A letter to Jenn and Sam…

Sam, thank you for being my best friend and for building this life with me. I can't wait to start this next chapter with you.

From the moment Jenn was born, she was spirited and had a personality too big for her little body. But as she grew, that energy transformed into something truly special: a warm heart, a deep kindness, and a love for others that touches everyone around her. She truly is that person that puts the needs of others ahead of her own.

Sam, we couldn't be happier to have you as part of our family. You're a wonderful person, someone who has a good heart, a great sense of humor. We have watched how nurturing and caring you are, and for that we will always be thankful. A great marriage isn't just about finding someone you can live with. It's about finding someone you can't imagine living without, and then laughing, growing, and dancing your way through life together. May your marriage—hello—oh!—may your marriage be filled with laughter, love, and patience.

Nicole, thank you so much for your advice and for always having my back. I have always admired how independent, self assured, and confident you are, but most importantly, I appreciate all of your book recommendations.

Mom, I want to thank you for teaching Jenn and I all of our traditions and ensuring that I always feel connected to our roots and family. I am beyond words of gratitude for you, so thank you so much.

Mom, you have always been the rock of the family. So much so that when Sam and I are unsure of what to do, his first advice is to say, "I think we should call your mother." It doesn't matter how busy you are. If someone calls you for help or a favour, you jump right in.

The tradition has us do this ceremony where Sam, you are to ensure that we've got the right bride, and you will veil the bride.

Am I the right bride?

I think, I think so, I think so.

To my bubby, Sam and I are so grateful to have you here today. Zeta, debating politics and talking about history with you are some of my favourite memories. Bubby, you are the glue of the family. Our regular calls and texts always put a smile on my face. Your patience and kindness to everyone in your life has helped to shape who I am today.

Today, we have the pleasure of celebrating one of life's greatest moments: the joining and marriage of Sam and Jenn. We come together not only to witness their commitment to one another, but to offer our love and support as they begin this new chapter together. A good marriage is not about perfection, but about commitment. It's built on love, yes, but also on patience, respect, forgiveness, and the ability to grow both as individuals and as a team. Marriage is more than a beautiful moment. It's about listening with empathy, speaking with kindness, and choosing each other again and again.

The ring that Sam is about to place on Jenn's finger was the ring that her great-great-grandmother was married in. It's about 125 years old, and all of the women in their family have been married in this ring since.

Jennifer Lipkus, do you take Sam Gharagouziee to be your husband?

I do.

Sam Gharagouziee, do you promise to love, cherish, and protect her whether in good fortune or in adversity?

I do.

The final act of this ceremony is the shattering of the glass. Mazel Tov!

I would like to introduce the newlywed Jenn and Sam.

Here we are for the first time as husband and wife, Sam and Jenn!

Sam, we did it. You're officially stuck with me. It's wild to think about how much has changed and how much we've grown over the past six and a half years. I knew early on that Sam was a keeper. Sam, I love you, and I'm honoured I get to be the one to take care of you. Luckily for me, you never get sick, so my job is fairly easy. Now that that's out of the way, let's party!

[Hebrew]

Jennifer always had big dreams. She took to skiing and soccer with enthusiasm. But when she danced, she was in her elements. Watching her dance, it was truly one of our greatest joys. We know Jenn and Sam make a perfect pair, and we are so proud of the love that you both share. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. We love you!

Before I met Jenn, I thought I had things pretty much figured out. I was doing fine. I had routines. I had opinions. But then Jenn came along, and gently, without forcing it, she changed me, you know. She taught me patience. She taught me how to listen, like truly listen. She showed me how powerful kindness can be. And she helped me understand what it means to show up for someone every day with your whole heart. And somewhere along the ways, I realized I wasn't just falling in love with her. I was also becoming someone better just by being with her. Jenn, I'm without a doubt a better man because of you. So it goes without saying that I look forward to sharing the rest of my days with you, learning, laughing, and growing with you while tackling whatever the world throws at us.