An End of the Summer Wedding.

Yesterday we celebrated the wedding of my dear, old friend Hayley and Chad, her long time beau.

It was a beautiful, crisp and cool day. Absolutely perfect for a wedding.

This was the first time that both J and I were in the bridal party, besides our own wedding of course. I love this picture of the two of us and considering it's the same church we were married at five years ago, we had to take a picture together.

I was honored to serve as Hayley's matron of honor and had so much fun these last several months helping her with details, throwing and attending showers and just chatting details. We had a blast together yesterday.

Holly, Hayley and I. We've now each stood up for each other in all three of our weddings.
Here's the three of us with husbands at the rehearsal dinner.

As Hayley's matron of honor, I had to give a toast at the reception and honestly, I have been freaking out about this for, oh, about three months now.

I was fearful of getting up in front of 200 plus guests and also wondering how on earth I could summarize 13 years of friendship and adventure. So needless to say, though I hate procrastinating, I did. And was up way too late Friday night handwriting my toast.

Here goes:

Good Evening!

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Samara and I am a longtime friend of Hayley's. We met some thirteen plus years ago at church, the same church we just witnessed their wedding at.

We've been on missions trips and camp retreats and youth nights and everything else. Our time at North Park University even overlapped. I am continually amazed and blessed by the friendship we have shared.

I am honored to be able to share in Hayley and Chad's wedding day. While I don't have the years of history with Chad like I do with Hayley, I do think that they are a great couple who complements each other very well. I am very excited about their future together.

Hayley, you look absolutely radiant tonight. Your months of planning and details have paid off because the day was perfect. Most importantly, today was a success because regardless of all the other details, you and Chad have committed your lives together.

You're married!

Chad, you are a very lucky man and I know that you know what a gift Hayley is. Thank you for loving her as she is, encouraging her and taking care of her. You will make a wonderful husband.

Just remember, a happy wife makes for a happy life.

To the both of you, may you enjoy this stage as newlyweds. May the Lord bless the two of you greatly both together and as individuals.

Prioritize.

Make time for each other.

Listen.

Pray together.

Never go to bed angry.

And may the two of you stay just as much in love as you are today.

Please raise your glasses with me to congratulate the new Rafferty's.

Congrats Hayley and Chad!