A letter to Jeanette and Sam…

We did it. We're finally here. What an amazing journey this has been with you. Jeanette, you are the love of my life. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to be your husband. It is really a dream come true. The only thing I ever wanted to change about you was your last name, and I have the absolute honour to do so today. I will protect you, admire you, love you, and support you. I can promise you that I will do everything to make you the happiest girl in the world and make sure I'm the best husband to you and our family. Jeanette Santini, I love you forever. Here's to a lifetime of love and happiness.

Jeanette, where do I even begin? As your older sister, I've had the privilege of watching you grow into the amazing woman you are today. From the days where I held your hand through moments when you felt shy, celebrating your nursing school graduation, watching you hold Iris for the first time, and today, marrying the actual love of your life, I have always been proud to have you as my sister.

Sam, seeing how happy you make Jeanette fills my heart with joy, and it brings me calmness knowing that with you, she has everything that she needs. My hope for the both of you is that you don't get fooled by what many call ordinary. Instead, I hope that you realize how extraordinary it is to get to fall more in love with the same person each day.

Sam, we did it, my man. We've been talking about this day for fifteen years, and I couldn't be happier for you and Jeanette. I can remember the first time you talked about Jeanette. We were going out for breakfast, and you could not stop talking about how hot she was. You got that big smile on your face, and I still see that smile when you're looking at her today.

Sam, the more that life passes on, I realize how lucky and blessed I am to have met you. You have always been there for me since the day we met. In high school, I felt like I was a big brother to you, always having your back. But the older we got, there was a shift, and you helped me become a man. Making you the godfather to my son was the easiest decision I've ever made, and I'm excited to watch you help him become a man one day, too.

We have come rejoicing into the house of the Lord, and now we stand with Sam and Jeanette on the day they intend to form a home of their own. For them, this is a moment of unique importance, so let us support them with our affection, with our friendship, and with our prayer as their brothers and sisters.

I, Sam, take you, Jeanette, to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and honour you all the days of my life.

I, Jeanette, take you, Sam, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and honour you all the days of my life.

Jeanette, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Sam, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

I was so happy to be able to walk my daughter this morning down the aisle, and I know she couldn't choose better. Jeany, you form a blessing duo with us. I want to tell you that I'm so proud of you and the woman you have become. Jeany, I consider myself to be very proud and fortunate to be your papi and to witness the beginning of your life as a wife.

Sammy, our little baby, we are so proud of you, Sam. What a wonderful man you've become. You always give 100% at everything you do, and it shows. Jeanette, we welcome you to our family with open arms. We wish you all the happiness in the world.

To my husband on our wedding day: In December 2019, my life changed forever. I remember the day we met like it was just yesterday because one night with you is all it took. When our paths finally crossed, it felt like I was finally home. I just knew there was something so special about you, and you haven't failed to show me that every day since. I don't know what I did to deserve you, deserve this, and your unconditional love, but I accept it so proudly. I commit to spending my life building it up and cherishing the chance to experience it with you. I promise to laugh with you and be your biggest fan and supporter in good times and bad. I promise you all of me—body, mind, and spirit—all the days of my life. Because of you, I will never have to know what it's like to be alone. Because of you, I will always feel loved and accepted. I want you to know that I adore you. You are forever loved, forever part of my life, and forever part of me. I love you so incredibly much. Your wife, Jeanette Fernandez Santini.