Speech by Bob Denham

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Bob Denham
Speech Date: 19/02/2015 23:38:53

I am truly blessed…….to be speaking to you today…..… I knew when I first held Ashley in my arms…..… all those years ago ……..that this day would come. ……..

Ashley arrived April 22, 1982,……… I blinked, and here I am ……speaking to you on her wedding day, …….soon to propose the toast to her and Mike. …..Where have all the years gone?

The few of you who know me will understand ………that I have always been a frugal person, …….so I must admit …..that it came as a bit of a shock …..when I realised that I was expected to give the bride away! ……..The thought did occur to me that she must be worth something!  

P a u s e

I'm a bit nervous speaking to you all today….… Not because it involves a speech, but because ……..after so many years of marriage, …….I have kind of lost the ability to speak for longer than 30 seconds ……without being interrupted. So please bear with me………….

Let me extend to you all, …..a VERY warm welcome to Mike and Ashley's wedding celebration. …..Family, relatives, in-laws and outlaws, ……friends, distinguished guests, those of dubious distinction – ………WELCOME.

I have been told that it is traditional at this point, ……….for me to share some stories about the bride, …..but don't worry Ashley, ……..I promise I won't embarrass you….… Instead, Mum and I are planning on going from table to table later ……to tell as many embarrassing stories as we can remember.

Everyone was so happy on that day in 1982; in the hospital, on Jenny's chart……..one of the nurses wrote “Mother is ecstatic”! ……….After having put her through the challenges of two boys ………..I could understand that feeling ……..and there was a long period when I couldn't do a thing wrong.

P  a  u  s  e         

One of the real pleasures Jenny and I have had over the years …….has been to watch the bond that has developed between our three children …………and how protective of Ashley her brothers became. ……..We are truly blessed with three really great children…..… who have made us very proud parents.

P  a  u  s  e 

Ashley, we all thank you for organising this special occasion……… In your typical incredibly organised fashion…… you have arranged a wonderful celebration.

P  a  u  s  e 

Ashley had some difficulty with the seating arrangements….…  so I offered to work something out. …..What we finally decided was to base seating on the wedding presents ………where you put those who bought the biggest gifts nearest the front ;;;;;; and work back from there. ……..So if you can hear me at the back over there …… Russell and Barbara ……..Mike would like to thank you for the oven glove……and he would like to know if he can have the other one for their first anniversary?

Ashley, today is the perfect occasion …….in front of family and friends …….for your Mum and I to say how much we love you…… and how very proud we are of you.

P  a  u  s  e  

It is also customary …….to spend a few minutes to tell you about the qualities of our new son in law.

Mike. ……I have your three pages of notes here …….but Mike – I'm sorry… I couldn't read your writing…

All kidding aside…… we are very happy to welcome you into our little family …….and look forward to getting to know you better.

I love being married….… It's so great to find that one special person ……..that you can annoy for the rest of your life.                

I say as many men as possible should get married……..  if you get a good wife you will become happy …..… If you get a bad one you will become a philosopher.

I can tell you …..that even after 48 years, I'm no expert on marriage ……but I would like to share one serious bit of advice with both of you….… If you've fallen out..… never go to sleep angry………Be like Jenny and I ……stay up all night and fight.

Marriage will teach you many things…..… loyalty…self restraint…honesty

P  a  u  s  e      

…I am still in daily training on these matters …… however….… I can confirm that there is no challenge in a marriage …..that can't be overcome by one or more of the following ……: I was wrong ………  You were right Yes Dear…….  and I love you

P  a  u  s  e , facing the bride and groom

Here's to the past, for all that you've learned.

Here's to the present, for all that you share.

Here's to the future, for all your plans together.

Please raise your glass and join me in a toast to Mike and Ashley.