Kristen's Wedding: My Matron of Honor Toast

For way of background, Kristen and I have been best friends since ninth grade. Like most friendships that span 13 years (5 of which where spent on opposite sides of the country), we have had ups and downs, disagreements and full fledged fights. We have also been there for each other like sisters and experienced many "firsts" together. When it came time to pick a maid of honor for my wedding, there was not a doubt in my mind that Kristen was the girl for the job. And she was exceptional. Truly, from her touching speech to her attention to every single detail- Kristen was the perfect maid of honor. When it came time to repay her, I had some big shoes to fill, starting with my speech.

I tend to fall on the "short and sweet" end of the spectrum. I was clear that I wanted to give a toast, not a "speech." (There is a difference!) Before I started writing, I said to Sean, no one cares about me. No one wants to hear all of our funny high school stories. We have plenty, but that's not what this is about. I think this is where people tend to get in trouble at weddings, they share a lot of personal details and inside jokes, which while very sentimental to a few people are not aimed at the general audience. True you are speaking to the bride and groom, but in my opinion- less is more. And I find that the bride and groom typically appreciate that. 

So without further ado, here was the basic outline I had for my speech. I changed a portion the day of the wedding, and added a little more off the cuff. 

Hello everyone, my name is Laura and I have the honor and privilege of being Kristen’s "matron" of honor. (I put air quotes around the word matron, since I fought back on the title.)

I am a card holding member of the Kristen fan club. I met Kristen within the first few days of ninth grade. Early on, it was clear that Kristen was someone I needed & wanted in my life.   Kristen is a spectacular, loyal friend. And truly the most creative, inspired, focused, determined person I have ever known. 

She get’s these VISIONS, which I don’t understand at all- and yet they always prove to be nothing short of brilliant. Looking around tonight, I have the joy of seeing yet another one of Kristen’s visions come to life. Luckily her visions have matured over the years.. and the beauty of this evening, greatly surpasses the original KBD fashion show in the parking lot of Wildwood School. (small inside joke/ story which many of the guests understood.)

Truly tonight is just exceptional, and nothing surpasses watching Kristen’s dreams become reality--- surfing the morning of her wedding, saying her vows by the ocean, and most importantly finding Brett. Talk about a dream come true!! Both for Kristen, and for those who love her, Kristen and Brett together- are a truly a fairy-tale  I’m not going to say “happy ending” but a VERY happy beginning. Because that’s what this is, right? It’s the beginning of everything!  

When Kristen told me she had a boyfriend in Boston, it was clear in the way she talked of Brett, that he was something special. The fact that she managed to find a rugby playing, pescaterian, from Southern California in New England- is just another sign of fate at work.

When I met Brett, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that he was the person for Kristen. Not just because of his charming personality, his love of animals & the ocean and dashing good looks, but because of the way he looked at Kristen. And it was just as clear this evening when they read their vows, Brett looks at Kristen the way every girl dreams of being looked at. Complete adoration, acceptance and support.

They are a team, and tonight is a celebration of that. It is a team, I always want in my life.

Brett & Kristen- in each other you have found “the one.” Your cheerleader for life, your pillar of strength, your partner in crime and your one true soul mate.

I love you both so much and it brings me great happiness to say: Let’s raise our glasses everyone and toast to the happy couple. Cheers to Kristen & Brett! 

In lieu of professional photographs, here are a few from the photo-booth & my favorite iphone pic.