Cheers to Zach & Emily

 

 

One of Emily's bridesmaids shared a speech at the reception, and she gave me permission to share it with you. It is a beautiful description of the love between Emily and Zach and the friendships they have with others.  

 

Hello, my name is Paige and I have had the privilege of being friends with both Zach and Emily for the past 5 years.

 

Emily is a beautiful, tender soul, a hopeless romantic in most aspects of life. She holds on to joy wherever possible. She is honest and open and direct, but such an honest person. She loves with a depth and genuine nature--to be loved by her is a true privilege.

Zach is such an incredible friend. He is full of wisdom, he is smart, generous, faithful and diligent. With a fierce heart, thirst for adventure and a relentless perseverance of the things he cares about. Especially Emily.

 

You may not know that Emily's favorite movie as a kid was Peter Pan and that she had a crush on Peter growing up. Ironically, she herself is much like Wendy, a responsible big sister who cares deeply for those around her and loves to read and dream of wonderland.

It's fitting then, that Zach is much like Peter. A thirst for adventure with a troop of friends who would go anywhere with him. A natural born leader who will rise against any forces who would threaten what he holds dear. He has such integrity, even his shadow knows what he is about. He would stare down a crocodile-fearing pirate captain, challenge his friends, and even say hard things to the one he loves if life calls for it.

 

Emily, like Wendy calls others higher. She calls shots as she sees them, and will not be left out of the adventure. She loves deeply, and creates a safe space for those around her.

Together, these two have truly built something that seems like it belongs in a kid's book for the pure love that it holds. Like the story in Neverland, it's not been perfect, there have been arguments, and moments when the faith in the magic almost faded. But they fought for it and it came back stronger and brighter than ever.

 

 Zach, I couldn’t have hoped for a better man to pursue this sweet friend. In your love, Emily has found the peace her heart longed for, it is clear how you hold her in equal parts gentleness and fierceness and she has become more of the beautiful girl that I have had the privilege of knowing privately, in public.

Emily, thank you for loving Zach. Two weeks into dating, I remember you looking me in the eyes and saying, "I am going to marry Zach." Thank you for contending for him in the hard things, for choosing the narrow path, and always fighting for your relationship. Zach is clearly so secure in your love, and that has been a joy to see. He has become more joyful, vibrant and gentle. And you were right! Here you are, marrying Zach.

 The only thing I could now hope to say is… Zach I lost the game…. Also, congratulations, for this day and all the days to come. And never forget the secret to life is the live with love, faith, trust, and pixie dust…. CHEERS!

 

(Thank you Natasha Miley and Arin Love with @Shutterupphotographers (Instagram) or @ShutterUpPhotographyTexas (Facebook) for not just amazing photos, but a wonderful experience!)