Toasting

Things have been pretty hectic for the last week or so with Alicia’s wedding coming up. We had the rehearsal and a dinner at my house on Saturday, then the actual wedding on Sunday. I thought I would post the toast I gave at the wedding.


What a happy day!  You’ve come from near and far.  We’re so glad that each one of you is here to celebrate with us, as there is no joy better than shared joy.
 
There is a tradition at wedding receptions of clinking your silverware against your glass until the couple kisses.  When Alicia’s mom and I got married we used a slightly different tradition that we had heard about.  On our wedding anniversaries, we would sometimes watch our wedding video.  That’s how Alicia found out about it and decided to use that tradition for her wedding.  So, if you want the couple to kiss, you or a group need to stand up and sing part of a song with the word love in it.  English or Spanish, your choice.
 
It has been an honor to be Alicia’s father and watch her grow up to become an extraordinary young woman.  Alicia, I am so proud of you.  Mom would say the same thing if she could.  She is here today sharing joy.

When Alicia decided to spend a year volunteering in Mexico after college a lot of my friends asked me if I was worried because of all the drug violence in Mexico.  I always told them I was more worried that she would meet some guy down there, want to marry him and stay in Mexico.

So, when Alicia told us it was getting serious with Carlos, it was scary.  But Debbie and I decided that Alicia had always had a good group of friends, so she was a good judge of people.  Maybe this Carlos guy might be OK.

Now that I’ve gotten to know Carlos, I can say he’s way better than OK.  I’m proud to have Carlos be a part of my family.

So, Alicia and Carlos.

You have two ears. Use one to hear each other and the other to hear what’s in your spouse’s heart.

You have two eyes. Use one to see each other and the other to see your spouse’s as they see themselves.

You have one heart, so love each other wholeheartedly.

Breath in love, calm and peace. Breath out and away trouble and turmoil.

My hope is that:
Que siempre peudas decir, te amo hoy más que te amé ayer.

And now, because you have lifted us up today with your love and commitment to each other, it’s time for us to lift up our glasses to you!

            To Alicia and Carlos Rodriguez!
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As a bonus I’ll tell you what I was saying in the Spanish part. My cousin’s daughter Maggie Kane provided the translation of my English phrase into Spanish. (Thank you!)
“My hope is that you will always be able to say I love you more today than yesterday.”