Recently, I was asked to write and present something about marriage for my friend Oliver. He is a great friend and it was an honor to participate in his wedding. The following is what I wrote about him and about marriage in general:
WELCOME SPEECH
Good afternoon. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you the wedding of Oliver and Jo.
People like to say that love is rare, but it's not. It is all around us, in everything we do. It is the mortar that holds us together and brings us all here today. But love is special. And found love ... love that has overcome obstacles and time, and even continents, in its quest to seek out that perfect bond ... is the most remarkable and wondrous of all. It is that love, the love that brought together two very special people, Oliver and Jo, that we celebrate today.
I first met Oliver many years ago, in Xi'an. And from that first introduction I was both impressed and intrigued by him. Oliver is the kind of person who inspires and confuses ... often at the very same time. I envy his intelligence and his perspective. I sometimes liken Oliver to a balloon set adrift against the sky. But he is not floating aimlessly, not a victim to the forces of Nature. Instead, I see Oliver as a Force of Nature. He is filled with passion and drive and focus (when he needs it).
Sadly, I don't know Jo as well. Not yet, at least. But in the time I have known her, I have been equally impressed. She is clever and independent, two characteristics that will serve her well during her life with Oliver. I feel that Oliver, as good as he was before, is an even better man now, and I think Jo has a lot to do with that. So thank you.
MARRIAGE
Marriage is equal parts love, passion and friendship. It is both defining and unpredictably liberating.
To be fair, marriage is more than a union of two people; it is the union of past and future. It is the culmination of your pasts, separate journeys that led you both to this exact moment in time. And this wedding is the symbolic starting point of the next great journey of your lives, a journey of profound discovery that you get to take together.
It won't always be easy but it won't be particularly hard either. You have a partner, someone to help you in times of need. Someone to share your experience with. Take advantage of that. But don't take it for granted. Remember to share everything, the good as well as the stuff that frustrates you. Basically what I'm saying is: Oliver, keep it real.
WELCOME SPEECH
Good afternoon. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you the wedding of Oliver and Jo.
People like to say that love is rare, but it's not. It is all around us, in everything we do. It is the mortar that holds us together and brings us all here today. But love is special. And found love ... love that has overcome obstacles and time, and even continents, in its quest to seek out that perfect bond ... is the most remarkable and wondrous of all. It is that love, the love that brought together two very special people, Oliver and Jo, that we celebrate today.
I first met Oliver many years ago, in Xi'an. And from that first introduction I was both impressed and intrigued by him. Oliver is the kind of person who inspires and confuses ... often at the very same time. I envy his intelligence and his perspective. I sometimes liken Oliver to a balloon set adrift against the sky. But he is not floating aimlessly, not a victim to the forces of Nature. Instead, I see Oliver as a Force of Nature. He is filled with passion and drive and focus (when he needs it).
Sadly, I don't know Jo as well. Not yet, at least. But in the time I have known her, I have been equally impressed. She is clever and independent, two characteristics that will serve her well during her life with Oliver. I feel that Oliver, as good as he was before, is an even better man now, and I think Jo has a lot to do with that. So thank you.
MARRIAGE
Marriage is equal parts love, passion and friendship. It is both defining and unpredictably liberating.
To be fair, marriage is more than a union of two people; it is the union of past and future. It is the culmination of your pasts, separate journeys that led you both to this exact moment in time. And this wedding is the symbolic starting point of the next great journey of your lives, a journey of profound discovery that you get to take together.
It won't always be easy but it won't be particularly hard either. You have a partner, someone to help you in times of need. Someone to share your experience with. Take advantage of that. But don't take it for granted. Remember to share everything, the good as well as the stuff that frustrates you. Basically what I'm saying is: Oliver, keep it real.