinks, Spindlebomb, and boys.  Michelle’s and my friendship flourished in the most unlikely of places: after I moved to Reno, we talked every single day over…MySpace!  And that’s how we became best friends. 

Nick and Michelle, it has been a pleasure watching your relationship unfold.  I’ve been lucky enough to have the best seat in the house because both of you are my best friend.  It was so fun watching and listening to each of you in the beginning…you were both so happy and giddy and I felt honored to be part of something so wonderful and sacred.  And it was amazing to have yet another thing in common to talk about; finding the loves of our lives.  I’m so happy to see that the way you felt in the beginning has only deepened over time. 

I know it’s impossible to ever know what’s coming next in life.  Things can be very unpredictable as I know everyone in this room has probably experienced at one time or another.  But the one thing I know is that no matter what obstacles come your way, you’ll make it through together.  You always have.  You two are an excellent team.  You love each other, respect each other, and most importantly (and I really truly believe this), you really like each other.  Liking each other is what gets you through all the tough times.  You’ve also taught each other a lot: 

Michelle, you’ve taught Nick that girls actually don’t mind sharing the drive time on long road trips. You’ve taught him that contrary to his belief; pink is in fact, NOT the color of the devil.  And you’ve also taught him that it really is possible to give and receive love with every ounce of your soul. 

Nick, you’ve taught Michelle that “Sweet Caroline” is a ridiculous song choice no matter what the occasion.  You’ve taught her that garden gnomes are unacceptable home décor, not that she ever thought they were, but if she did, well, you can rest assured she doen’t anymore.  You’ve also taught her what true love is, and you’ve taught her that princes really do come. 

I’d like to close with one of my very favorite quotes about love.  In fact, I had Nick read this at my wedding and I can think of no better place or time than to share it than tonight with all of you: 

From this day forward, let us laugh together, and plan together, let us find our favorite places, and go together…

Let us enjoy the sunshine, and the rain, being alone together, and in crowds together…

From this day forward, together,

Let us love!