Officiant keVin dooley’s speech

Welcome.

Friends, family and everyone else and in between, I am truly honored to stand before you to share in the celebration of the union of two of my favorite people.

Two great friends to me, and more importantly today, to each other, join us here in beautiful Albany, New York, “America’s number one travel destination” to be joined in marriage.

Marriage is extremely important to me, people here may have already heard me say: “being married is awesome.” It is. I am lucky and proud to be married for my beautiful and smart wife for over ten years. (It has been 12 years, 4 months, and 4 days). It is awesome. It’s incredible. It’s the best part of my day, ALMOST every day. It’s not always easy, it is definitely hard work sometimes, but it is always worth it.

But enough about me. Well maybe a little more about me, but I’m the one up here telling the story. Some folks here may know that Kyle is one of my best friends (some may not, but he is). They may not know that I actually knew Jess first.

We sat on the same floor at work, attended the same luncheons and work functions and became friends, sharing a joke or a quick eye roll in a long running meeting. I could tell right away that she “gets it,” which is both impossible to explain, and a tremendous compliment. She is always quick to help where it’s needed, can be counted on in a pinch, and her dry wit can make light of any situation (maybe even if the subjects are not aware of it).

Kyle. How do we even start. We all probably know that Kyle has the personality to take over any room, while still making everyone else there know that they are in on the fun. I’m lucky to have been able to see him grow and mature into the man he is today. He calls me a mentor, which frankly scares me, but I look to him for advice often. He also frequently reminds me through words, actions, and really just being Kyle, himself, to focus on the important things, not let the daily grind get you down, and sometimes just have fun and laugh and laugh (and laugh).

So how did we get here?

Years ago now we were leaving a work event and were heading to an “after-event” probably not sanctioned by the firm. Nothing crazy, but a chance to meet with other teams and at an offsite location (or two) without judging eyes of senior management. Hindsight is 20-20 now, but I think I remember Kyle and Jess in a quiet corner or two away from the bigger group. And we’d get together after work quite a bit. I always invite everyone, and my wife can attest to that, but Kyle invites EVERYONE. But then I seem to remember him inviting fewer people. Then just Jess. Then sometimes i think my invite may have been lost (I lived).

One fateful day, Kyle was getting ready to go on vacation. A long weekend to Florida. He was happier than I’d ever seen him. Now Kyle is a very hard worker, but he’d been burning the midnight oil. Calls at all hours of the night from India,Japan, London, Australia, all while working days too. He was really looking forward to this trip. Then, the phone rang. Critical ticket for the marketing department. Usually Kyle handled those. He really jumped right on them. But Mike answered the phone. Mike sat next to Kyle. “Ok, sure. Yes. Ok when do you need it by? OH. YOU ARE GOING ON VACATION TOMORROW TOO? TO FLORIDA? OH WOW”

And that’s how one of the worst kept secrets in history was found out.

Then Kyle maybe got a little nervous, which is unlike him. And we were catching up after work one day and he said something along the lines of, I really really like her, I think this is serious. And without thinking, I said “I saw the look in both of your eyes that day. I’m going to be doing your wedding someday.”

Folks.

Today is that day. And I could not be happier.

My friend Travis here has the rings.

Kyle, please take this ring and place it on Jess’s finger. This ring symbolizes unity and endless love. Kyle, do you take Jessica to be your lawfully wedded wife?

[Editor’s Note: This is where Kyle jokingly turned to the photographer and asked if he was going slow enough so they could get the picture of him putting the ring on.]

Jessica, please take this ring and place it on Kyle’s finger. This ring symbolizes unity and endless love. Jessica, do you take Kyle to be your lawfully wedded husband?

With the power vested in me by the state of New York, and it’s capitol city: Albany (America’s number one travel destination) I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.