On January 21, 2017, I gained an Australian brother. To give some background information on the newlyweds, my sister, Shekinah met Shaun while he was visiting “America” (as the Australians would say). Shaun's brother, who lives in Washington is actually the reason for his visit. We knew Shaun's brother through my dad who actually met at L.A. Fitness and became friends ever since. Basically, it was fate for the couple to meet.

The wedding was so much fun! Even though I was only running on less than two hours of sleep, it was all very exciting! I brought my gorgeous Ukrainian boyfriend as my date and wore a peach lacey long dress. I did not think I would cry, but when I saw my sister walking down the aisle during the ceremony, I couldn’t help but use the tissues I thought I wouldn’t need. It was hitting me that my sister was no longer going to be just my sister. She was going to be my sister who had an Australian husband.

The reception that followed after the ceremony was decorated beautifully. Some of my favorites were the dessert table, the photo booth, and the bar. During the reception, I also gave a speech, as I was the Maid of Honor. Below, is the speech I had prepared:

Hi, everyone! For those who don't know, I'm Charisma, Shekinah's younger sister. As you all know, she and I have a five-year gap between us. Whether she knows it or not, she's always been a role model for me. From doing good in school, sparking my love for fashion, and basically being a second mom to me and siblings, my sister has always proven to be our family's backbone. And I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today, without her. She was even the person who pushed me and highly encouraged me to go to university! (Thanks, sis!)

Anyways, we are all gathered here today to celebrate the union of my Big sister to the love of her life. Of course, he wasn’t always what she dreamed the love of her life would be. I remember, when we were younger she shared with me what she wanted in a guy. At the time, Sky thought that the perfect guy for her would be tall and Filipino. Well, Shaun is neither of those things. Kind of. While he is part Filipino, you can barely tell especially with his accent! Although Sky thought she knew what she wanted, her heart and mind said otherwise.

When I first heard that Shaun had proposed. I was in shock. I thought they have officially only been dating for 3 months? Is she pregnant? Haha!

Growing up, Shekinah has always been super picky, cautious and doubtful when it came to who she was dating or going to date. I've never seen her so sure and confident in anything... until now that is. When Shaun and Sky started talking more and getting to know each other, I knew something was different. She never said she was uncertain or needed to get to know him more, she knew and said when you know, you know. And that couldn’t be any more true for you two. She was even the one who basically said she loved him first.

I'm so happy you have FINALLY found the person you're going to spend forever with. Sky, as you begin this new chapter in life, know that I will still look to you for guidance. And Shaun, I want you to know we love you and I'm so excited for you to be part of our family and have another brother, especially a guy my sister loves and adore.

On this day, your wedding day, I want to wish my Big Sister Shekinah and Shaun the very best life that is centered around God. So, here’s to both of you! Congratulations!