Buenas noches a todos! Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m Sofía, Gabriela’s sister and proudly standing here as her maid of honor.
Gaby, mi hermana querida, seeing you today in your beautiful white dress with our abuela’s rebozo draped over your shoulders, I’m filled with so much love and orgullo. You’ve always been the perfect blend of our two cultures – as fierce as Frida Kahlo and as ambitious as Selena Quintanilla.
I still remember us as little girls, playing novias in mami’s garden, using her mantilla as a veil and arguing over who got to marry Ricky Martin. Look at you now, all grown up and marrying someone even better – sorry, Ricky!
Alex, I have to hand it to you. You’ve not only learned to roll your R’s almost perfectly, but you’ve also mastered the art of eating mami’s chile rellenos without breaking a sweat. That’s when I knew you were here to stay!
Gaby and Alex, your love reminds me of the story our abuelita used to tell us about the volcano Popocatépetl and the princess Iztaccíhuatl – two souls so in love that even in death, they remained side by side for eternity. Your love, like theirs, bridges worlds – in your case, the worlds of tamales and apple pie, of quebraditas and line dancing.
As we say in Mexico, “Amor no conoce fronteras” – Love knows no borders. And your love, Gaby and Alex, is proof of that. You’ve created your own unique familia, one that celebrates Cinco de Mayo with as much enthusiasm as the Fourth of July.
Now, as your big sister, I feel it’s my duty to offer some sage advice for a happy marriage:
- Remember, a couple that salsas together, stays together.
- In any disagreement, tacos are always the answer.
- Love is like a good mole – complex, rich, and gets better with time.
- And Alex, always remember – happy wife, happy life. Or as we say, “Feliz esposa, vida hermosa!”
Gaby and Alex, may your life together be as colorful as a piñata, as sweet as dulce de leche, and as strong as abuela’s cafecito. May your home be always filled with the warmth of sobremesas, the laughter of family, and the love that brought you together.
As you build your life together, never forget where you came from, but always look forward to where you’re going. Your love is a beautiful testament to the idea that the best things in life come from bringing different worlds together.
So, let’s raise our glasses – tequila, champagne, or whatever you’re holding – and toast to the newlyweds. In the words of the great Frida Kahlo, “Pies, para qué los quiero si tengo alas para volar?” – “Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly?”
To Gaby and Alex! May your love always give you wings to fly and roots to come home to. Que vivan los novios! Salud!