Good evening, everyone!
First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here today to celebrate this beautiful occasion. My name is Julie, and I have the immense joy of being the mother of the groom, my wonderful son, Arjun. Today, I stand here, full of pride, love, and a little bit of disbelief that my little boy is now a married man.
As I’ve watched Arjun grow from a curious child into the incredible man he is today, I’ve often thought of this quote by James Joyce: “A man’s errors are his portals of discovery.” While growing up, Arjun certainly had his share of missteps, like the time he tried to fix the toaster and nearly set the kitchen on fire! But through every mistake, every lesson, he grew—stronger, wiser, and kinder.
And then along came Priya. When Arjun introduced us to her, I immediately understood this quote by Lao Tzu: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” It was clear that she gave him both strength and courage. She brought out the best in him, made him laugh harder, and, perhaps most importantly, taught him to always wear matching socks! But in all seriousness, their love is something extraordinary. The way they balance and support each other reminds me of the beautiful harmony we find in true partnership.
Watching them together, I’m reminded of the words of Maya Angelou: “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” No matter the challenges life has presented, Arjun and Priya have always approached them together, with hope and with love. They’ve built a relationship that is based on mutual respect, friendship, and a deep understanding of one another. It’s inspiring to witness, and it fills my heart with so much joy to see them so happy.
As a mother, it’s been my greatest wish that Arjun would find someone who loves him unconditionally. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s words, “I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything.” This quote rings true when I see the way Arjun looks at Priya. It’s a love that doesn’t need to be spoken—it’s felt by everyone around them.
To both of you, I offer this piece of wisdom from Rainer Maria Rilke: “A good marriage is one that allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love.” As you embark on this journey of marriage, remember that you will continue to grow as individuals and as a couple. Be patient with each other, laugh often, and never stop learning from one another. Let your love evolve and deepen with each passing day.
And finally, I’d like to leave you with this quote from Dr. Seuss: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Today, you two are living the reality of a dream that began with love. May that dream only grow richer and more beautiful in the years to come.
So, let us all raise our glasses to Arjun and Priya. May your love be a never-ending journey of discovery, courage, and joy. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and adventures together.
Cheers!