Speech by john choppin

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: john choppin
Speech Date: 13/08/2013 20:42:12

Good afternoon all,

For those of you who don't know me, my name is John. On behalf of Bob, Teresa, Andrew and Shirley I would like to thank you all for coming today to celebrate a day that has been 18 years in the making. I would also like to thank the Bridesmaids for doing such a wonderful job.

Before I start, I must let you all know that I am neither funny nor the best public speaker; infact, this isn't the first time today I have GOT  UP  off a warm seat with several pieces of paper in my hand.

Being a joint Best Man with Chris, I thought that I would keep this speech to about 3 and a half minutes … which is 2 minutes longer than Mandy can expect tonight.

I must comment on how beautiful Mandy looks today and I am sure you would all agree. Bob and Teresa, you must be extremely proud. However I must apologise, to Andrew and Shirley, as that is the best we could do with Marcus; after all we are Best Men, not miracle workers.

Now, before I turn my attention to Marcus, I have to admit that this has been the hardest decision of my life. Do I assassinate Marcus’ honourable character or do I take the moral high ground and tell you how wonderful he is?

For example, should I tell you about the times where he has gone to the toilet, without actually making it to one? And no Marcus, the kitchen sink doesn't count!

 Or do I mention that time his baggage was searched en route to Magaluf, only for a female immigrations officer to hold up his stash of adult magazines?

 Or maybe that time when he was sick out of a moving car and myself, Chris and Mouse were in the back only to get sprayed with something which could only be described as  Cornish pasty filling?

And don't worry mate, I won't mention what happened to the Maitland brother's cat that annoyed us whilst we were trying to sleep!!!

Instead, I will tell you about a man who I have quite literally looked up to since I was 15 years old. ( im 5ft 9 he's 6ft 4)

 Here is a guy who is a family man first and foremost, who not only loves his girls Millie and Olivia but at his age co-produced Frankie, a little story in the making.

 He also finds time for his own siblings and their children as well as my son Jules whom he is Godfather to.

He is hard working and will always turn his hand to anything. He is a keen sportsmen. His current passion is cycling, even if he does look a little odd in lycra.

But above all his greatest attribute is his loyalty to those he holds close and that he is always there when you need him the most.

The one thing that has remained a constant in our friendship is the 18 years he has been with Mandy. When they first got together, a pint was £1.80 and a pack of 20 cigarettes were £1.50. Since then, there have been…

4 Prime Ministers

7 James Bond films

10 Summer and Winter Olympics

And 517 UK number ones

Which only goes to prove that marriage isn't about finding someone to live with.… but that special person you can't live without. So Marcus, today you leave here with a stunning wife who is loving and caring and above all a fantastic Mother… And Mandy, well you are the lucky one… You leave here with a new dress and some very pretty flowers!

Joking aside I am honoured and privileged to be stood before you as one of Marcus’ Best Men and it is a testament to the longevity of our friendship. But is in my opinion that the two Best Men can't be here today, so I would like you all to stand and raise your glasses to Mickey and Matty.(brides 2 brother)

Finally, whilst we are still standing and on behalf of the Bride and Groom I would like to thank you all for sharing this very special occasion and raise a glass to the newly wed, Mr & Mrs Gardiner.