I have so much to say about my sisters wedding that I think it will take 2 parts to actually get it all out like I want to. It was the most beautiful day and she made the most beautiful bride! I was so happy to be a part of it as Matron of Honor, and I figured to start off, I would share the speech I gave at the wedding. I think this will give you a little bit of a look into the bride and groom!

Matron Of Honor Speech

For those of you who don’t know me my name is Jen, and I am Kelly’s older sister. Please bare with me because I have a feeling it’s going to be hard for me to get through this speech without tears in general, and add to it being 7 1/2 months pregnant I will be happy if I can just find my words…I want to start out by congratulating both Kelly and John Paul on this special day. I also wanted to thank you both for allowing me to be such a big part of it. I feel blessed to have been able to watch my little sister marry her best friend. Kelly, you look absolutely stunning, and John Paul you look truly handsome.  I hope you are having the most amazing day, and I am so happy to welcome John Paul into our family. He makes a wonderful addition.

I was extremely lucky to have a sister growing up. Some people say that sisters always fight, and are overly competitive Although that did happen sometimes…for the most part Kelly and I always got along. Sure sometimes she could be annoying…like when she would incessantly say “I want to go home” any time our mom and dad would take us anywhere…or when she’d  share a Slurpee with Matt and I and be sure to drink all of it so that we would get none. But really, those aren’t the times that truly stand out in my head. What I remember is having a friend growing up. Someone who was always there to play with me. Someone who would dress up and put on dance shows at night for our mom and dad…someone who would attempt to play basketball with me after dinner (on a side note the Foley sister’s were not very athletic) and someone just to laugh with. Today, I am 30 years old and Kelly and I STILL almost get kicked out from the dinner table because of our laughing fits. That friendship didn’t end when we grew up and left the house. No…it got stronger. Over the years Kelly has become someone that I could count on for just about anything. She is always there to celebrate the good times with me, but will also lend a shoulder to cry on when I encounter the bad. That’s the definition of a true friend, and the fact that she is also my sister means that no matter what she can’t get rid of me.

John Paul, thank you for being such a wonderful partner for Kelly. Some say we all have a soul mate out there, and the reason I know Kelly has found hers is because you are able to handle her better than anyone else I know. Somehow, when she’s with you she is calm…Maybe it’s because you have never felt an ounce of stress in your life, but since I am pretty sure Kelly stresses out enough for the both of you..you have both found y our match.

I remember when Kelly first started talking about John Paul when they were in college. She would tell us of the sweet things he was always doing for her. It didn’t take long for her to see he was a catch. John Paul is very good with his hands and would make her things, and one time for her birthday he made up a whole gift package, and the basket it came in was filled with peanuts. Why you ask? Well at the time he used to call her peanut, and I got to tell you I thought it was the cutest and sweetest thing I’d ever seen. Not many men put that much thought and effort into a gift. I remember thinking to myself…this guys a keeper!

I wish I could offer some solid marriage advice now that I am an old married lady of two years…but I don’t think I can come up with anything original! What I can tell you is to always be each other’s best friend. Life throws a lot at you, and it helps not only to have a husband or wife by your side, but also your friend.. Remember.. Separately, you are two special, remarkable people, but together you are complete. As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life, remember to scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loop the loops, and enjoy every twist and turn.

For the ride is much better when you share it together.