A letter to Jennifer and Patrick…

Patrick, from our first date to our wedding day, you have shown me nothing but respect and what it is to have a supportive partner to navigate this wonderful life. Your loving nature, your gentle soul, and your ability to talk me through even the toughest moments are just a few things I love about you, Patrick. When you're gone, I find myself counting the hours until I can be with you again, hugging you and giving you all the kisses. I should be nervous, anxious, and overwhelmed, but I find myself calm and at peace because I know that no matter what happens today, I am marrying my best friend, my forever supporter, my encourager, and my soulmate.

Despite us growing up miles apart—Jen, a small-town girl; me, from the big city—we were very fortunate to spend many summers together and visit each other frequently. All that really mattered was we were together, and I feel so grateful to have you in my life. By following the lines of a family tree, I'm Jen's cousin, but by following the bonds of life, we are sisters.

You have very obviously found the true love of your life. It is something that we as parents can only hope and dream for our children. To see how happy you are with Jennifer by your side makes me feel very happy for you and very proud of the man you have become.

Mom - you guys shared a bond that just meant the world to her, and I know what it meant to you, so it's an amazing thing. I know how proud she would be right now to see how happy we wound up in this world, and I know she'd be thrilled beyond belief having met Jennifer and to see what you two are for each other. It's amazing.

Over the years, Patrick and I have both learned from each other, earned respect for each other, and became the brothers we are today. I wouldn't be the man I am today without my best friend Patrick, my big brother. Our journey together has been filled with ups and downs and everything in between, but through it all, we've grown closer, shared countless memories, and built a bond that's unbreakable. To Patrick and Jennifer, may your love story continue to be filled with laughter, adventures, and, of course, an abundance of love.

Jennifer, in preparing for this speech, I could not think of anything perfect enough to describe just how much I love you. I couldn't find the words to define the kind of friend you are to me. Nothing makes me smile more than getting to witness your happiness today. If anyone deserves this, it's you. It's been amazing to watch your relationship grow over the years and hear about your many adventures and trips together. Me, Matthew and Sawyer look forward to making many more memories with you in the years to come.

Today is a celebration—a windy, beautiful celebration of family, of friendship—but most importantly, today is a celebration of love. Patrick and Jennifer stand before you to declare their commitment to each other in front of all of you, to celebrate with you on this wonderful occasion. Today, you are teaming up and saying to the other, "For every experience I have in my life, I want you to be a part of it."

Patrick, I give you this ring so that you may wear it as a symbol of the promises we are making today. I choose you as my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish forever. Together, we will share our love.

Jennifer, I give you this ring so that you may wear it as a symbol of the promises we are making today. I choose you as my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, in joy and in sorrow, and to be faithful to you alone. Forever, together, we will share our love.

Patrick, Jennifer, it is my honor to declare you to be husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Please join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Patrick and Jennifer Schnarr.

Jennifer, as I reflect on our journey together, it's incredible to think that it all began on August 18th, 2017, when we first started talking. Little did I know that those initial conversations would lead to the most profound and beautiful chapter of my life. The memory of our first kiss on October 18th, 2017, is etched in my heart forever. It is a moment that made time stand still. I knew then that I wanted to share a lifetime of kisses with you. You are my heart's deepest desire, all my dreams come true, and a blessing from God. I am forever grateful to Dad and Anya for arranging our paths to cross on that fateful day in August 2017.