A letter to Erica and Adam…

Erica, growing up with an older sister like you has been an immense blessing. From the very beginning, you've been a living example of loyalty, discipline, and strength. From a young age, I've been fortunate to have Erica to look up to, to learn from, and be inspired by. You are an amazing sister, daughter, friend, cousin, and you will make an incredible wife.

Adam and Erica, may your journey be filled with countless moments of joy, adventure, and endless love. Let's raise a glass to the new couple!

As I was preparing for this speech, I was pouring over our family photo albums to get the memories flowing, and I came across something I had written twenty-three years ago in preparation for a scrapbook page I was working on for you. I made a photocopy of that page, and I brought it with me today. Our oldest child turned six this year. These are some of my favorite photos of Erica. She's very kind but at the same time can be very tough. She is smart, bright, and always thinking. She loves to play outside, ride her bike, rollerblade, and play with the kids on the street. Yes, our little girl is all grown up now, and we are celebrating her wedding day today. Erica, it is an absolute honour and joy to be your mother. You're so much more than a daughter to me; you've grown to become one of my best friends. I love you very much.

We gather together in joy to witness and celebrate the ongoing relationship and today the marriage of Erica and Adam. Today is a celebration, a celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it forever. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile, and that's why we're here today. From your new marriage relationship can come the nurture and strength you both need to face the world. Only from this moment on, you will face the world together in a new way.

In the presence of our family and friends, I, Adam, choose you, Erica, to be my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone, this is my solemn vow.

I, Erica, take you, Adam, to be my husband. I will cherish our friendship and love you today and tomorrow. I will trust you and honour you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully. As I have given you my hands to hold, so I give you my life to keep.

Erica, I give you this ring that you may wear it as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honour you.

Adam, obviously we spent some time together, there's been some shenanigans, and we've had a lot of fun. If I had to summarize our time together, it would ultimately be about love, support, encouragement, motivation, with a heavy dose of sports and healthy competition mixed in. Thank you for all that time, and thank you for inviting me to stand with you today on such a milestone day.

Adam, Mom and I, we are so pleased and so proud of all the decisions that you have made in your life. We couldn't be happier, as I said, and all the best in your great life together.

Erica, honoured and blessed, that's how I feel standing here on your wedding day. I'm so fortunate to have you as my daughter. Erica, you're strong emotionally, mentally, and physically, but you balance those strengths beautifully with your gentle demeanor. You're smart and confident, yet also humble and modest. I love the passion you put into everything you do and the logic that goes into all your decision making. Mom and I are so grateful for the person that you have become. I love you with every fiber of my being.

To Erica and Adam, as you start the next chapter of your lives together, remember to always do your best, never stop growing, accept all the challenges that come your way. Know that anything you put your mind to is possible, and above all, enjoy every day as it comes. We wish you health, happiness, and peace. To Erica and Adam!