Speech by Darren Bibby

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Darren Bibby
Speech Date:
Thank you Katie.

My name is Darren Bibby and I'm the best man in the wedding party.

I would like to start with a few comments about the lovely bridesmaid's this evening. They have looked beautiful today and performed their role fantastically well, despite the inevitable and healthy rivalry that can sometimes occur amongst sisters.

In fact, just before the service I overheard a furious argument among the bridesmaids about who was going to be first to dance with the best man. Understandable, I thought – until I got closer and heard them saying, ‘You dance with him.” “No, YOU dance with him!”

It has been wonderful for me to get to know each of Steph's sisters over the last couple of years.

I've played floor hockey with Nicole – or should I say – I've learned how to play floor hockey from Nicole! She really is good!

I've spent some time with Kelly and Dave and Atticus up at the family cottage, sharing stories about famous people we've met. Kelly is actually one day older than me!

And I've spent a lot of time talking to Andrea at some of the co-ed wedding showers over the last couple of months.

I look forward to seeing much more of each of you in the future – especially in Mike and Steph's new backyard with that snazzy new BBQ of theirs!!

[LOOK AT BRIDESMAIDS]
Steph is very lucky to have three great sisters – and friends – like the three of you.

Please join me in raising a glass to the bridesmaids.

I have really enjoyed getting to know Steph over the past few years. We all got to meet each other playing recreational floor hockey and soccer in Toronto. While that has turned Mike and Steph into husband and wife, it's meant some lasting friendships for my fianc&#233e Michelle and I.

We've been able to spend a lot of time with Steph, up at the cottage, playing games, out for dinner, even witnessing Steph take over the piano at Tom Jones Piano Bar.

But Steph, I really can offer only one piece of advice on marriage, and it also applies to every other woman here that is looking to tie the knot one day:

1- It is important to find a man that cooks and cleans.
2- It is important to find a man that makes good money.
3- It is important to find a man that is good in the bedroom.

4- But perhaps most important of all – It is important that these three men never meet each other.

Steph – it's been wonderful to get to know you over the last few years. I am always amazed at the permanent smile and good humour you carry around with you. And the funny stories about your school kids.

I am proud to know you as well as I do. I look forward to many more great times!

You look absolutely beautiful today. Cheers to you.

And now onto Mike.

When I was coming up with this speech, I thought to myself, it has to be auspicious, and heartfelt, and impactful. And MEMORABLE.

So here it goes.

One score, and eleven years ago that's about 1974 for those of you who are trying to do the math, a great man was born unto this earth – a man who would come to entertain us, to charm us with his good looks and sense of humour, and to generally grace us with his presence – Ladies and gentleman [STARE AT MIKE], that man .… was Leonardo Di Caprio.

But coincidentally, Mike Amadio was also born that famous year.

Mike and I met in the first week of school at Wilfrid Laurier University. We were amongst a group of 16 guys, ready to take on the world, and make the most out of life – or you know, get a History degree or something.

Mike and I became friends pretty quickly and remained close friends throughout University, even sharing accommodations during second year.

I wanted to share with you a few glimpses of how I've seen Mike grow and mature or what's the opposite to the verb to mature.… To immature? over the last dozen years that I've known him. I like to call this section of the speech – The highlights – and – the lowlights.

Highlight – Mike's golf game. You know, it's very fortunate for Mike, and ironic, that we're here today at a golf course for the reception. Being in sales, Mike does some of his best work on the golf course.

When I go out golfing with Mike now, it's very frustrating for me. I used to handily be able to beat Mike. But with his explosive sales career, I don't stand a chance anymore. In fact, I often find that I've purchased some telephone and computer equipment by the end of the round.

Lowlight – Tobogganing on New Year's Eve. Always one to live life to the fullest – Going downhill SEATED on a crazy carpet wasn't good enough for Mike. No, that wasn't the plan that Mike, and his good friend Alexander Keith, came up with, earlier in the evening…

He decided he needed to go down the hill – STANDING UP on the sled. And while everyone oohed and awed over the first couple trips downhill, it was Mike who was Ooohing and Awing after the third trip didn't go so well. This of course, was followed-up by six weeks of physio-therapy.

Highlight – Mike's sales career. I used to work with Mike for a few years at Bell Canada, and I can tell you from meeting a lot of talented people, there are VERY FEW people who have been able to accomplish what Mike's been able to &amp#61664 Showing up to the office as little as he did, and STILL keeping his job – Truly amazing…

In fact, I'm not sure how many of you knew this fact, but Mike Amadio is ranked in the top 3% of all sales people in Canada – ALPHABETICALLY.

But honestly, Mike was able to make President's club three years in a row, most recently taking Stephanie to Paris, France. Three years in a row is a very rare accomplishment!

Lowlight – Mike's early working days. Although Mike is doing quite well for himself now, this wasn't always the case. When Mike first started working in Toronto as a co-op student, the only car he could afford was an old-model Chevy Sprint.

This car's value doubled when it had a full tank of gas in it. It was quite a car. You couldn't be running both the windshield wipers and the headlights at the same time. The radio volume went up and down in time with the indicator.

Highlight – Mike's sense of humour. YES, Mike is a funny guy. He's always ready with a joke or five to put a smile on everyone's face…

Lowlight – Mike's sense of humour. Mike has the tendency to repeat the same jokes again and again. And it's funny to hang out with Mike, and with other people at various times. I get to hear the same joke, delivered multiple times to new audiences.

If you know Mike, he's always playing with his Blackberry device. He's not doing email like he tries to make everyone think – he's actually recording WHAT joke he has told to WHO.

Now… traditionally, the best man should end his speech with a few sincere and kind remarks about the groom. And this would have been very difficult for me if Mike hadn't written down exactly what he wanted me to say!

But in all seriousness. With all the people Mike knows, and the family and friends that he has, I am truly proud to be able to stand up here as the Best Man, and talk about Mike.

Mike is as sincere and genuine a friend as one could have. He stands by what he says and he's loyal to his friends and family. This is a wonderful trait to bring into Stephanie and Mike's marriage.

Mike is as smart and successful a guy as you'll meet. He will continue to do well with his career and become a good father one day and teach his kids a lot.

Mike is as fun and as caring a person that you'll ever come across. When I get together with Mike, I don't care how I'm feeling, I know that I'll be smiling by the end of our time together. I know that Mike and Stephanie will have a lot of smiling, and loving years ahead of them.

And I'm very proud to have known Stephanie over the last few years – and for me to call them both two of my very best friends.

I wish you complete happiness in your exciting road ahead.

Please join me in a toast to the Groom – Mike Amadio.