Speech by Emily

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Emily
Speech Date: 11/06/2014 15:35:49

Good afternoon everybody. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Emily and I am the best “man”. I'd first like to congratulate these two love birds, Chad and Brittney. This day has been a long time coming and I am so happy it is officially in the books!

 It is with deepest respect and greatest honor that I accepted the roll of best “man”. Most of you may think that a female best “man” is a little strange and awkward and I totally agree! I'd like to take a moment and explain to you how this works. First, lets answer the question on everyone's mind……I was not born “Matthew” or “Johnathan”. I am, in fact, ALL girl and always have been. I have a loving husband with whom I shared in the joy of our second childs birth 2 months ago……..so this man can vouch for me. There is proof in the pudding folks, ask him!

 Now that that's off the table I'd like to try to explain to you how in fact it isn't weird at all that Chad and I are best buds. Traditionally speaking guys have guy friends and girls have girlfriends. And since we've already established my unwavering, God given femininity I'd like to bring Chads “manliness” into question. I figure, it is nearly impossible with women being from Venus and men being from Mars that there two pals like us who get along so well. We've known each other since we were 12 and I have thought long and hard and have come up with the conclusion that, Chad, Dude, you're a little girly. Im not hatin’ on you bro, actually I think it works really well for ya. So well infact, that I think your little dash of girliness is key to your marriage. Let me tell you why Chad's girlish gifts will make this marriage last.

First of all Chad is one squeaky clean guy. Like, Mary Poppins and Martha Stewart's love child CLEAN! Brittney you just jump in here if you think im wrong ok? What other GUY has created and sticks to his own cleaning schedule of dusting and sweeping? I have this image of Chad returning home from the Appilachain trail, beard down to here, putting on his apron and humming a tune while dusting. Name another MAN whose truck is as clean, inside and out, as it was the day it rolled off the lot. I could go on with this one but for time sake I need to move on to girly fact numero dos.

Chad will put any woman to shame when it comes to planning. He is on schedule and he is prepared. The ultimate MOM. Aren't MEN the ones who land wherever the road takes them, throw caution to the wind, wherever they hang their hat they call home? Not Chad. He probably knows what he will be having for dinner 2 weeks from now. I know that in years to come when he and Brittney take the kiddos to Disney for a family vacation it will be fanny-pack-wearing Chad who will have everything planned out. He will have three maps of Disney, one for himself, one in another location incase something happened to the first and one to give Brittney when she loses hers. Each map having matching circled locations and times on them. Probably everyone's social security number and phone numbers of closest to kin. His planning skills are especially admirable among us women and mothers who know what a task it can be, we can only strive to be like him someday. J

About 10 years ago I moved from FL to WV. I went from a big town full of lots of friends and my phone contacts to the maximum to a small town with little cell service whatsoever. I didn't know it then but it was a HUGE transition time for me and still is. Not only did my social life come to a screeching halt but the friendships I had built up since I was a kid began to diminish over time. It wasn't long before all old friends didn't have time to call me back or didn't care to…………..all friends but Chad. He was the ONLY one who over time still chose to call. Never having much to say but just to catch up and chat. He calls every year on my birthday, has sent Christmas gifts to our family, has flown up for my baby shower and been THE most thoughtful friend anyone could ask for. He's exhibited more thoughtfulness and caring than any girlfriend I've ever had. That is why I am so proud, untraditional or not, to be his best “man”.

Chad, your girly tendencies of superior cleanliness, dedicated skill in preparation and planning, and your unbending thoughtfulness that goes against your genders grain not only make you a dear friend but will make you an amazing husband. Brittney, you have a man that will clean up after himself, be a human organizer, and has the capability of showing and giving love in ways most men never do. He will be an amazing partner to stand beside you and a Dad like no other. I'd like to add that, Brittney, there is no better match for Chad than you. I have seen Chad with you and I have seen Chad without you and there is no question that you and ONLY YOU are the one God intended for him. You differ from each other in some ways but it is your love for one another that allows you to compensate. Brittney I have seen you make choices to put Chad before yourself so that he is happy. You meet his sometimes quirky ways with selflessness and wisdom. You two are alike in so many ways too. Not too many couples’ ideal date would be to go wade fishing with visible shark fins in a distance……and if that doesn't scream match made in heaven Im not sure what does!

(raise my glass)

To Chad: may your girlish ways become an asset to your marriage and be something every womans husband can take a note on. May you always know how lucky you are to have found the girl of your dreams and to have landed her here today. Know how happy I am that today you have set out on a path of shared happiness together in love. May God's blessings always rain on you.

To Brittney: Good luck girl! You've just married the girlyest man I know!