Good evening everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Robert, Chris’ Best Man.
First, I’d like to welcome everyone who travelled from near and far to be here today. The large crowd in this room is truly a testament to the love that we together have for Hannah and Chris as well as the love they have for each other. I would like to thank Chris, Hannah, and their families for inviting us to celebrate their marriage with them on this beautiful day.
Chris and I first met a long time ago in Essex during our first year in Uni. More than just a long-time friend who has always been there for me, Chris is one of the finest people I have had the privilege to know. He’s honest to a fault, courageous, sincere, loyal and intelligent. He’s the person you can always count on. The guy who comes through for you even in the toughest of times. Chris is a man of his word.
I was speaking with Chris’ mother the other day and she reminded me of something that happened back when Chris and I were in University. Chris was driving home late one night after a major snowstorm. The roads were icy. As he drove carefully down a very steep hill, his car slid into the side of a parked car.
Chris got out to assess the damage and he noticed 3 things. 1) His car was fine. 2) The other car had significant damage from the impact, and 3) not a single person was in sight because it was about 3 o’clock in the morning. No one had seen it happen.
Now, of course, the proper thing to do in such a situation is to leave a note with an apology and your contact information. However, human nature being what it is most people would not do this, especially when they happen to be a student in university without much money.
But Chris isn’t like most people; he left that note. To run off would have violated the moral and ethical standards he believes in and lives by. He would have been very disappointed in himself if he hadn’t left that note. That’s the kind of person he is. Now, this isn’t to say Chris was happy when the car’s owner sent him a rather steep repair estimate a few days later… but, doing the right thing comes naturally to Chris. It’s how he lives his life.
A funny thing: after Chris’ mother reminded me of that story, I said “Wow, Mrs. Williams, that was almost 20 years ago! I almost forgot all about it but you remember it so well.” She smiled and laughed and said “Of course I remember it. I’m the one who loaned Chris all that money to pay for the damage!” However, I happen to know that he paid her back… eventually.
I think Hannah and Chris are good for each other because her traits complement his in many ways. She is beautiful, charming, smart, funny, loving and caring. She has brought a joy and a light to my friend Chris’ life and I will always appreciate her for that. She is lovely and we are all so glad that they found each other.
It has been said that marriage is not about finding a person you can live with; it’s about finding the one person you can’t live without. On this joyous day we know that Hannah and Chris have found each other.
Everyone, please join me in a toast. To Hannah and Chris: may they have a long life of health, love and happiness together.