Tributes

We were really touched when Maggie's father, Gary, and her friend, Louise, both gave surprise tributes on the open mic after the ceremony! Thank you, Gary and Louise!

Gary Sather's Toast

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Gary, Maggie's Dad, and on behalf of my wife, Jane, we'd like to welcome you all here today to celebrate the marriage of our daughter, Maggie, to Zach.

I want to welcome Zach's parents, Dale and Nancy, and his sister, Rory, as well as all the relatives and friends of both families...and the scores of friends of Maggie's and Zach's who have come here today. We know many of you have travelled a long way to be here; and we, ALL, truly appreciate that!

And, while you're all here to witness this - and I'm passing out all the welcomes and thanks -- make no mistake, this wedding ceremony and reception extravaganza is totally the brainchild and work of today's wedding couple...with the help, of course, of many of their friends, especially Abby - their good friend and today's officiant - and Zach's sister, Rory.

It was more than 38 years ago that Maggie came into our life, preceded by her brother, Brian, and her sister, Nicole. Ever since her earliest days, it was pretty obvious to most who knew her that Maggie had MANY great qualities, but, today, NOW, I'm going to talk about just three of them:

First, Maggie is the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful person I know. I used to think that she was TOO much that way to get by, do well, and be happy in this often-times tough, even cruel, day-to-day life. But, I've come to know and see that she can have a tough edge and a feeling of confidence - knowing what's right and wrong and fair - and just how far she can be pushed. So, with that package of traits, she has been - and will continue to be - successful in everything she does. Maggie's world is a really happy and sweet one.

Second, Maggie is a very giving and helpful person. She is the first to step up to the plate to help anyone or any organization in need. Her giving nature in this way occurs within her family, at home, with her friends, and to the many organizations she helps with her time and efforts. I know that many of you out there have worked with her on various volunteer ventures over the years, and you appreciate this, as well.

Third, and finally, there is not a baby or child on this earth who Maggie has come in contact with - sometimes even just through a photo - that she doesn't immediately swoon over, play with, and, very often, fall in love with. This love of babies and kids led Maggie into her profession of Social Work, and her Master's Degree from the U of C... and into her first job - at a Therapeutic Day School. While enjoying the challenge - and doing well there for six years - it became very hard on Maggie, as she couldn't help but to "take her job home" with her. This caused Maggie a lot of heartache and tears - AFTER hours. Maggie's old boss at that school - and he's still the boss there today and continues to be Maggie's friend - is here within our midst. Hello Michael; I think you know, quite well, that part of Maggie.

Then, after that very helpful learning experience, what did she do? Maggie looked for - and found - the very best nannying job imaginable: helping to raise, from 9-months of age, little Sara, AND to work for the best employer she could ever hope to have -- Sara's mom, Deirdre. Both Sara and her Mom are here today. Sara is a very special child (after all, she is Maggie's special munchkin) and Deirdre is an extraordinary mom and boss. The three of them have been together for nine years now!

We hope and pray that out of this union of Maggie and Zach will come another special child of their own. And, while Jane and I don't know Zach real well yet, we do know this about him:

• He and Maggie share their birthday - no, not just the month and date, but the year, too: December 4, 1976. And, they both have ancestral roots in the same rural area of southcentral WI. And, they share their Norwegian, Irish, and German ancestry. And, Maggie's paternal grandma was a Miller in that same area of WI. Kismet? 3rd cousins? Who knows!
• Zach is a bright, hardworking, fun-loving guy...and a huge party animal!
• He is a gifted computer geek who can explain stuff even to Maggie's parents.
• Zach is so very thoughtful of, and kind to, Maggie.
• He is the object of Maggie's deepest love.
• And, when the hoped-for bambino or bambina arrives, Zach will be a wonderful Dad.

It is now my pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple. Please be upstanding and raise your glass - or your fan - to the bride and groom, Maggie Ember and Zach Miller-Ember!

Louise Cloutier's Song

Louise improvised this song on the spot during dinner!