“Today I have my fairytale but its magnificence is beyond anything I could have imagined” – Bride Speech by Cerys

Speech Type: Bride
Time to Read Aloud: 12 minutes
Our Favourite Line: “I think it’s safe to say we could write a list of every dress shop in South Wales.”

Every little girl dreams of her wedding day. A day of love and magic that will leave its imprint on her heart forever. Today I have my fairytale but its magnificence is beyond anything I could have imagined. I could live the rest of my life in this moment, surrounded by my friends and family, and never want for anything more.

Weddings can happen anywhere and at any time but it can only be a true celebration when all the people you love are there to share it with you. You all have really made our day by being here today!

When I was thinking of what to say today, it made me think about the relationships in this room. We have so much inspiration from our friends and family, but it was Granny and Grampy’s relationship that came to mind with their celebration this year of 70 years of marriage. They are an inspiration to all of us here of not just what a relationship is but also about what love really is. I would like you all to join me in a toast to them. Congratulations Granny and Grampy on 70 years.

Today is an extra special day for us, it’s not just our wedding day, it’s also the last time our family will be together in a room for, well who knows! My big brother and his family are off to live in New Zeland on Monday. I’m sure, Gareth, you would agree that we were raised to take every opportunity life throws at you and, whilst we can be quite stubborn and determined, we’ll always be able to look back at our lives and say we’ve never regretted anything.

Good luck in your next chapter Gaz, Em, Brooke and Zac and thank you for making sure that you could be here with us today. It really meant a lot to me and Math. I know you said that today was about me and Math, but I would like everyone to join me in a toast to the four of you – to new beginnings. Love you all loads!

I do have two things to say to the best men, thank you for letting Math survive the stag do. Well, the Butlins’ one, the rugby club one wasn’t so successful! Gezzy, it’s nice to see you’ve finally survived! Thank you for being there for him over the years.

Moving on from the stag to the hen, wow, you hens were amazing. However, there were three girls, Hotzi, Amy and Louisa, who tried to outshine my reputation on party planning and they stole my title on that weekend. Thank you so much for everything you did, the time that you put into it. I have a little something for you all. Bridesmaids, thank you to all three of you for being there for me over the years in some way or the other.

Hayley, thank you for making me feel welcome from the minute I met you. We’ve enjoyed some good times over the years and I’m looking forward to many more to come. As from today, I have officially gained a new sister.

Angharad, you’re always there, not just for me, but for me and Math. For that, I want to say thank you. It’s meant so much to have you by my side today. I remember as kids, our childhood fights, but also lots of good times. As we got older, our fights turned into support and we’ve always been there for each other, not just as sisters, but as friends. All the girls are looking forward to you coming on the Butlins reunited trip!

Finally, Hotzi, wow, what I can say about you? Who would’ve thought all those years ago, when you saw me and Laura at the St David’s Ball, that you would have been sat on the top table today! When I started at Thistle, within the first few days we’d forgotten our original impressions of each other and bonded over a finger buffet being served in the Duchess Suite. Sales can help ops out when the sh*t hits the fan! We’ve enjoyed so many memories together, most that I couldn’t speak of here in front of these people. We’ve experienced all types of emotions together, but whatever we’ve been through we’ve always been there for each other. Thank you so much for being there for me, you take the meaning of friendship to a whole new level.

I would like to also thank the three best-dressed six-year-olds and two and one-year-old in the room, these kids well what do I say? They are so important to me, it’s hard to put into words. They bring so much happiness into our lives, I love each and every one of you and love being there for you as an aunty and a friend. There is no way I could not have had any of them involved in our special day.

Maria and Rob, you’ve welcomed me into your family from day one and for that, I will be forever grateful. You’re always there for us with support, advice and love. I promise you that I will continue to look after Math and Emily and always be there for them.

Mum, thank you for everything you have done for me, especially with your help for today and over the years. I think it’s safe to say we could write a list of every dress shop in South Wales. You’ve had a lot going on recently and we appreciate everything you have done for us.

Before I get onto my husband, I would like to thank the first man in my life. My Dad. When I was writing out this speech, I tried so many different ways to put into words what you mean to me, but it was so difficult. How do you describe someone who has been there for you through thick and thin, guided you through life, and supported you through everything? Yes, I’m sure that some people would argue, well that’s what a parent does, but the unconditional love you have shown not just me but Angharad and Gareth and our partners is simply indescribable. I just hope that if I have made you half as proud of me as I am of being your daughter then I’ve accomplished something in my life.

And finally a word or two for my dear husband. Wow! I can say that now! Matthew, I think we would both agree that when we met, it was at a time that neither of us believed in love. But, on our first date, I knew we had something special. It wasn’t the perfect first date in the fact that you burnt the onions, you ran out of gas for the BBQ, but you being you pulled it off and we just laughed all night. I knew you were a gentleman when we didn’t kiss until the second date, but I won’t repeat what you said to me on the third!

You came into my life and completely changed it. Over the past few years you have given me everything I never thought I would have or deserved. It means so much to me standing here as your wife. You are the love of my life, my best friend, and now my husband! I want to thank you for a wonderful day. Thank you for your hard work in realising our dreams, today has been so perfect.

Thank you for putting up with me and coping with my fabulous mood swings! Thank you for loving me and being there for me. You have done this by being yourself and loving me. You know every little girl’s dream is to marry a rich man. I couldn’t have married a richer man than Matthew. I’m not on about his bank account, he is rich in inner strength, understanding and kindness, in forgiveness and patience. Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love and they blossom when we love the ones we marry.

I know that life won’t be a bed of roses, but I can promise you now that I will always be there by your side as your wife and your best friend.

I’m now coming to the end of my speech and I spent ages trying to find a quote to finish with and, thinking of an intro to it, I found the perfect one. Then, only you Matthew could decide to move rugby teams a week before the wedding so this bit has had to be edited quickly! It is, however, fitting really that you were part of Blackwood Stars when we met and have been throughout our relationship. Well, up until last week.

If it is true that men are like stars, with so many to pick from but only one who can make your dreams come true, then Matthew is my one true star and I can’t wait for the rest of our dreams to come true. And on that note, I’d like to raise my final toast but this time to my husband Matthew.