Speech by Chris Davies

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Chris Davies
Speech Date: sep2002
First of all, on behalf of the bridesmaid Denise, I would like to thank Phil for his kind words.

I have been told to keep this brief, so I have prepared what could be termed the kilt version of the speech. Short enough to keep it interesting, but long enough to cover the important bits.

I have known Phil for 268 days, which is 7 full days more than Sandy has.

I first met him the day we both moved in with Lauren at 1128 Quebec St. He seemed like a decent bloke: honest, open, and full of stories from boarding school and Camp America.

There is one such story in Phil's life that I think we have all heard. It's a story about an outdoor synagogue and a young Russian. But there is another story, one even more beautiful than that one that I would like to share with you now.

It begins with two young ladies named Sandy and Denise, who were feeling bit out of sorts and in need of some Boogie therapy. At the same time, two young men named Phil and Chris decided they were sick of watching the history channel and that it was time to head out on the town.

After a couple of beers (yes Phil does occasionally enjoy a beer or two) and drawing on the power of our accents, we soon met some ditzy local females (not Sandy and Denise) near the Yaletown brewery. Our new friends suggested we follow them up the road to a quaint little venue called Babaloos. Detecting that Phil was competition to my advances on the ditzy locals, I searched for another target for him. A cute brunette, dancing as though she were high on life was the obvious choice. I pointed her out to phil and over he went.

His approach showed all the class of a regular Casanova. “So what is your script then?” Fate would ensure that even this weakest of pickup lines, uttered with a slurring irish accent in a noisy, sleazy nightclub would hold a little magic for young Sandy. And of course it didn't take too much to get this shy unassuming creature out of her shell. I think they were probably the last words Phil said all night. The night wore on and the chemistry was evident. She decided to stamp some authority on the relationship early. You are going to walk me home now, she said, its just up the street. 13 blocks and a couple of Phil beer tantrums later, he had her safely delivered to her house.

After a period of courting at such fine local establishments as the Element, The Brickyard and romantic walks in Pigeon Park, Sandy's interest in Phil was evident. But it was the gifts that Phil showered upon her that soon won her heart. I know she still treasures the birthday offerings of a patriotic Canadian pencil, coaster and fridge magnet. And what better way to convey your affections than with a half finished bottle of white wine swiped from your housemate Lauren?

It wasn't long before the four of us (Phil, Sandy, Denise and I) were all out again, enjoying a quiet beverage at the brickhouse. On that merry evening, I don't think even Phil and Sandy would have dreamed that that later that year the four of us would be here to celebrate their wedding.

To say Sandy has had a positive influence on Phil is to grossly understate the impact she has had on him
She has
Enlightened him as to the virtues of deodorant,
Disposed of his feline urine scented runners
And advised him to the benefits of a regular hair grooming schedule.
And of course the bed-wetting is now less frequent.

It is now very clear to me that Phil is an opportunist. And I am not talking about the way he pounces on discarded, half finished beers at the pub. I am talking about the fact that he has clearly seen in Sandy someone who is intelligent, funny, loving and caring. Someone who will put up with him the next time he looses a tooth.

And Sandy, enticed by Phil's boyish charm, offbeat humour and unconditional dedication, sees a guy who will make her happy well into the future.

Before I finish, I should read a few messages from those who were unable to attend this evening.

[Read telegrams]

From the Soccer Fellas
Sandy, our on-field observations suggest Phil performs a whole lot better if he can keep his legs straight when he's on the ball

Phil I would like to thank you for asking me to be your best man, and Sandy for letting Phil ask me. It has been an honour.

It is my great pleasure to ask you all to stand and raise your glasses in a toast for Phil and Sandy, Mr and Mrs Gamble. We wish them well for the future and to a long and happy marriage. Phil and Sandy.