Speech by Gavin Millington

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Gavin Millington
Speech Date: Oct 2001
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank Jason & Keri for their kind words about the bridesmaids and I'm sure we all agree they look lovely, outshone only by the bride herself.

This is my 3rd performance as best man so you would think I should be well organised by now –

My duties are listed as –

1. Organise the stag party … perhaps the less said about that the better …

2. The night before the wedding, make sure the groom is well looked after a gets a good night sleep … well I delegated this task to Justin and he assures me he slept like a baby, woke up every 2 hours and cried for his mum

3. Get him to the church on time … and hand over to Keri … job done

I have known Jason for over 30 years and I would think I know him well, however, to get a better idea of how others see him, I asked around.

Keri said that he hasn't changed since the first time she saw him at Strandmillis. She said he was handsome from afar ..… no sorry, … far from handsome

I spoke to Keri's Dad earlier and he was reminiscing about how fast children grow up. He said when Keri was a toddler he remembers her running around with a dummy, and now suddenly her she is, running around with a dummy

Being Jason's elder brother, one would assume that I have given him the opportunity to learn from my mistakes but as my parents will confirm, I haven't made any … Jason on the other hand has been an education for all of us ..…

How not to drive for example – with his criminal record for speeding and the numerous bumps and scrapes and of course that sheep at Toomebridge that he doesn't like to be reminded about

How not to hide a motorbike from your mother would be another one

However, his mistakes are behind him and today marrying Keri, for Jason it must be like winning the lottery. Poor Keri on the other hand, is just getting the thunderball.

I also noticed that he had chosen today's date very carefully in that he gets an extra hour in bed tomorrow morning .… Coincidence? I think not

Today has been a great day and Joy, Holly, Daniel and I are delighted to be getting such a nice sister in law, an aunt and a babysitter all at once.

It has been a privilege and an honour to be your best man today, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jason & Keri all the happiness in the world. Ladies and Gentlemen I would ask you to charge your glasses and please be upstanding to toast the bride and groom.