Speech by Elena Cook

Speech Type: Bride
Speech Creator: Elena Cook
Speech Date: oct 2004
It is not traditional for the bride to speak but I
thought it only right that I start married life as I
mean to go on- by having the last word. I would like
to take this chance to thank everyone for taking the
time to share this magical day with us. Today wouldn't
have been as special as it is without you- our family
and friends being here to celebrate with us.

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves and that the
newspapers kept you entertained while we were having
our photos taken. Please remember to use the cameras
and can you please sign the guest book with any advice
on married life!

I would like to thank Mary-Frances and Rosie for doing
the readings. We have a small gift for you if you
would like to come and receive these.

I would also like to thank Larinda who played piano
for me walking down the aisle. Larinda taught me to
play piano many years ago and was a great inspiration
to me. I played piano at her wedding and felt it was
only fair that she returned the favour. Unfortunately
for her, I have never been a fan of easy music but she
done a wonderful job. I have a small gift here if
Larinda could come forward.

A big thank you goes to my bridesmaids, Nicola and
Caroline who were both a great help in the run up to
today and in keeping me calm throughout the day. I
have something for you if you would like to come and
collect this.

I'd like to thank Megan who looked stunning and was a
great help to the bridesmaids today. Megan, we have a
gift for you if you want to come up and collect this.

I'm sure you will agree that our other young
assistants, Callum and Fraser did a great job and
looked very smart in their kilts. Could Callum and
Fraser come forward.

I would like to thank Jane and Terry and my mum and
dad for contributing to today and helping us make it
as special as it is.

Jane and Terry have welcomed me into the family and
even put up with me staying with them at my most
stressed out time known as finals. Thank you for
raising Charlie so well for me. I understand that the
warranty is out of date now and the refund deadline
has long since passed. I might keep him for a while
though as he has so many qualities- charm, brains and
beauty are sadly the only ones missing.…

I would like to thank my mum and dad for all their
love, support and guidance throughout my life. I would
not be where I am today if it wasn't for your
encouragement. You have been wonderful examples to me
and shown me the love and commitment involved in a
marriage, which will hopefully stand me in good stead.
Thanks dad for giving me away- although you were
probably glad to get rid of me. Just remember, you
have not lost a daughter today, you have gained a son.

We have a small gift if my mum, Liz, and mother in
law, Jane, could both come and receive these now. If
you look after these the way you did us, they will
also grow and thrive.

Over the past few months, I've been gathering a few
opinions about marriage:
Some say that marriage begins when you sink into his
arms and ends up with your arms in his sink. Someone
told me that love is one long sweet dream, and
marriage is the alarm clock.

A lot of people seem to think there is a big
difference to your relationship once you are married.
Someone told me:
Before marriage a man will lay awake all night
thinking about something you said; after marriage
he'll fall asleep before you have finished saying it.
They say that when a man holds a woman's hand before
marriage, it is love; after marriage it is
self-defence.

Our opinion of marriage today is more positive than
this- I'll let you know if I still feel the same 20
years down the line.

I have not yet said anything about my best friend and
husband, Charlie.

Charles is the man who came to be my Guardian angel,
who has guided and protected me through the ups and
downs of life. When I think back to the night we got
together, I knew right then and there that this was
who I would spend my life with.

We are gradually moving closer together- it used to be
Scotland- Oxford, then Cambridge- Oxford and from
April it will be Cambridge- Nottingham. They say that
out of sight is out of mind. In our case, that is
definately not true. I know that our relationship is
strong enough to last through anything life throws at
us. Hopefully, in the near future, we will live in the
same part of the country.

Charlie has stuck by me through some difficult points.
Over the years we have both reached various crisis
points- in spite of popular belief, student life isn't
always easy. This has just brought us closer together
and has shown me that Charlie is my soul mate in life
and our love will only grow stronger each day.

Charles- you have given me strength and courage to
stand up for what I believe in and have given me more confidence in my ability by your encouragement and faith in me.

You have given me a treasure trove of beautiful
memories and given me a gift that is priceless, and
that is believing that love really does exist. My most treasured memory will always be today.

If it is true that
Guys are like stars – so many to pick from
but only one can make all your dreams come true!
Charlie is the one star who is able to make my dreams
come true.

I love you Charles for all that you have made of
yourself in this life, and for what I know we will
make together in our lives from this day on. I am so
proud to be your wife. The most beautiful wedding gift
I'll have today is knowing in my heart I have your
love forever……..…

I would like to take time now to remember those who
are unable to be with us today. Many of our family
were unable to travel to Edinburgh. Others will be
looking down on our wedding day- we especially
remember my gran McFarlane and grandpa Cook and
Charlie's grandpa whose birthday would have been
today.

I would therefore like to propose a toast..… (raise
glass) to absent friends..…