A letter to Mayela and Christian…

Christian, mi amor, I always tried to think what I would say when this moment came, but I don't think seventeen- and sixteen-year-old us would have imagined our life now. Our love has grown and flourished into something so beautiful and special that I know is not often seen. These eight years have not been easy, but they have been a great adventure that led us to be here today as the man and woman we were meant to be.

Maye, you're like my second sister. Twenty-five years of friendship, and we have dreamt of this day for as long as I can remember—the day when you would say "I do" to your forever partner. It's an absolute honour to be here and witness this moment. I'm deeply honoured to stand here and deliver a speech at your wedding. Christian and Maye, I love you both immensely, and I'm incredibly excited to see all the amazing things you'll achieve together in this life. Congratulations to the two of you.

A moment that is very special and very important as a mom to see how her daughter is getting married. I know for Roberto it's a very special moment too.

I have known Christian for over twenty years now, starting in kindergarten where we would play around the park while my mom and your avó would talk away during our pickups. But it was high school where our relationship really took off. During these years, I knew that I had found a friend who would accompany me on a journey of shared experiences, unbreakable bonds, and unforgettable memories. Christian, you have grown into a mature, down-to-earth, and caring man. I have no doubt you'll be the best husband that you can be.

As I wrote this speech, I was trying to recall some of my favourite memories, and one of those that stands out was when my parents told me I was going to have a sister. Little did I know how much value and perspective my sister would bring to my life. Growing up with Mayela was wonderful. She's kind, thoughtful, resilient, loving, and she always brings authenticity wherever she goes. Her passion and authenticity are among the things that I admire most about my sister. Mayela has always been my beacon during the hardest times, and Christian is now her pillar, supporting her through life's challenges.

Family really is everything, I'm sure to everybody here as well. But it's the consistency of these wonderful memories that we have created together that has made this moment truly special.

Christian and Mayela have invited us all to be here because we are family and friends. We are those who are witnesses to their lives and to the love that has grown in their lives over these past eight years, at least. We're gathered not merely to observe a ritual but to witness and affirm vows, commitments that you are making to each other—precious ones that will last a lifetime.

Christian, thank you for loving me at my lowest of lows, even when it wasn't the best for you. You gave me a light when I felt that my world was so dark and hopeless. You gave me courage to fight and give life a real chance. The Lord has blessed me with you. You have stepped up this past year and have shown me the real definition of what a godly man is—a man who puts God first, a man who would move mountains for me if I asked you to. So, Christian, I promise to be a light in your life and always remind you of God's love. I promise to be there for you in sickness and in health in every single life adventure we have.

May, my best friend, my confidant, my right hand, my love, and now my wife. Every time I look at you and you smile back at me, it seems like time stands still, and I don't think that feeling is ever going to change. I vow to continually improve myself and strive towards becoming the best version of me. When I look into your eyes, I know beauty. When I hold you in my arms, I know peace. And when I hear your voice, I know joy. I love you, Mayela Lopez Fernandez, and I'm yours if you will have me, always.

Many of you only know our brother as the cool, dashing, car-loving, somewhat professional, newly employed aerospace engineer. However, he wasn't always that way. He was once just a little guy, our baby brother, and even though we're adults, I'll always think of him and call him my little brother. Mayela has grown up with three brothers, but May, just know that you now also have two sisters.

Christian, I hope you understand how special you are to us. That you continue to bless our family with your smile, your warmth, your kindness, and your good nature. You always put others ahead of yourself, and Christian, it makes me happy to see how you have found your person in Mayela. I wish you both a wonderful future together and many blessings of your own.

I always told Mayela a phrase that I want to translate in English: "Mayela, Maye, Mayita, de mis hijas, la más bonita." In English, it is: "Mayela, Maye, Mayita, from all my girls, you are the most beautiful." And she said, "Oh, I'm the only one." Yes, of course you are!

Christian and Mayela, seeing the two of you together here today makes me so happy. Your love and your dedication for one another are truly unparalleled, and I know with all my heart that it will never end.