Introduction

We gather here today in loving memory of Hunter Carcione …. oh wait, this is the wrong
speech. [Tosses extra sheets of paper away] Ah, there we go.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Clayton Miller and I have had the privilege of
calling Hunter my best friend for at least 8 years. But BOY does time fly by, it feels like we went
from talking about our crushes in middle school to complaining about our taxes REALLY
quick.”

Before I continue I would like to say thank you Hunter for giving me the honor of being your
best man, it truly means the world to me. If you asked me 8 years ago that I would be here giving
a speech at your wedding, I would be shocked that you made it this far in life without losing an
eye or a limb.

On behalf of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, I would like to thank Hunter and Gracie for
including us on their very special day. What a fantastic day it has been so far and so much of
Gracie’s hard work and preparation has gone into it. Hunter, you were just there.

[INCLUDE MISHAPS OF THE DAY, IF ANY] (But for me) Today has gone incredibly well, I
have yet to stain my shirt by tripping on grass, so that’s a plus.

Now, I first meet Hunter during a Sunday School class where he was the new weird kid of the
bunch (which was all right because I was weird anyway). From there a wonderful friendship (and
occasional rivalry) was born. Almost everything turned into a competition (whether intended to
or not) from ultimate frisbee, Bible trivia, to picking up as many chairs as possible.

After I became good friends with Hunter, Gracie started to attend youth on Wednesday nights.
After the first night she started to attend, Hunter was immediately asking me “Who is that girl!?”
and “Is she single?” Since I was unfamiliar with her at the time I had no idea. | And so the social
media stalking ensued. | It took us a little bit but we eventually found her Instagram while Hunter
and I were volunteering at Meet the Need one Wednesday. Hunter wanted to start texting her but
there was one issue, Hunter was too afraid to text her. So, with nothing to lose, I took Hunter’s
phone and started a conversation with Gracie myself. (Of course since this was Hunter’s phone,
half of my conversation was trying my best to make Hunter seem weird) After that I handed his
phone back to him and said there you go, and the rest was history. So I am inadvertently part of
the reason why these two are where they are today. (BTW, I am still waiting on Hunter to return
the favor, so don’t forget)

Then to Today
As soon as Gracie started dating Hunter, I had been demoted to the official third wheel for both
of them. This meant that I was now relegated to the back seat of car rides. However, this did not
change the fun that we had together.

Over the course of their relationship, we went on many fun escapades: Sonic Runs with the
Youth on Wednesday nights, watching Marvel movies, Shopping at Ross and Zona Rosa, and
many others.

Many times I would be dragged along for Hunter and Gracie’s adventures, and often Gracie was
dragged along for Hunter and I’s adventures.

Connection to Christ
If I have learned something throughout my time being with Hunter and Gracie, it is that their
commitment to one another has given me a picture of Christ’s love for His church. Hunter’s love
and commitment to Gracie reminds me of the love and commitment that Jesus has for His
church!

I charge both of you to reflect the gospel in your marriage! Let the good news of Jesus Christ’s
death and resurrection be at the forefront of all that you do together going forward!

In the words of the great reformer Martin Luther: "There is no more lovely, friendly, and
charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.”
Ending Encouragement
Hunter, where you may lack in height you more than make for in zeal for the Scriptures. Your
dedication to the Word of God has no doubt challenged me to grow deeper in my faith in the
Lord. I pray that you make them your family's light in the darkness when times of hardship
arrive.

Also, Hunter, do not provoke Gracie to anger (as I know from personal experience you have for
me). I implore you to remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 21:9: “Better to live on a
corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

And Gracie, please do your best to keep him alive(preferably with all his limbs intact). Make
sure that he looks both ways before crossing the road. Make sure that he wears his seatbelt (and
that he doesn’t open another knife in the car ever again).

With how much Gracie and Hunter’s relationship has shaped me over the years I often ask
myself where I would be without these two, “I guess we’ll never know…”

Let’s raise our glasses and toast to the new Mr. & Mrs. Carcione!