I gave at my best friend Lisa Jordan’s wedding last month. This was my first time giving a speech in front of a crowd and I was a little nervous. But Lisa was so awesome giving hers at my wedding I had to step up to the challenge. It went a little something like this.

Good Evening!

For those of you who don’t know me, my name Rachel, best friend and Maid of Honor to our gorgeous Bride. I was honored when Lisa asked me to stand by her side today as she marries Bill. Realizing I would be giving a toast I remembered my wedding day and how Lisa prepared a speech. Well Lis now it my turn.

Lisa has been my friend for close to 20 years now. Neither of us can remember the exact day we met but it was sometime during the third grade.    Somewhere between girl scouts and french class we became best friends and we’ve been inseparable since.

Lisa is the sister I never had. No matter what happens in life I can turn to her for support and understand, for an open ear or a shoulder to cry on. For someone to make me laugh till I cry and to be strong when I cant find the strength. She’ll always be there for me and  I couldn’t ask for anything more in a friend.

We’ve had lots of good times and memories together. It seems like it was just yesterday that we were spending whole weekends at each other’s houses, staying up all night, watching Monty python and bad infomercials.        Oh! by the way, the eggwave does not make the perfect omelet!

Shes always there to get me out of a sticky situations, like cleaning hair die off the bathroom ceiling.

When Lisa got her first car we would just drive around town stopping only for the occasional Chinese fire drill and to see the reaction of car next to us. After that it was endless pots of coffee at Jays diner and late night trips to wegmans for peach Snapple and Cherry Garcia.

Lisa is a very dedicated friend, Every time my parents went out of town she was   right by my side helping me plan the party. and again the next day hiding the evidence. If I ever got in trouble she was always there to bail me out. We truly were partners in crime.

I have to say, I always thought that it might be difficult for her to find a man who could live up to her standards. Then came Bill, and he definitely lives up to them – or, maybe she got rid of her standards.

I’m not sure which.

I thought about some advice that I’d like to give Bill. A few words of wisdom about being married to my best friend.

rule number 1: Lisa is always right
rule number 2: in the event she is wrong, see rules number 1

If you’re clever, you’ll  have the last word. However, if you are smart, you won’t use it.

And, Bill, always remember…a happy wife, makes for a happy life so just sit back and keep your mouth shut and you’ll do just fine.

On my wedding day Lisa had me put out my hand (Lisa will you please but out your hand) she then had my husband lay his on top of mine. She explained how this was the last time he would ever have the upper hand.

Well I’m sorry Bill, but i think we both know you never had the upper hand.

In all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.

I see all the love and joy you share in your life and I  know its meant to last . When two people love each other as much Lisa and Bill do, only something beautiful can come of it. Just look at their daughter Hailey.

Separately, you are two special, remarkable people, but together you are complete.

So if everyone will please raise your glass and join me in a toast.

To Lisa and Bill:

May your love grow stronger as you share your lives together and may your future be even more wonderful than you ever dreamed possible.