Jacob & Olivia

Their Story

The same butterflies,
ten years on.

The toasts opened with advice. In married life, Jacob was told, always make sure you have the last two words — "yes, dear." And always listen to what Olivia has to say. "Because my wife says I never listened. Actually, I don't know what she says."

Jacob began by blaming the weather. "I just want to first say I got really bad hay fever. So if you saw me cry today — it was the grass." Then, deadpan: "Good evening everyone. I don't think I've ever said good evening in my entire life." They met over ten years ago, two kids at school with no idea what was coming. "We grew together side by side, changing, stumbling, learning and becoming the people we are today." He turned to his wife. "The same butterflies I had when we first met were with me at the altar today, and are still with me as I speak."

Olivia went first to the people who couldn't be in the room — her grandparents, her uncle, Jacob's nonno. "Though they aren't here tonight, I know they are watching us with so much love and pride. We carry them with us in our hearts today and always." Then to Jacob: "You're my greatest treasure. You're my best friend. You're my laughter and you're my home." She got as far as growing through every stage of life hand in hand before the tears caught her — and from somewhere in the room came the only possible response. "Hey, who cut the grass?"