Speech by Mark Thompson

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Mark Thompson
Speech Date: 22/02/2013 14:03:17

GOOD AFTERNOON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

Firstly I'm not going to bore you with a long drawn out speech…so I am going to get this over with as quick and meaningful as possible so we can all carry on celebrating in style and also to give my nerves a rest.

For those of you that do not know me my name is Mark and I am Karl's younger brother. On behalf of Karl and Dawn I would like to thank you all for coming here today to help make their wedding day such a memorable and special occasion and add how deeply honoured and privileged I am to have been asked to be the best man.

I'd like to mention for the family, friends and well-wishers who are unable to attend today's joyful celebrations that send their love and wishes to the bride and groom.

Furthermore we cannot forget the page boys Lewis & Brandon, the ushers Casey and Ryan for their impeccable parts and also the bridesmaids and flower girl Lisa, Nicola, Sophie and Mia for their flawless contributions to the wedding. I'm sure you will all agree that they all look wonderful but they are totally eclipsed by the bride who looks absolutely stunning today.

Dawn and Karl have been together for 15 years now and thought it time they tied the knot together. They 1st met while working together where Dawn was at the front desk dealing with customers’ enquiries and taking orders while Karl was out laying carpets…We now know it wasn't just carpets Karl was laying!!

Between Dawn and Karl they both share the delights of 4 children, Karl's son Casey and daughter Lori and Dawns son Craig and daughter Lisa who have twin boys Brandon & Lewis and daughter Mia. Also Dawn and Karl have 2 babies of their own Sunny & Summer their 2 little Yorkies.

I know most of you expect me to shoot my brother down with a volley of embarrassing tales from his past but to be honest Karl is very much a clean man as far as I can remember….Luckily for him on this day.

Growing up as brothers was easy. We rarely argued, fought or fell out over things but I will remind Karl that he still owes me 2 action man heads and half a Yamaha RD 250..But he is no mummy's boy I can assure you of that.

However, he does have his faults like everyone else. I was visiting my mother one day and noticed Karl was deep in thought looking a bit troubled whilst chewing on his lip so I naturally asked him what was bothering him. He told me he was finding it hard to buy Dawn something for Valentine's Day. I said it's easy brother just buy Dawn her favourite flowers. Karl left the house and came back 10 minutes later grinning from ear to ear clutching a bag of self-raising flour in one hand and a bag of corn flour in the other hand!!

Apart from being good at his job Karl is a typical man when it comes to hobbies whereby they are short lived. He took up motocross for a short while, took up shooting, even shorter but retains his golf clubs which I'm sure he'll use in due course!! He intends to take up fishing again though I doubt that he'll get a bigger catch than Dawn… (Let me know what bait you used)

Dawn on the other hand is the opposite and it is well known that opposites attract which reminds me “That love can be affected by physical appearances” Dawn you should have gone to spec savers!!

However, Dawn is a very talented and very creative person and you only have to look around you to appreciate her talent and creativity in the bouquets, decorations and the wedding cake that she made. I think you'll agree they are absolutely stunning, other than these wonderful creations Dawn is a lady of leisure and loves to shop.

Together they have travelled to many destinations in the world by sea and air and on their last venture in Tunisia they marvelled in the culture & sunsets of the Sahara desert whilst on a 1100km tour of the desert partly on a bus but mainly in jeeps and Camels. Having travelled a fair bit myself I know how enduring that must have been for them. They both set of into the desert on Camels dressed in full traditional Tunisian costumes. Karl thoroughly enjoyed the experience where as Dawn on the other hand absolutely hated it and got the hump!!

I am reminded today, seeing the bride and groom that a joy shared is a joy doubled and that love really knows no bounds. Their journey of love is mirrored in the looks of affection they give each other. It is plain to see their heart felt connection, admiration and devotion for each other. I don't imagine that they will always entertain in the style of today but I'm sure their home will be equally welcoming to whoever sets foot over their threshold.

With as witnesses to their wedlock and starting their new lives together we can only share in their happiness today and forsooth that it continues in their incredible journey of true love.

You're given hearts, may they never part are the pillars of your temple.

Understand, have courage, be strong catch each other should you fall for love is eternal; the aspect may change but not the essence.

Relish in your fruits like and aged wine. It becomes more appreciated, more valuable, more refreshing, more satisfying and more intoxicating.

It is a true statement to say that a dress that zips up at the back will bring a husband and wife together. I can think of no finer example than Karl and Dawn.

Never having been married myself I'm pretty much at a loss on what advice to give them both but I will say this to Dawn. Give Karl a free hand…and he'll run it all over your body!!

And Karl; Marriage bestows upon you many, many obligations…But remember foreplay is only optional!

And from me; thank you all for your kind patience and attention.

Ladies and Gentlemen it gives me immense pleasure to ask you all to join me and please be upstanding and raise your glasses to my brother and his beautiful new wife Dawn.

May they both live a long and fruitful life together.

To the bride and groom.