After our amazing introduction, Sparks and I settled in for dinner at the head table. I don’t remember talking very much during this part of the night. I think I was too busy staring at all of the amazing details and watching our guests laugh and eat and make their way around the giant room. Pretty sure my mouth was just hanging open for about 10 minutes. Everyone else was ready to chow down, however, so Pirate Sis marched to the front to give a quick toast before the first course was served.
Let me just tell you guys something…my sister knocked it out of the park with this one. She spoke for barely two minutes, but gave a hilarious and upbeat pre-dinner “blessing” that left everyone cracking up. She ended her mini speech to a big round of applause and really set the tone for the rest of the toasts.
Lovin’ it.
Somewhere around the main course, I noticed that MOH Sparkler was getting a little fidgety. She had confided in me earlier that she was nervous about giving her big speech, and the moment was now quickly approaching. I wish I could have convinced her of what I already knew…that her speech was going to be amazing, that she was an incredible writer, that no one in the room would be able to forget it, and that there was no way in the world she could ever disappoint me. But she had to wait and find that out herself.
I will never forget my sister’s speech. I couldn’t. She laminated it for me. 
It was also one of the most touching things I’ve ever heard. I’ll share just a little bit of it with you. Hope you don’t mind, sis.
When Christy and I were little, Christy would run away a lot.* She always made a dramatic exit and she always swore she would never return… Of course everyone else in our family knew that Christy would be back within the hour. And she always was. Eventually I caught onto this and stopped worrying so much.
But strangely enough, similar worries returned to me when I saw Christy try on her first wedding dress. The minute she came out of the dressing room in the first dress, I felt like she was running away again, only I knew that this time I couldn’t even ask to go with her.
This time, I worried about who would take me to parties and think I was the coolest person in the room (regardless of how awkward I can be)? Who would help put together my outfits so I didn’t end up on What Not to Wear? And now, who would watch those home videos and remember and talk about Dad with me?
Each time Christy came out of the dressing room in a new dress I grew more and more anxious. By dress two, I was sweating and fighting the urge to try and to stop her. I know that this makes me sound like a terrible sister, but after our dad died, Christy became more than just my best friend, stylist, and big sister—she became a link that kept our family together. She became the closest person to me, and I wasn’t about to let her go.
But one thought kept me from giving into my urge to try and stop her, and it’s what has made this a happy day for me instead of a sad day. And that thought is, “She chose Brandon.”
Ohhhh boy did the tears flow. But it was a happy day. And I felt so lucky to see my sister and best friend giving that speech to all of our guests. Thanks for being the best MOH ever.
And HOW did we get here?!
Who gave the toasts during your reception? How did you react?
Coming Up: We cut the cake…with a deadly weapon.
*Yes, I was an insanely dramatic child. Sorry for making you worry, sis!
Get Caught Up!
A Very Different Ceremony Part II
A Very Different Ceremony Part I
All photos by Avery House
Major goosebumps over here. Props to MOH Sparkler!!
This made me cry and I don’t even know you!! You are so lucky to have each other as sisters. 
awwww :’) that was such a touching speech!!! I’m so Happy for you!! and WOW what beautiful sisters you two are!! 
What a beautiful speech, you can feel the bond you two share through her words!
ugly crying at my desk just remembering this. she killed it. <3
My MOH gave a killer speech. She had a very old sweater of mine and made an analogy of the warmth and comfort of our friendship being like the sweater. Oh boy. And my mom did the welcome…oh man, not a dry eye.
That’s a beautiful and unique speech, and makes me think of my relationship with my sister! Great job, MOH!
Your sisters words are even making me tear up as I read them!
Wow. I can only imagine how much that would have made me cry had I actually been there! Tearing up just reading it. You’re very lucky to have a sister you’re so close to.
Oh my gosh, this is so beautiful. Speeches are seriously one of my favorite parts of a wedding… And MOH Sparks deff did not disappoint!!
The speeches are my favorite part of a wedding. Your sister really did kill it (and so did Pirate Sis, for that matter – your faces are priceless!).
Your sister rocked it! Thanks for sharing a snippet of the speeches.
Mrs. Sparkler, Chicago Age and Occupation: 27, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Publisher Engagement Date: July 21, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company About Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Latest Gallery Pics