“I may now be married, Dad, but you were the first man I loved” – Bride Speech by Amy

Speech Type: Bride
Time to Read Aloud: 11 minutes
Our Favourite Line: “Today, I don’t just feel like a bride, I don’t just feel like a wife, I feel complete and that is because I know I will always have Jamie by my side.”

Some may think that a bride making a speech is a little untraditional. But, as most of you will know, I never pass on an opportunity to make my voice heard and, as many wise people have told me, “If you want something done properly, do it yourself!” So here I am.

If you had told me a few years ago that at the age of 24 I would be marrying a bald-headed fella from Middlesbrough, I would have probably laughed at you… or run away! These past few weeks, many people have asked if I am nervous and the answer has always been yes. I have been petrified about falling on my face in front of a crowd of everyone I know, worried I’d say something silly in my vows, and stressing to plan a wedding that everyone would enjoy. Not once have I ever been nervous about marrying Jamie. I have never doubted whether I am doing the right thing because I just know that this is the man I will grow old with and, at least as he is already bald, I am not in for any nasty surprises.

Now, to warn you, this is the bit of the speech where I start thanking everyone. Please make sure you have plenty in your glasses, although I doubt this will be an issue for table five! I want to issue lots of thanks. I am really grateful to everyone who has helped to make today possible. It turns out that whilst I tell everyone I am very laidback, the planning process has shown that I am a little fussier than I thought. So thank you to everyone for putting up with me! Especially my mum and Jamie! My mum has been to every appointment, she has helped me communicate my ideas, and has been a staunch supporter of making sure that everything about today reflects Jamie and me.

Jamie has done a very good job of supporting me with the planning, he has come up with his own ideas (although if you look around you won’t see a bouncy castle or any parmos – sorry babe!) He has put up with me stressing over the smallest of details and has feigned great interest in whether something is the right shade of sage. You’ve survived the hardest part Jam, it should all be easier from here – let’s hope!

I’d like to say a special thank you to Mum and Dad. Now, Mum has asked that I don’t make her cry. I never saw my mum as much of a crier until I started planning this wedding! My mum is fiercely protective, loyal and honest. She is the best person to have on your side and I am very grateful that biology has rendered her my permanent ally! My mum has always done everything she can for me and has pushed me to be my best. Mum, I really appreciate and love you very much.

My dad is the best dad that anyone could ever wish for and I am so lucky to call him mine. He has strong values, a high moral compass, and an unbelievable work ethic, all of which have inspired me to be the person that I am. I may now be married, Dad, but you were the first man I loved. You have set the bar high (good luck, Jamie!) and I promise to always be your little girl. Although, from now on, Dad, I’ll try to cost you less (again, good luck, Jamie!)

My parents have been there for me from the beginning and always supported me. You have always made me feel loved and have encouraged my independence and I really appreciate everything you have done – not only to make today so special but to help me become the fantastic, beautiful and obviously humble person I am today, so thank you.

My parents have a special kind of love for each other. They can survive the biggest arguments, communicate without words and they share that deep-rooted love that somehow prevents my mum from murdering my dad when he snores! They have the kind of love that I hope we have years from now and you better hope so too, Jamie, because you’re definitely a snorer!

Now onto more thank yous… can we have a big cheer for my beautiful bridesmaids, Taylor and Olivia?! These girls are not only stunning on the outside but they are thoughtful and inspiring young women who I couldn’t be more proud of. I also have two gorgeous flower girls, Chloe and Isabelle, who both look like princesses and behave like them too… most of the time! And my charming young page boys, Spencer and Alfie, you look really smart and I am extremely proud of you all.

Dobbie, Rich, and Ben, I have to say thank you for being fantastic groomsmen. Jamie turned up on time, seems relatively calm, and is sober. So thank you – job done!

I’d also like to say a huge thank you to my new in-laws, you have been really supportive through this whole process and you have really welcomed me into your family. You have raised such an amazing person in Jamie and I promise you that I truly mean all of the vows we have made today and I will take great care of him. Although, he will have to wash his own smelly socks – I’m not touching them!

I also want to say a quick thank you to all the people who aren’t here today but are greatly missed. Firstly, Grandma Ina, she would have loved to have seen me get married and I would love to say she would approve of you Jamie but that was never certain with Grandma! She would have certainly kept you on your toes and probably made you shave your beard off. My Grandma Sheila and Grandad George would definitely have approved of you and loved you very much. While they are no longer here, Grandad’s sweet peas are. I would like to thank John for growing them and driving them all the way from Scotland, you have made me feel very happy and loved. Thank you. Please join me in raising a toast to absent family and friends.

There are so many people here that have influenced and supported Jamie and I and we want to thank you all. We were adamant that today we wanted to be surrounded by people we love, people who have watched us grow, and people who will be in our future. So well done, you have all made the cut! Thank you all for being part of this and we can only hope to do you all proud.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to talk about my husband, wow! I have a husband! When I look at Jamie, all I see is love. Not only love for me, but he is just so natural at caring for people and I greatly admire that. He is passionate about justice and giving a voice to those who aren’t heard and I feel privileged to know him, never mind to be his wife.

Before I met Jamie, I spent a long time looking for something or someone who would make me a great person. Jamie has taught me that I don’t need to change to find greatness and he loves me for who I am and he makes me feel special every day. He has taught me that it is not who I am, but what I do that defines me. Although, I am pretty sure he stole that one from Batman! Jamie has all of the qualities I could ask for in a husband; he is considerate, he knows his own mind, he provides warmth and security, he challenges me, and he makes me happier than I ever thought I could be.

The reason that our relationship works is that we are both just ourselves and love each other for the real people we are. Today, I don’t just feel like a bride, I don’t just feel like a wife, I feel complete and that is because I know I will always have Jamie by my side. So I want to raise a toast to my husband, the love of my life, to Jamie!