Speech by Nikki Barton

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Nikki Barton
Speech Date: Oct2004
Good Evening

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Nikki, a friend of Iris's from the McDonald Days. First of all, on behalf of the other bridesmaids and myself, I would like to say how beautiful and radiant you look today. And that includes you too Brad. Your wedding has been a special day for all of us and I feel truly honored to be standing by your side today as your maid of honor. You have been to me not only my best friend, but like the sister I never had.

Now of course I have lots of fun and embarrassing stories about Iris I could share, but I've decided not to tell any of them because it will be just as embarrassing for me. Plus, this is her special day and I will leave her alone.

Iris and I have spent nearly a decade together and I can say we have learnt so much from experience and each other. Iris, you are a wonderful, incredibly strong person who I truly admire. You never judge anyone, you put others before yourself and when anyone needs a hand you're the first to offer. You are motivated and determined to try new things, like the time I took you out to dinner at a flashy restaurant and you tried to eat your meal without a napkin on your lap. Well, at least you tried.

I have know Iris most of my life so I thought it would be appropriate to make a short poem on our lives up until this point.

IRIS

I've known you forever, its been nearly 10 years,

Although we've had good times, there've also been tears.

With getting into trouble, a lot over the time

I consider you not only my friend, but my partner in crime

Whenever I was in trouble, there would be no doubt

You'd be there by my side, bailing me out

You've snuck me into bars and we've told a few lies

But hey what the heck, they were all ugly guys.

As teenagers we were wild, no one would ever believe

But honestly Mrs Orellana, Iris had it all up her sleeve

I'm so happy for you both, on this your wedding day

My wish has come true, what more can I say

In 70 years when I look back at the end

Not only were you buddy, but my very best friend

Iris, a loving person, generous and kind

A better friend anywhere? You surely can't find

You've always been there for me, a supporting, caring soul

And now you have Brad, who completes your life now whole.

Brad we'd like to welcome you into our friendly family

You've made our darling Iris as happy as can be

I love you both so much and I'm happy you're in my life

I wish you only the best as husband and wife.

I have many wonderful memories of times spent with Iris as I'm sure we all have. These are special times, which will never be forgotten. The fondest memory I will now have is watching Iris marry her best friend and love of her life, Brad.

Brad, you have fit right into our family of friends as the warm, loving person that you are and it seems only yesterday I met you for the first time. In the past 4 years I have seen you both grow as individuals and flourish as a couple. Separately you both are very special, remarkable people, but together you are complete.

Today we celebrate your love together and everything you have found in each other – A best friend, a teacher, a lover, a playmate and a true partner for life. As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life, remember to scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loops and enjoy every twist and turn, for the ride is better because you share it together.

May you both continue to grow in love, not forgetting the importance of understanding, forgiveness and tolerance. But most importantly, may you never forget the love that brought you both here today.

I would now like you to raise your glasses and join with me in a toast to the bride and groom. May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never ending. To love, laughter and happily ever after! AND BRAD, A HAPPY WIFE MAKES FOR A HAPPY LIFE.

Here's to Iris and Brad!

Cheers!