Aloha Everyone,
Firstly, I would like to thank you all again for making the trek out to this beautiful location to be part of our celebration. It is because of your commitment and dedication to both Roxie and I over the years that we have been able to forge a bond that has manifested into a great relationship and, so far, a blissful marriage. There is no doubt in my mind that will continue – right? (look at Roxie).
Anyway, the Hawaiians have a concept of Ohana- or family- and as we continue to celebrate today in a modified fashion – I want you all to know that I regard you all as Ohana and part of our new family.
So let me start at the beginning here and let you all in behind the scenes. So back in 2014-ish; I’m not that great with dates; but bear with me- my story delivery is something of a legend- in any event, you can ask the squad on the Ko Olina lawn they’ll verify that for you (point to Ko Olina Squad).
So 2014- I waltz into work as I normally do but this time I notice a new nameplate on a desk not too far away from me. Roxana DeAngelis the name plate read- I knew nothing of this Roxana Deangelis but something told me that I would soon find out. Fast forward a few hours- we were introduced- and I’d love to say this was the moment that it all clicked and we rode off into the Hawaiian sunset- but come on where’s the fun in that? I told you – legendary storytelling at work….
Anyway as the weeks went by we cordially greeted one another and had small chats here and there- but little did she know- I had anointed her with a nickname- one that I had only shared with one other person my good friend Euddys- who unfortunately could not be with us today. In any event, the nickname I anointed Roxie with was Katy Perry- cause she reminded me of the pop singer. With that being said -For the remainder of this speech, I will read a poem I wrote about our love story using Katy Perry’s songs as references- Enjoy…
When we first met I have to admit I thought you were a California Gurl
And as time passed and we got to know each other more things fell into place
Next came a friendship and a moment that took some real guts; when YOU asked me out
This was a real dark horse moment but one that paid off well in the end
We went on our first date and from that moment on I couldn’t stop thinking about Last Friday Night
Full disclosure, we didn’t go on our first date on a Friday but Katy Perry didn’t name a song called last Saturday night.
We made it official a little while later and I kissed a girl, and liked it!
As the days turned to months and then years all I could think about was you- 365
We’ve been a couple through hot n cold and because of these moments both good and bad we are stronger for it
All in all, you’ve embodied everything I could ever want in my teenage dream
I didn’t want you to be the one that got away
So I put a ring on it
Oh, wait a minute that’s a Beyonce song….
From buying our home to engagement, to the 30-month planning of weddings and replanning of weddings
You kept your cool although I’m sure you wanted to Roar
We can Cry about it Later but for now and forever more we Rise from adversity
As we continue this journey the story doesn’t stop it
The upcoming chapters are going to be better and better
You’re now Part of Me– as I am Part of You
You have me wide awake and bring out the best in me
I love you unconditionally
Today we ride off into the sunset like Harleys in Hawaii
But most importantly as legendary lovers
Final count 16 Katy Perry 1 Beyonce
I would like to end on this note: None of this would be possible if it weren’t for our parents. Mom and Dad, you instilled values in me from early on that are now coming into play more and more as I age and is something that I can never thank you enough for but will continue to pay it forward and make you proud. My new mom and dad- thank you for instilling similar values in Roxie- we use our upbringings to continuously learn from one another and teach one another to be better than the day before. To our entire Ohana from near and far- those that couldn’t be here and those that are no longer with us- you all have had an impact and influence in our lives that translates into our relationship and from the bottom of my heart I am grateful to have you in my life.
To our vendors and the painstaking lengths they’ve gone through to make this all happen for us- a huge thank you to you all we’re truly indebted to you.
Mahalo again to all of you for being here.
Ok I think that’s enough with the speeches – let’s get this party started
Roxie and I will cut our cake now so please direct your attention over there