A letter to Shima and Matthew…

Matthew and Shima, you have come together into this church so that, in the presence of the church minister and this community, your intention to enter into marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. Christ abundantly blesses this love that binds you. You're not getting married only for 50 or maybe 70 years. You're getting married for eternity. And therefore, we are all joyful to be with you here today and to share.

Growing up with Matt was a blend of chaos and wonder, all wrapped in brotherhood. He was my hero, teaching me new tricks, cheering me on, being a top athlete I looked up to. He was the one who always made life interesting. Matt cares deeply. He's the first to make sure you're okay. He's the guy who shows up no matter what. He's fiercely loyal and protective in ways that you don't always notice until later. Matt has one of the biggest, kindest hearts you'll ever meet. That's who he is: someone who makes your life better just by being in it. Shima, she has the patience of an angel. I can always see how much she really cares about Matthew, but most of all, loves him for who he is. You've made my brother happier than I've ever seen him. And you fit perfectly into our wonderfully odd family. And together, you two balance each other in all the best ways. Shima, you look stunning tonight in your dress. It looks much better than the pants you were in the relationship.

What an honour it is to stand beside such a beautiful couple on the most important day of their lives. We're all gathered here today to celebrate not just a wedding, but a beautiful love story. Shima and Matt's story is one of fate and divine intervention. God brought these two back together. Shima, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Today, you stand here glowing, not just because you are a beautiful bride, but because you found the person who makes you smile bigger than ever before. You are one of the most caring, loving, and loyal people I have ever met. You have a way of pouring your heart into everything you do, and that includes loving the people in your life. So, Matt, consider yourself a lucky guy, and please always take care of our Shima because she has always taken care of everyone else. She wholeheartedly deserves the world, and I know you will give her that.

Now, I want to take a moment to thank my sisters. This kind of feels like the end of a Taylor Swift era. Living together, waking up to steal each other's clothes, laughing at things that made no sense. And now, the new era is about to begin. But no matter where we live or what stage we're in, one thing will never change: we're sisters. We have experienced the world feeling upside down, but now we have always remained each other's homes, and so we will continue to be. Wherever life takes us, just know I'm never more than a call away.

To my best man and little brother, I couldn't have asked for a better person to stand by my side today. You've been with me through everything, from childhood adventures to some of the biggest moments of my life. You've always had my back, even when I didn't ask for it. I'm proud of you. I'm grateful for you. And I'll always be lucky to call you not just my brother, but one of my closest friends.

Holy Father, we humbly beseech you for these, your servants, who are joined today in the sacrament of matrimony. May your abundant blessing, Lord, come down upon this bride, Shima, and upon Matthew, her companion for life. And may the power of your Holy Spirit set their hearts aflame from on high. Amen.

I, Matthew, take you, Shima, to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life. Shima, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

I, Shima, take you, Matthew, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life. Matthew, receive the ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

What God joins together, let no one put asunder. Now, it is my pleasure to be the first to announce Mr. and Mrs. Resende.

Please join me in welcoming, for the very first time as husband and wife, with all the love and cheers we can give, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew and Shima Resende!

Tonight isn't just about the two of us getting married. It was about two families and two cultures coming together, and maybe even a competition to see who knows how to party best. Tonight's going to be one to remember.

We've cried. We've thanked. We've survived the speeches, and now it's time to do what Croatians and Portuguese do best: party!

Mom and Dad, thank you for everything. For your love, support, patience, and guidance. You have shaped me into the man I am today. As I stand here next to the love of my life, your endless support means the world to me.

Now, my mama, you've been there for every step, every decision, every moment, with your endless patience and your ability to make everything feel like it was going to be okay. As happy as today is, we all feel bittersweet, wishing that Tata was here to experience it with us. Whenever I look at you today, I see him standing next to you, and that makes me feel a little easier. I know he's so proud of you with everything that you've accomplished. Thank you so much. Love you.

I just want to say that you two already have what it takes. The way you have shown up for each other is what makes me certain that you guys will thrive in marriage. My advice for you is to always remember why you chose each other. In the busy seasons of life, keep making time for the small things. Love is less about grand gestures and more about the everyday choices. Keep making those choices. Keep choosing each other. If you can do that, I have no doubt your love will only grow stronger with each passing year.