You know, I was somehow hoping that this minor aspect of the day was going to be overlooked… Oh well…

I would like to say thank you to Kim's Parents for all of your support and all that you've done to make this, by all accounts, the perfect day. And, of course, my gratitude to Ryan's Parents for all that you've done to make this the special day that it is. Thanks for everyone coming, from near or far… or farther to be here on this day. And finally, thanks to Ryan for making such a good choice for the best man.

As you most likely know, a few miles away from here on the campus at Villanova is where I met Ryan. It’s where I met Kim. And, of course, where Ryan and Kim met.

Ahhh… Good ol’ Ryan! Being from New England, Ryan was my first run in with a true Californian. I mean, here was this tall, skinny, blonde-haired kid wearing shorts and sunglasses on cloudy 40 degree days. Although our friendship started as an ordinary bond between rowers, A friendship that transcended the sport grew in time.

I mean, how can you NOT love this guy? His love-hate relationship with sports, his passion for music, the ability to eat a pound of bacon by himself in one sitting and his frequent knack for “misplacing” things. As a matter of fact, upon my arrival into town, he immediately passed the wedding rings off to me knowing they were in safer hands! So yea, they may be quirks, but if you combine them with his intelligence, sense of humor, along with his dedication to his family and friends you really have a swell guy and a great friend. Looking back at the most memorable parts of my life…, sporting events, concerts, trips… Ryan’s face pops up in most of them. He’s a true friend. He’s a good friend.

And then there was Kimberly… who looks simply radiant today. On campus, her eyes were wide open to the world--carrying a smile from ear to ear, always. Kim has always been so happy and willing to share that joy with everyone she meets. She has this uncanny knack for putting others first ahead of her. Whether volunteering at church or at a school, she always is there for others, especially friends. I’ve had to call on Kim a number of times for her help. Kim, “Is it OK if I ask her out on email?” “Kim, I’m going to at SFO in 2 hours, can you pick me up and can I crash at your place?” She’s always been there for me when I needed her.

She’s a great daughter, a great sister, now a great wife and always a great friend!

First, these two would just pass each other on campus catching glimpses of each other. Then they progressed on to becoming acquaintances, then… through mutual friends… a new friendship began at a Labor Day Party. If you didn’t know, prior to that, Ryan had encouraged me to realize all of the goodness that is Kim. Seeing as I was too dense to act on it, Ryan took matters into his own hands and today you see where that went! (didn’t take you too long to push me aside now did it, Ryan?!)

Individually, Ryan and Kim are special people each with their own wonderful qualities. But today, as they become one, they are an even greater force of love and hope in this world.

Without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, I am positive this marriage will be truly successful. In addition to Kim & Ryan’s obvious love, admiration and respect for each other, they also have incredible role models, if and when the road of life together gets a bit rocky. They can always look to Pat & George’s and Georgia & Jerry’s excellent examples of marriage and raising a family for inspiration.

Kim! You now have sisters! I’m sure Beth and Jill will now gladly accept an immediate big sister into their family to do all those things that… those things that sisters do.

Ryan! It’s kind of fitting that we are in the City of Brotherly Love now. Welcome to the world of having brothers! I trust that Chris and Kevin will be more than willing to catch you up on 27 years of that love that only brothers know how to give!

Ahh a family… I’m sure I’m not the only person to anxiously await the next generation of tall, thin Carters. Speaking of which, it may be a bit early, but if the first born is a boy, Mike Carter has a great ring to it. And if it’s a girl… Mike Carter has a great ring to it… What a way to start a family!

So yea, It's a good day when two of your favorite people become one of your favorite families…. At this time, I’d like to ask everyone to stand and raise your glass. Ryan and Kim, speaking for your family and friends gathered here today I’d like to bestow best wishes to you both. For health, for happiness and for good fortune. This is the best day both your worlds have ever seen. Here’s to your tomorrow being even better!