Two weekends ago my son, James, married a wonderful woman, Linley. All of our family members are thrilled and happy! We love them both very much. I was honored and excited to present one of the wedding toasts after the ceremony. I thought I’d share my wedding toast here for three reasons:

1. Someday you may need to prepare a wedding toast and could be looking for ideas to help in your preparation.
2. I wanted to create a permanent spot to toast this fantastic couple that we love dearly.
3. The wedding toast included beer (and wine) so I’m still blog appropriate.

I thought about whether or not to write an article so personal. However, I decided to proceed after discussing my idea with family and the newly wedded couple and receiving their encouragement.

The wedding was in Hawaii and involved us, as well as, numerous family and friends traveling to Oahu for the event. Also, James and Linley had recently completed an extended tour of the Pacific Southeast. Their Pacific Southeast journey was the type of trip that could easily break or make a relationship. Hence, in my preparation I thought a wedding toast with the theme about the journey of marriage would be appropriate.

Here’s my wedding toast:

“Today we are here to celebrate the union of Linley and James as husband and wife. What a magnificent couple!

A short while back, Linley and James took a 4 month tour of the Pacific Southeast. On this journey they discovered many wonders; they met people with fascinating stories; they made new friends; and they created  their own stories. And James and Linley each brought a different perspective and contribution to this adventure that made the overall trip better for one another.

It wasn’t always easy. For example, Linley got a severe case of food poisoning. And James took a nasty spill while running through the rain. But during those times they helped and supported one another.

And through the good and bad, overall they had a magnificent time, growing in their love and appreciation for one another.

In the end, they came back a changed couple. Patricia and I could see it. Linley and James had grown closer and made one another better and stronger.

Well, marriage is also a journey and this celebration is for the start of the greatest journey that you, Linley and James, will ever take.

Like all great journeys, the best part is discovering, enjoying, and sharing the adventures, people, and stories you’ll find along the way. And the greatest part is the joy of sharing with one another.

Also, like all journeys, you’ll find occasional road hazards and missed turns. But you can’t let these moments derail you from your journey’s adventurous joy.

Through the good and the bad, the best thing to hold onto is each other.

Linley and James, your family and friends will always support and love you through this journey. And we are all thrilled to share this moment.

Everyone please raise their glasses…………. Here’s to Linley and James and their greatest journey! Cheers!”