Gabriela & Duber
Wedding Party
Gerry’s Speech
Father of the Bride
Today, March 20th—the first day of spring and the vernal equinox—is a fitting day to celebrate a wedding. It symbolizes new beginnings and equality, much like the relationship Duber and Gabi have already built. When Kate and I chose to start a family, we adopted through an agency in Western New York connected to the FANA orphanage in Bogotá. We were lucky to be approved by the Colombian agency and became the proud parents of Ryan and Gabi—now two responsible young adults. Friends warned us that parenthood would change everything—and they were right. Since adopting Ryan and then Gabi, our purpose has been to give them the best lives possible. We’ve been blessed to see them thrive, pursue their education, meaningful work, great friendships, and now Gabi’s partnership with Duber. We’re thrilled to welcome Duber into our family and yes, that includes Buccy, their lovable golden doodle. My sister Bonnie is a big fan of them both and is here in spirit, eagerly awaiting updates. It’s been wonderful seeing so many of Gabi and Duber’s friends here, from childhood pals to college roommates and work colleagues. We’ve also enjoyed meeting their friends’ children. We are so happy that you found each other. We are impressed that your love for each other is genuine. The vows you exchanged with each other tell it all. That’s a wonderful treasure! Thank you for sharing your happiness with all of us, on this day of new beginnings, so let us all toast to that.
Ryan’s Speech
Man of Honor
Good evening, I have had the blessing to call you more than just my sister, you are my best friend. We have been through everything together, from moving across the country to family vacations. Watching you grow and become an amazing lady that you are today has been more of a joy than you can imagine. You have made an amazing career for yourself in molding the minds of the future by teaching. I then got the amazing pleasure of meeting who is now the man of your life. Duber is kind, loving, welcoming and fun. I can tell you both bring each other so much joy. When you are together everything is amazing and easy flowing. I am so proud and excited to have him and his family join ours. I am not only gaining a brother in law, but a true brother. When I met his parents, aunt and uncle I knew this would be a match made in heaven. I know Duber loves his sports and the buccaneers and lightning but one of my favorite memories of the three of us, was taking Duber to a Beyoncé concert about a year and a half ago. At this point of knowing Duber I knew he was open minded, but honestly I had no idea how he would react to a Beyonce concert. but He was so entranced by the performance and we had an amazing time. It was at that time I knew that he was going to be a part of our family. There are more words then I can express in this speech, but I want to cheers to Gabi and Duber, to many more years of love and adventures!
Sami’s Speech
Matron of Honor
Now, most brides would choose just one Maid of Honor - but not Gabi. She has chosen four to share this moment with her. If that alone doesn’t tell you how special the connections she makes are, I don’t know what will. Gabi pours her whole heart into every relationship, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience that love and loyalty for over 20 years. She has always been my rock - my most consistent, unwavering friend. Our lives can go down separate paths at varying speeds, however, our friendship never skips a heartbeat. Gabi is the kind of person who lifts you up, pushes you to be your best, celebrates your biggest victories, and holds your hand through life’s hardest moments. If you are fortunate enough to be part of her world, she will never let you go. And Duber - tonight, you’re the luckiest of all. You have the most incredible woman by your side, and I am so excited for you to experience her endless love and devotion for the rest of your lives. As someone who was lucky enough to marry my best friend, I want to share a small piece of advice: Always share everything with each other - the joys, the challenges, and all the little moments in between. No matter what, always kiss each other goodnight, and try to never end a day in a fight. Marriage isn’t about never disagreeing; it’s about always choosing each other, every single day. So let’s all raise a glass to Gabi and Duber - may your love be as strong, loyal, and beautiful as the woman we celebrate today! Cheers!
Ana’s Speech
Matron of Honor
I’ve known Gabi since college. Back then, my friends and I were looking for a new roommate, hoping to find someone we could genuinely connect with since we already had such a tight-knit friendship.She turned out to be one of our best friends! Gabi is one of the most caring and thoughtful people I know. In college she was like the “mom” of the group, the cool, calm, and collected one, making sure we stayed out of trouble. And now, in a time where life just seems to be moving so fast, she’s the friend who will remember to wish you good luck on your first day of work, reach out to you to make sure you’re ok, and even hold you accountable to your goals. We had a boat day where Gabi introduced Duber to my husband and I.And on the car ride home, as married couples do, we were of course going to talk about Gabi’s new guy. And let me tell you, we were both smitten by this man. Duber is one of the kindest, most genuine people. And anyone that knows him knows that he is not only a great, caring friend, but he also loves Gabi, cares for her, and will protect her at all costs. Let’s just say that Duber has stolen our hearts too. I really think that you both are made for each other and as you do now, will forever continue to love and take care of each other. My greatest wish for you both is that you wake up everyday thinking how lucky you are to have such an incredible partner.I know that’s how I feel about my husband, Til. So, cheers to a lifetime of loving one another!
Krupa’s Speech
Maid of Honor
I stand here as one of gabi’s MOH. And one of her best friends & one of her MANY amazing friends. As you can see she is so loved and as a couple the two are so loved. I have known gabi since high school, and am lucky enough to have grown closer to her in the years following that. She has always pushed me to be better, supports me in so many ways, and keeps me in check always…gabi is the “calm down” friend, but you know what, we all need that. Gabi has tamed me since I have know her…she is literally the calm and I’m the storm. I love you so much gabi and I am so lucky to be here giving a speech I am so glad we have grown such a beautiful friendship, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I really didn’t think I could laugh more than I do with you but…duber has proved me wrong because when we are with him, we laugh more, without a doubt. LITERALY about nothing. Ok moving on, I think we can all agree that gabi and duber were meant for each other. I mean….He already knows the secret to “happy wife happy life”… You both have never dimmed each other down, you just brighten each other. I have know doubt that the rest of your lives will hold all the love laughs and adventure, as the start of your lives together already has overflown with all of those things. Now if everyone can raise a final glass. With your glass held high, close your eyes, and make a wish for the happy couples marriage and rest of their lives together. Cheers! Now let’s dance the night away!