A letter to Cassie and Adonis…

I remember when Cass first met Adonis and how she talked so highly of him when they first met. All of a sudden, Cass was into massive trucks, and she started to play sappy country songs in the bathroom while getting ready to hang out with him. Everyone always quotes that saying, 'When you know, you know when it comes to love.' But this was one of those moments for Cass. Very quickly, Cass started to have that sparkle back in her eyes because of Adonis. She had found someone who made her laugh, someone who protected her, and someone who she knew she would share the rest of her life with. This meant so much to not only me but also Rob, Melinda, and Josh because she finally found someone who treated her like the extraordinary person she is. Cassie was always destined to be a mom because of the way she cares for others. Just by looking at the constant smile and giggles on Waylon's face, you can tell he has such great parents. Although I haven't known Cassie her entire life, we have grown up together in the ten years that I've known her.

I've had the pleasure and honour of watching Cassandra grow into this wonderful woman she is today. It's hard to believe that twenty-five years have flown by since she first came into our lives. I still remember it like it was yesterday when me and Rob drove to the hospital to welcome our little baby girl into this world. From that moment, I knew my life had changed in the most beautiful way possible. Cassie has grown into this beautiful young lady. Adonis, we are so proud to have you in our family. We love you with all our hearts. You, Cassie, and Waylon have made our worlds a better place.

Adonis, where to start? When we first met in Red Griffin over ten years ago, who would have thought that would turn into a lifelong friendship like this? For many late nights in the man cave, gaming till 3am, or multiple hours of long conversations, talking about literally everything. Seeing the many milestones and accomplishments you have experienced just makes me really happy to be a part of this day with you. You have been someone I've looked up to, someone that I've been able to talk to when I've had a problem, and when I needed to just vent about my day, you were always there for me. From time and time again, I've seen you at your worst, and I've seen you at your best. Never once did you beat yourself up, and you continue to become the best man that you are today. Adonis, I am so proud of you. I'm excited to see where marriage takes you and be present for every new and upcoming milestone.

Adonis, first and foremost, welcome with open arms to our family. You're my second son, and I love you. Thank you for making my daughter happy. Thank you for the gift that you guys have provided to me and Melinda. We look forward to many, many, many, many, many memories with you guys.

Adonis and Cassandra, your partnership is freely chosen and founded on love, friendship, trust, and respect. It is a partnership that encourages not only self-expression, understanding, and the development of wisdom through the sharing of knowledge but also an enthusiasm for life and living. It must be done with respect, consideration, and a deep and gentle caring for one another.

Cassandra, I take you as my wife to love, cherish, and respect. I promise to share my life openly with you. I promise to tenderly care for you. I promise to encourage you in the fulfillment of your dreams and your individuality throughout the changes in our lives.

Adonis, I take you as my husband to love, cherish, and respect. I promise to share my life openly with you. I promise to tenderly care for you. I promise to encourage you in the fulfillment of your dreams and your individuality throughout the changes in our lives.

Cassandra, with all my love, I give you this ring. In the presence of these witnesses, I honour you.

Adonis, with all my love, in the presence of these witnesses, I honour you with all that I am and all that I have.

By the authority vested in me, it is my privilege to pronounce you husband and wife together. It is my privilege now to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Adonis and Cassandra Vasiliou and family.

I'm sure not too many people know my relationship very well with me and my sister before, but the ones that do know me and my sister when we were younger, we used to fight heads back to back over and over again. As the years go on and as I've gotten older, I've realized how much she's matured. She's a beautiful, beautiful woman. Adonis, you're a brother that I wish I could have had. I love you, man. I appreciate everything you've done for my sister. Seeing her happy every day is a very big blessing.

Cassie, I have watched you grow from baby to toddler to teenager and finally the most beautiful woman I see in front of me today. To have been a part of every milestone in your life is something very precious to me. Waylon is so blessed to have you for a mother. I watch you with him, and I am in awe of where life has taken you. In my heart, you are more than my niece. I love you as a daughter. You have always and will always be my little Cassie girl. On that final note, I ask you to please raise your glasses to the bride and groom. Cheers to always being there for each other, and cheers to making memories. Congratulations, Cassie and Adonis. I love you so much.