This is the toast I wrote for my brother's wedding. Keep in mind he stands just over 6'2" and is built like a tank and when I was younger I was as scrawny as a stick. And we used to fight like cats and dogs when we were younger. I couldn't ask for a better brother now!
Family, friends and honored guests, it gives me great pleasure to say a few words about Jim and Melissa. I think of all the kindness and gentleness he gave me as we were growing up. Whenever I was being picked on my brother would be right there to support me. He would always stand up and protect me by smacking me around, to show that no one else but him could hit me. He even helped my parents out by throwing me against every new piece of furniture just to make sure it was sturdy enough.
So as you can see, I have fond memories of this gentle giant…..a man full of compassion. But seriously that is exactly what my brother is. Underneath that gruff exterior lies a man with a heart of gold who would do anything for his friends and family. And it took a very special woman to bring that side out of him. A woman from the very moment they touched knew him for who he truly was.
Melissa your beauty shines from within and it’s no wonder you tamed this wild stallion. I’d welcome you to the family but you’re already a member of it. My greatest wish for the two of you is that through the years your love for each other will so deepen and grow, that years from now you will look back on this day, your wedding day, as the day you loved each the least.*
*This last line I read somewhere and really like it so I used it in the toast.
