I never thought writing a speech for my sister's wedding would draw up so many emotions. I obviously knew this day would come, but to put myself out there and put my heart out there made me a bit uneasy about the situation. I sat down a few times to start writing and didn't really know where to begin. But once I started typing, words just started pouring out and I let my emotions lead the way. Here is a bit of my speech to one of the most important women in my life - my friend, my inspiration, my sister.
Matron of Honor Speech
We all here have something really special in common. On May 21, 1987 Kelsey Rae was born into this world. Dark brown eyes and gorgeous strawberry blonde hair - the cutest little thing you ever did see. And clearly, not much has changed! Never did I realize how much having a little sister would impact my life and that I would look up to her probably more than she would ever know and love this little being so unconditionally. Being an only child for 7 years is a big deal and within a split second my heart grew. My life certainly wouldn't have been the same without her in it and I believe that yours wouldn't either - which brings us all here together today.
Growing up, Kelsey allowed me to treat her as if she were my own child - I would dress up her and her friends, play hair cuttery on a good day and go to all of her soccer games to cheer her on. And even though we always had separate bedrooms growing up, we always slept in the same bed (per my request). She was, and still to to this day, is my security blanket. I can be a little neurotic, she keeps me grounded. At times I can be too literal, where she keeps life simple.
When I told my girls I was writing a letter to Aunt Kelsey I asked them what I should say. They first said “to tell her how much I love her” and I asked “how much is that?”. They quickly replied “with all of your heart”..and you know what?! They were right. My kids look to Kelsey as if she were an extension of me. Its going to be tough when she has her own kids one day b/c mine will have a tough time sharing her. Although with all of the babysitting she's done for me there is no saying how often I’ll have her kids at my house :)
There is no denying that Kelsey is an extraordinary woman. She is, and always has been, a strong, independent, smart, kind and yet very easy going person. She lets the world drive her motivation and follows her heart like know one I’ve ever seen. Life has certainly brought her challenges like most others, but she has handled them with grace the entire way. There are no accidents in this world - only marvelous instances which bring us all together.
With that being said, I must take full credit for her and Justin getting together. I believe that without me none of this would have ever taken place :) Kind of kidding! Lets go back 8 or so years ago when Kelsey was in high school deciding where to go to college. And as a typical middle child, she had no direction or clue as to where she might end up. In walks my now husband into our lives who had gone to Virgina Tech himself and pushed very hard for Kelsey to share the same experience he had had in college. She conceded and went onto Blacksburg only knowing a few people and hopeful for a bright future ahead. Little did we know, “almost Uncle Justin” would be waiting for her right around the corner...they met, began dating, and the rest is history. So Kelsey, “you’re welcome”!
Speaking of “Almost Uncle Justin”, as my kids call him. Justin is an amazing man who has brought complete joy into Kelsey’s eyes. Virginia Tech is a special place Kelsey & Justin will always hold dear to their hearts, as I will mine. I was so honored when he allowed my family to be apart of their proposal last year when we were in Blacksburg for a football game. It showed his love of family and he certainly understood how much it meant to us. It hasn’t been an easy road with us kids growing up and Justin has provided Kelsey the stability, love and support where she needed it most. And I believe she has done the same for him. Not to mention The Chenualts themselves - Bert, Anne, Jamin, and Megan (and who could forget Matt) who couldn’t be a better addition into our family. They are kind, loving, and warm people.
I have been waiting for your wedding day for a very long time and I know tomorrow is going to be a day to remember. Seen as how I accidentally broke your leg on the day of your Baptism, I’ll refrain from telling you to "break a leg" tomorrow. But I will give you two pieces of advice. My advice for tomorrow is to, at some point during the reception, pause, take a step back and a good look around. Soak it all in b/c this is a day you’ve been working towards for a very long time. And each and every person in that room loves you so much and they are all there for you! As for my marriage advice, its to simply love each other, always. When things get busy with kids, or hard with family, or tricky with work, or even intense in everyday life...remember why you got married in the first place and how much you love each other in this moment. It will get you through those times, I promise. Life gets crazy and its important to realize what a great couple you are!
I love you more than you’ll ever know, Kelsey <3
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