Conner's Wedding Toast

September 16, 2017

Well, ladies and gents, good morning! Or goodnight! (Depending on which side of the planet you live on...) haha...

*Please grab your tie and move it around a bit*

I have never been this nervous for something I wasn’t attending, in a very long time!... Not a joke. I’m sitting here behind this keyboard, and my heart is pounding out of my chest! I’m kind of just speechless!

Conner! I can’t believe you made it! I’ll give ya your five bucks when I get back home! 

What a special event it is to see two people who love each other as much as you two do, prepare to enter into a covenant that will bind you guys together forever. I’m proud of you, and I love you both. But, you know I haven’t ever written a talk for someone’s wedding- let alone a sibling’s, and my time is running out here in the cyber, so I’ll have to keep this short. But, I just want to say, it’s been quite the journey, and I’m glad I've been able to see it just about every step of the way.

Con-man you've come a long way from the boy that used to put me in a cardboard box and throw me down the stairs to now, and might I say, you’ve grown from a little boy into a much bigger boy during that time, and my love for you has only increased... I have always looked up to you. Indeed, you've been a powerful example to us in our lives, and I’m proud to call you my brother. You have had the lofty task of being the example in this family, marking the way for the rest of us, and we have all benefited from your decisions, greatest of all for me is your example of serving a mission, you gave me so much confidence when I was putting my papers in, and because of you, I am where I am today. You have an incredible gift for creating and playing music, and your taste in music has been the source of what we have listened to pretty much all our lives! When we were younger, you would play music when we were falling asleep, and whenever it wasn’t playing, I just would not be able to doze off. You have always been there for me, and it’s been a great comfort. I know you’ll always be there for Amber.

Amber! I’m so happy that you are going to be a part of this family! One of the first times I really got to know you, was in the basement of our home with some of my buddies... We were playing a card game that’s similar to apples to apples... Haha... and everyone was laughing the whole night! When you and Conner left, all my friends were talking about how great you are and how awesome it was that you were dating Conner! I felt so proud, and from that day I always knew you were legit and if you were willing to play the card game that way, I knew you’d fit right in.

And now, you are both sitting there together on... umm... some day that is close to your wedding day?... (This would be a lot easier if I were there)... About to start a new life as one! I know without a doubt that you guys are making the correct choice, and I know without a doubt that after you guys step outside of the temple tomorrow you will be bound together not only until death but for the rest of time and all eternity, because that is what this wonderful restored gospel has to offer each and every one of us! A connection beyond the grave! You two were made for each other, and even though I can’t be there with you, my happiness is full with this decision you have made together and the example you have set for me. I hope you are more happy on your wedding day than you have ever been before!

Now, I have always wanted to do this, so... Haha... get a pitcher or something for me, but imma raise a glass of filtered water over here and you all raise a glass of whatever the heck you’re drinking to the years you have ahead of you! May they be filled with happiness and love beyond measure! Again, I love you guys so much. Words cannot express my joy. But I want you to always remember who loves you more. I can promise you that our Heavenly Father is filled with satisfaction because of the actions that you are going to make, and that he will pour out SO many blessings upon you guys! Um.... amen? I don’t know... I don’t know how to end a toast... If you haven't put your glasses down by now, I’m sure it’s all right if you do.... Love you guys!
Elder Fraga