dear Chelsea.

there wasn't near enough time to pack 11 years worth of friendship in a maid of honor toast/speech (which mainly consists of snot and tears and mumbles) so if I was able to take some time, this is what I would say.

ah, dear Chelsea. You are now a wife!!
I cannot contain the incredible joy I have for you and mr. Max Garter and the fact that you are now one. We both know sweet Chelsea, how you waited, you prayed, we prayed and hoped, and held expectations high, in anticipation of a man of God you might walk with. I watched dear Chelsea, as boys came and went, offering hearts with strings attached, demanding, and questioning, fists clenched, impatiently waiting for your heart in return. But you couldn't quite give it. The spirit inside you was not awakened, not moved to join these cacophonies, and you couldn't understand why it was so hard.
You continued to pray. You still hoped there was a man out there who was tall, and not afraid to grow a beard and even a pony tail, and could hold your gaze and hold your heart without feeling small. I prayed myself, for a man who could love you fiercely and gently, with great loyalty and trust. That he might build you a home with his own two hands, and understand your language. That he would pursue God with passion and a man who wasn't afraid to cry.

And here comes Max Garter. Of course I was hesitant and suspicious, (what kind of friend would I be, who wasn't overly protective of my best friend's heart?) tall and lean he was, hair wild and free, the clearest blue eyes, and a cheerful demeanor. I glared at him and demanded to know what he was made of and if he had what it took to hold the hand of beautiful Chelsea, and would he get rid of that ridiculous jockstrap toothpick out of his mouth?!

Max Garter proved himself faithful. He is kind, compassionate, full of fun and the laughter flows easily from his soul. He is responsible, taking care of grownup things that you and me Chelsea don't care too much for. Checkbooks and finances, installing electricity and taking care of business. I see that Max is genuine and wise and a great listener- a quality you appreciate Chelsea, for you have many dreams to share.

You were this tiny proud little seedling, Chelsea, bright and green and happy to glow in the sun. You have waited for a gardener to water you and tend to you, working the soil in his hands, not afraid to get his hands dirty. You desire to be known and be specialized in, and would hope that that the Heavenly Father would lead a farmer to love you enough to see the fruit.
Since Max has arrived, his fingernails are continually dirty with soil* and you have never stood taller. The fragrance from your petals lingers and your transformed beauty is admired from afar. He has taken the time to invest and pour into you and we can see the shiniest of fruit.

Your eyes sparkle Chelsea. Your heart and soul has awakened and you are ripe with love. Your joy was full in the Father and as He has gifted you with Max, your cup has overflowed with his joy.
I also notice that your tears of sadness and uncertainty are few and far between and the tears mingled with heartfelt laughter far outweigh the once constant flow of darkened sorrow.

We are here now, on your wedding day, as you and max exchanged vows, promising to hold each other in high regard just beneath our Saviour and your lives will be forever entwined. My heart can now rest, sweet Chelsea. For God has answered the many, many prayers poured out before the throne, and He has responded in delight.

I can't wait Chelsea [and Max] for new memories that involve all of us. I love how max loves me and my husband as his own bother and sister and pursues our friendship on behalf of his love for Chelsea and all that she holds dear. We get to travel together, surf the waves in California, go out to eat at fun restaurants, and share in similar friends.

I rejoice with you, sweet Chelsea that my best friend has now found a man best friend and you get to begin this new and exciting life together. Under the blessing and joy of the Father's hand may you both water and pour into one another and may you grow strong and sturdy like the trees of Lebanon.

I love you Chelsea [and Max] and am overjoyed at this God ordained union.

and uh..super proud that the purity was protected during courtship and from own experience,
God tends to bless the marriage bed on account of that obedience,
It will be so. much. fun.

I love you.