Good evening, everyone.
As I stand here tonight, I am filled with so many emotions, but most of all, I am filled with joy. Seeing my son, John, standing beside his beautiful bride, Emily, on this special day is truly one of the happiest moments of my life.
John, from the moment you were born, you brought light into my life. As you grew, that light only got brighter. I’ve watched you transform from a curious, adventurous little boy into a kind, compassionate, and loving man. You’ve always been the one who leads with his heart, who cares deeply, and who gives selflessly to those you love. And today, as I see you standing here with Emily, I know that you’ve found someone who matches the warmth and love that you carry within you.
I remember when John first mentioned Emily. There was something different in the way he talked about her—his eyes lit up in a way I hadn’t seen before. He was certain, he was excited, and I knew this wasn’t just another chapter in his life—it was the beginning of a whole new book. As I got to know Emily, I quickly realized why. She’s warm, she’s caring, and she brings out the very best in my son. Together, they radiate love, and it’s clear to everyone who knows them that they’re better together than apart.
Emily, I want to take a moment to thank you for loving my son the way you do. You’ve brought such happiness into his life, and in doing so, you’ve brought that happiness into ours. You’ve become a part of our family, not just because of today’s ceremony, but because you’ve already shown us how deeply you care for him, and for all of us. I know that the two of you will build a beautiful life together, full of love, laughter, and adventure.
Now, as a mother, it’s hard to let go. There’s always a part of me that will see John as my little boy—the one who used to hold my hand when he crossed the street, or the one who would come running to me with scraped knees, knowing that a hug would make everything better. But I’m not losing my son today—I’m gaining a wonderful daughter-in-law, and watching him begin this new chapter with you, Emily, fills me with pride and peace.
I would like to offer a bit of wisdom, something I’ve learned over the years: Marriage is not about perfection, but about choosing each other every single day. It’s about finding strength in your differences, laughing when life doesn’t go according to plan, and always remembering the love that brought you here today. There will be challenges, but I know that together, you can face anything.
So, to my son, John, and to my wonderful new daughter, Emily, I wish you a lifetime of happiness, endless laughter, and love that only grows deeper with time. May you continue to lift each other up, to support one another, and to build a life filled with joy and fulfillment.
Let’s raise our glasses to the bride and groom—may today be just the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Cheers!