This is an excerpt of the toast I gave at Mark and Alina's wedding:

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Alina's sister. For those of you who do know me, and were at my wedding, you know Alina gave an amazing speech. It will be hard to top...but I'll try. Of course, there was another great speech delivered by our Dad. He is here with us today in spirit because he wouldn't miss this day for the world.

Alina, you and I got off on the wrong foot. I was already suspicious about getting a baby sister and it didn't help when they forgot me at the hospital when I came to help pick you up. On top of that, you had no interest whatsoever in hanging out when you did come home. Always one to keep score, I asked our dad whom he loved more and he said, “That's like asking me to choose my left arm or my right arm.” I remember thinking that I, having in possession two arms of my own, had to love one more than the other.

However, as you got older and became a plump and adorable dark curly haired toddler who followed me around and copied everything I do, I'd say you grew on me and soon I'd give either of my arms for you. As we got older, it was hard to tell which one of us was older and more mature. I remember our parents leaving us alone to go on vacation and telling you, “Make sure she eats.” I always went to you for advice and you never let me down. I have no idea where you got that smart at 12. Later, when I went abroad after college, you handed me a letter to read on the plane. I liked your letter so much, I carried it around with me the entire trip, so that you'd think it came from the Dalai Lama.

Click here to read the entire toast...

And also, watch the slideshow I created for Mark and Alina as well...

Mark and Alinas Slide Show from Mark Mikunas on Vimeo.