I was Todd Burns' best man at his wedding to Nancy Stevenson on Saturday evening. The wedding was a blast and we had a wonderful time. The following is the text of the toast:
Good evening. My name is Jason Eckert. I am Todd’s brother-in-law and have the honor of being the best man.
I would like to begin by thanking Nancy’s parents, Ted and Diane, and Todd’s parents, Tom and Mary Ann, for helping to make this celebration possible.
My primary purpose this evening is to toast Todd and Nancy. I am also speaking to you as the President of an elite organization known as the Burns In-Laws Club. Our organization consists of those married to the children and Tom and Mary Ann Burns. Membership requires a special love for the Burns family, the embracing of competitive games, and acceptance of awkward pictures taken during holiday meals. It is my great honor to join with Eric Klinner and Christine Burns to elevate Nancy from probationary to full membership status. She joins our board as our Secretary and coordinator of public relations and club communications. We are happy for Todd but even happier to welcome Nancy into our club.
I first met Todd twelve years ago when I was dating his little sister Cari. What so impressed me about Todd, and for that matter all of the Burns, is how welcoming they were to me as an aspiring member of the family. Our friendship grew over the years. In addition to visits during holidays, trips to each others’ homes, and annual ski excursions, our friendship grew over our mutual love for a 60 acre parcel of land in rural Missouri known as the Eckert Property. We have made it a priority to get together three times a year at the property for camping trips, bachelor parties, and work weekends. During these trips our friendship grew, sharing great times, stories, softball games, skeet shooting afternoons, ATV rides, food and frosty beverages.
What has also become clear to me over time is that Todd is not just a great guy and giving friend – he is also a very talented and mechanically inclined person. Todd is the person Cari and I call when our roof leaks, when circuits fail, and when we need a retaining wall. Todd helped us design and construct a play system for our children, Cassie and Tommy, despite being in a full leg cast. I am an only child and admit that Todd has more mechanical ability in his pinkie than I have in my whole body. My father, Leo, who is here with us tonight, used to joke that Todd is the mechanically-inclined son he never had. Dad, you may be right. To me, Todd has also become the brother I never had and a very dear friend.
Our entire family adores Nancy and are so excited to welcome her to our family. I am amazed at the many ways Todd has changed since meeting Nancy nearly two years ago. We knew something was up after their first official date, Christmas Eve 2006. After meeting at a Boeing Christmas Party, Todd hosted Nancy for a Christmas dinner. Normally an excellent cook, Todd was so taken by Nancy that he burnt their first meal together, which consisted of pork chops and trout caught from Bennett Springs. Nancy later described the pork chops as “flying discs.”
I’m actually amazed that Todd is here in person this evening as today is the official start to Missouri’s deer hunting season. It takes a women of great beauty and charm to cause a hunter to be at a country club, rather than in a deer stand, on this date. Nancy, I hope you are ready to enjoy anniversaries spent wearing camouflage at the cabin for years to come. After all, venison makes the perfect anniversary meal.
Todd and Nancy, I can see by your love for each other and the support of everyone gathered here tonight that you will be blessed with a long and happy marriage.
Please join me in lifting a glass to Todd and Nancy.
May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips, and a twinkle from your eye.
Congratulation to Todd and Nancy!
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