Good evening everyone! I’m Alex, Ethan’s older brother – and yes, I’ll keep reminding him I’m older because it’s my duty as a big brother. For those who don’t know our dynamic, I’m the handsome one… though looking at him today, I have to admit he’s giving me a run for my money.
You know, growing up with Ethan was quite an adventure. As kids, I was always dragging him into some kind of trouble – like the time I convinced him that if he ate enough spinach, he’d turn into the Incredible Hulk. Sorry, Mom, now you know why he went through that green food phase! But Ethan got his revenge when he told all my high school dates about the time I cried watching The Lion King… which, by the way, was totally because I had something in my eye.
Being Ethan’s brother means I’ve had a front-row seat to his journey – from the kid who used to follow me everywhere (sometimes annoyingly so) to the incredible man standing here today. Though I have to say, Olivia, I’m still trying to figure out what you see in my little brother. I mean, this is the same guy who once tried to convince our parents that the dog ate his math homework… when we didn’t even have a dog!
But then I saw you two together, and it all made sense. Olivia, you somehow manage to both ground my brother and encourage his adventures. You laugh at his terrible jokes (which he definitely got from me), and you’ve even mastered the art of getting him to dance – something our family thought was impossible after the infamous wedding chicken dance incident of 2018.
Ethan, little bro, I’ve always tried to be a role model for you, but watching you with Olivia has taught me a thing or two about love. You’ve shown me what it means to truly be there for someone, to support their dreams, and to build a partnership based on trust, respect, and an unhealthy obsession with reality TV shows – though that last one might just be you two.
Mom and Dad, look at what an amazing job you did with my little brother… though I think we can all agree I’m still your favorite, right? Just kidding! But seriously, thank you for raising us to be not just brothers, but best friends.
Olivia, welcome to our crazy family! Fair warning: our family Christmas karaoke competition is mandatory, and Ethan’s rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’ is… well, let’s just say enthusiastic. You’re stuck with us now, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
Could everyone please raise their glasses? To my little brother Ethan and my new sister Olivia – may your love story be as endless as our childhood arguments about who gets the TV remote, and may you always find reasons to laugh together, even when Ethan attempts to cook dinner.
And Olivia, just remember – if you ever need any embarrassing stories about Ethan, I have about 28 years’ worth, and I take bribes in the form of chocolate! To the happy couple!